Laboratory Coordinates Research Articles

Investigating the Learning Goals and Expectations of Laboratory Coordinators, Graduate Teaching Assistants, and Students in General and Organic Chemistry Laboratory Courses

Investigating the Learning Goals and Expectations of Laboratory Coordinators, Graduate Teaching Assistants, and Students in General and Organic Chemistry Laboratory Courses

The Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network Supports High-Quality Surveillance.

With 762 laboratories, the Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network (GMRLN) is the largest laboratory network coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO). Like the Global Polio Laboratory Network, the GMRLN has multiple tiers, including global specialized laboratories, regional reference laboratories, national laboratories, and, in some countries, subnational laboratories. Regional networks are supervised by regional laboratory coordinators reporting to a global coordinator at WHO headquarters. Laboratories in the GMRLN have strong links to national disease control and vaccination programs. The GMRLN's goal is to support member states in obtaining timely, complete, and reliable laboratory-based surveillance data for measles and rubella as part of the strategy for achieving measles and rubella elimination. Surveillance data are reported to the national program and are included in annual reports on the status of measles and rubella elimination to national verification committees for review by regional verification commissions. Quality within the GMRLN is ensured by monitoring performance through external quality assurance programs, confirmatory and quality control testing, accreditation, and coordination of corrective action and training where needed. The overall performance of the laboratories has remained high over the years despite many challenges, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic. The GMRLN is well-positioned to support high-quality laboratory-based surveillance for measles and rubella and to transition to supporting laboratory testing for other pathogens, including vaccine-preventable diseases.

Beyond diagnostic connectivity: Leveraging digital health technology for the real-time collection and provision of high-quality actionable data on infectious diseases in Uganda.

Automated data transmission from diagnostic instrument networks to a central database at the Ministries of Health has the potential of providing real-time quality data not only on diagnostic instrument performance, but also continuous disease surveillance and patient care. We aimed at sharing how a locally developed novel diagnostic connectivity solution channels actionable data from diagnostic instruments to the national dashboards for disease control in Uganda between May 2022 and May 2023. The diagnostic connectivity solution was successfully configured on a selected network of multiplexing diagnostic instruments at 260 sites in Uganda, providing a layered access of data. Of these, 909,674 test results were automatically collected from 269 "GeneXpert" machines, 5597 test results from 28 "Truenat" and >12,000 were from 3 digital x-ray devices to different stakeholder levels to ensure optimal use of data for their intended purpose. The government and relevant stakeholders are empowered with usable and actionable data from the diagnostic instruments. The successful implementation of the diagnostic connectivity solution depended on some key operational strategies namely; sustained internet connectivity and short message services, stakeholder engagement, a strong in-country laboratory coordination network, human resource capacity building, establishing a network for the diagnostic instruments, and integration with existing health data collection tools. Poor bandwidth at some locations was a major hindrance for the successful implementation of the connectivity solution. Maintaining stakeholder engagement at the clinical level is key for sustaining diagnostic data connectivity. The locally developed diagnostic connectivity solution as a digital health technology offers the chance to collect high-quality data on a number of parameters for disease control, including error analysis, thereby strengthening the quality of data from the networked diagnostic sites to relevant stakeholders.

Report on the 4th Board Meeting of the International Human Phenome Consortium.

Phenome has become a consensus as the next innovation source of biomedicine. As the global network dedicated to large-scale research efforts on human phenome and promoting the Human Phenome Project, the Board of International Human Phenome Consortium (IHPC) plays an essential role to guide the strategy and implementation of international human phenome project and to ensure coordination across the IHPC members. The 4th International Human Phenome Consortium Board Meeting was held virtually on December 13, 2022. During the meeting, the keynote speeches highlighted the latest advancements in phenomics. The construction and discoveries of the first human phenome Atlas had shown promising potential in limb development, disease prevention, and early diagnosis. Combining genome-phenome sequencing, analysis, and wellness coaching enhanced individual wellness. Phenomics trajectories from healthy to diseased states and recovery provided insight into the metabolic risk spaces associated with COVID-19. Board members from Ghana, Malaysia, India, and Russia presented their own plans and research progress. The IHPC Board deliberated on the "Framework Guidelines for Human Phenome-related Measurements" and "Proposal of the PhenoBank Initiative". The meeting also featured a presentation of the annual report of the IHPC Journal Phenomics. Laboratory coordination, interoperable databases, and standardized platforms were productively discussed, which would enable concerted research efforts of the Human Phenome Project.

Absolute calibration method of electron cyclotron emission imaging system on EAST tokamak

<sec>Electron cyclotron emission imaging (ECEI) system can provide the poloidal two-dimensional (2D) relative electron temperature perturbation profile of the core plasma with high spatial and temporal resolution. After absolute calibration of ECEI system, 2D absolute electron temperature profile and its perturbation can be provided. It can provide experimental data support for studying the local heat transport and the evolution of magnetic surface of macro magneto-hydro-dynamics instability. However, due to a large number of measurement channels and the wide measuring area of ECEI diagnostic system, the absolute calibration method in which a blackbody radiation source is used as a standard source, still has technical difficulties.</sec><sec>This paper provides an absolute calibration method of ECEI diagnostic system on EAST tokamak, which can cover all the channels of ECEI system. Firstly, the sawtooth inversion surface can be determined by measuring the relative electron temperature change before and after the collapse of the sawtooth. The magnetic surface position and the shape (<inline-formula><tex-math id="M1">\begin{document}${S_{{\text{inv}}}}$\end{document}</tex-math><alternatives><graphic specific-use="online" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="13-20240497_M1.jpg"/><graphic specific-use="print" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="13-20240497_M1.png"/></alternatives></inline-formula>) of the ECEI measuring area are fitted based on the position and shape of the inversion surface. Then, the one-to-one mapping relationship between laboratory coordinates of each ECEI channel and magnetic surface is obtained. Secondly, according to the assumption that the electron temperature is the same on each magnetic surface in equilibrium, the electron temperature of each magnetic surface is fitted by the electron cyclotron emission (ECE) system result, while the ECE system is absolutely calibrated. The calibration coefficient <i>k</i>(<i>i</i>, <i>j</i>) of each ECEI channel is obtained by comparing with the signal amplitude and the electron temperature on the magnetic surface. The relative error of absolute electron temperature between ECEI and ECE is no more than 6% at the same location.</sec><sec>Based on the absolute electron temperature profile provided by ECEI, the motion of the magnetic axis during sawtooth instability can be tracked. It is found that the radial displacement of the magnetic axis occurs followed by the poloidal displacement during sawtooth collapse. This result indicates that after absolute calibration, the ECEI system can provide more abundant information about experimental research.</sec>

Efektifitas Pengelolaan Pemanfaatan Laboratorium Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam (IPA) di Sekolah Menengah Pertama (SMP) Negeri 2 Dabo Singkep

This study aims to evaluate the management of the Science Laboratory at SMP N 2 Dabo Singkep, Kepulauan Riau. The method used in this research is descriptive method. The subjects of this study consist of the laboratory coordinator, as well as Physics and Biology teachers. Data collection was conducted through interviews, observations, and documentation. Data analysis was performed using evaluation techniques. The results of this study indicate that the management of the utilization of the Science Laboratory, in general, is well-executed. The available facilities have met the standards and are able to support the effectiveness of the science laboratory. The completeness of equipment in the Science Laboratory and other supporting facilities is available and well-managed. However, the interview results show the need for improvement in the scheduling system for laboratory usage. Frequent schedule conflicts need to be addressed. Furthermore, it was found that teachers conducting laboratory practices come from only one field of study. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the management of the Science Laboratory has been effectively carried out, but there are some aspects that require further attention in order to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the laboratory's utilization.

Access to the World Health Organization-recommended essential diagnostics for invasive fungal infections in critical care and cancer patients in Africa: A diagnostic survey

BackgroundInvasive fungal infections (IFIs) contribute to significant morbidity and mortality among patients with haemato-oncological conditions, seriously ill hospitalised patients and those in intensive care (ICU). We surveyed for the World Health Organization-recommended essential diagnostic tests for IFIs in these risk groups in Africa. MethodsThe Global Action For Fungal Infections (GAFFI) evaluated the different levels of access to both diagnostics for IFIs for populations in Africa, with the aim of building a comparative dataset and a publicly available interactive map. Data was collected through a validated questionnaire administered to a country leader in relevant topics (i.e., HIV, laboratory coordination) and/or Ministry of Health representatives and followed up with 2 rounds of validation by video calls, and later confirmation by email of findings. ResultsInitial data was collected from 48 African countries covering 99.65 % of the population. Conventional diagnostics such as blood cultures, direct microscopy and histopathology were often used for diagnosis of IFIs in more than half of the facilities. Bronchoscopy was rarely done or not done in 20 countries (population 649 million). In over 40 African countries (population >850 million), Aspergillus antigen testing was never performed in either the public or private sectors. Computed tomography (CT) imaging is routinely used in 27 (56 %) of countries in the public sector and 21 44 %) in the private sector. However, magnetic resonance imaging remains relatively uncommon in most African countries. ConclusionsThere are critical gaps in the availability of essential diagnostics for IFIs in Africa, particularly Aspergillus antigen testing and modern medical imaging modalities. Early diagnosis and commencement of targeted therapy of IFIs are critical for optimal outcomes from complex cancer therapies.

Beyond the ABCDs: A better matrix method for geometric optics by using homogeneous coordinates

Geometric optics is often described as tracing the paths of non-diffracting rays through an optical system. In the paraxial limit, ray traces can be calculated using ray transfer matrices (colloquially, ABCD matrices), which are 2 × 2 matrices acting on the height and slope of the rays. A known limitation of ray transfer matrices is that they only work for optical elements that are centered and normal to the optical axis. In this article, we provide an improved 3 × 3 matrix method for calculating paraxial ray traces of optical systems that is applicable to how these systems are actually arranged on the optical table: lenses and mirrors in any orientation or position (e.g., in laboratory coordinates), with the optical path zig-zagging along the table. Using projective duality, we also show how to directly image points through an optical system using a point transfer matrix calculated from the system's ray transfer matrix. We demonstrate the usefulness of these methods with several examples and discuss future directions to expand the applications of this technique.

Preparation of afterglow and photochromic fibrous mats from polypropylene plastics to detect ultraviolet light.

Polypropylene textiles have been used in the development of various industrial products, such as automotives, plastic furniture, and medical tools. However, polypropylene resists dyeing due to a deficiency of active staining spots. Here, we developed a new strategy towards new afterglow and photochromic fibres from recycled polypropylene plastics using plasma-supported coloration with rare-earth activated aluminate nanoparticles (REANPs). Plasma curing was used to generate active dyeing sites on the polypropylene surface. A thin film of REANPs (2-10nm) was deposited onto the plasma-pretreated polypropylene surface. Various analytical techniques were applied to inspect the morphology of the REANP-finished polypropylene fibres. The polypropylene dyeing activity was much improved after being exposed to plasma. Both photoluminescence analysis and Commission internationale de l'éclairage (CIE) laboratory coordinates proved that the polypropylene fibres exhibited a white colour in daylight and green in ultraviolet light. The thin afterglow layer immobilized onto the polypropylene surface exhibited an emission band of 524 nm upon excitation at 365 nm. The sliding angles dropped from 12° to 9°, but the contacting angles increased from 139.4° to 145.0° when the REANP ratio was raised. These findings show that REANP-finished polypropylene had good colourfastness, antimicrobial activity, and ultraviolet light blocking. Both stiffness and permeability to air of REANP-finished polypropylene were explored to designate excellent comfort characteristics.

Global antimicrobial resistance: a system-wide comprehensive investigation using the Global One Health Index

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top ten global public health challenges. However, given the lack of a comprehensive assessment of worldwide AMR status, our objective is to develop a One Health-based system-wide evaluation tool on global AMR.MethodsWe have further developed the three-hierarchical Global One Health Index (GOHI)-AMR indicator scheme, which consists of five key indicators, 17 indicators, and 49 sub-indicators, by incorporating 146 countries’ data from diverse authoritative databases, including WHO's Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) and the European CDC. We investigated the overall- or sub-rankings of GOHI-AMR at the international/regional/national levels for data preprocessing and score calculation utilizing the existing GOHI methodology. Additionally, a correlation analysis was conducted between the GOHI-AMR and other socioeconomic factors.ResultsThe average GOHI-AMR score for 146 countries is 38.45. As expected, high-income countries (HICs) outperform the other three income groups on overall rankings and all five key indicators of GOHI-AMR, whereas low-income countries unexpectedly outperform upper-middle-income countries and lower-middle-income countries on the antibiotics-resistant key indicator (ARR) and ARR-subordinate indicators, including carbapenem-, β-lactam-, and quinolone resistance, and even HICs on aminoglycoside resistance. There were no significant differences among the four groups on the environmental-monitoring indicator (P > 0.05). GOHI-AMR was positively correlated with gross domestic product, life expectancy, and AMR-related publications, but negatively with natural growth rate and chronic respiratory disease. In contrast to Cyprus, the remarkably lower prevalence of "ESKAPE pathogens" in high-scoring Sweden and Denmark highlights Europe's huge gaps. China and Russia outperformed the other three BRICS countries on all key indicators, particularly India's ARR and Brazil's AMR laboratory network and coordination capacity. Furthermore, significant internal disparities in carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) prevalence were observed between China and the USA, with MRSA prevalence both gradually declining, whereas CRKP prevalence has been declining in the USA but increasing in China, consistent with higher carbapenems-related indicator’ performance in USA.ConclusionsGOHI-AMR is the most comprehensive tool currently available for the assessment of AMR status worldwide. We discovered unique features impacting AMR in each country and offered precise recommendations to improve the capacity to tackle AMR in low-ranking countries.Graphical

Radial coordinate maps, radial vectors, and binormal vectors for 5/6, 5/5 and 5/4 edge island domains in W7-X

The edge island domain in Wendelstein 7-X consists of divertor islands whose position coincide with the location of rational values of the rotational transform and surround the main confinement volume (the ‘main plasma’), providing the magnetic topology for an island divertor. The 5/5 edge consists of five individual islands that are unconnected. In contrast, a single island connects onto itself after 6 or 4 toroidal transits in the 5/6 or 5/4 edge, respectively. Many interesting phenomena are related to these islands and diagnostic analyses require a mapping from ‘laboratory’ or real space coordinates to the island coordinate system (ICS). A procedure is described here to calculate several scalar and vector quantities for closed island structures which can be utilized in fast interpolation schemes for inverse maps. For the 5/5 edge, a fixed-boundary vacuum (zero beta) magneto-hydrodynamic solution of the 5/5 island is found with the Variational Moments Equilibrium Code, VMEC. The solution is compatible with already existing routines which determine the radial and binormal vectors of VMEC solutions at arbitrary laboratory coordinates. VMEC does not support solutions for the 5/4 and 5/6 islands, but the radial and binormal vectors are available in a local 2D Fourier ICS.

Stationary structures of spin-orbit coupled polariton condensates in Bessel lattices

<sec>Bessel optical lattice yields a non-spatially periodic column-symmetric optical lattice potential field, which has the characteristics of both infinite deep potential well and the ring-shaped potential well. A deep potential is formed in the center of the 0-order Bessel optical lattice. In the non-zero-order Beseel optical lattice, a ring-shaped shallow potential well with a central barrier can be formed. Exciton-polariton is a semi-light and semi-matter quasi-particle, which can achieve the Bose-Einstein condensate phase transition even at room temperature to form a polariton condensate. In addition, the polariton condensate is likely to realize sufficiently strong spin-orbit coupling due to the cavity-induced TE-TM splitting of the polariton energy levels. The polariton condensate can be realized at room temperature, and there can be spin-orbit coupling in it, which provides a new platform for the studying of quantum physics. </sec><sec>In this paper, the Bessel optical lattice is introduced into a polariton condensate. The stationary state structure of spinor two-component polariton condensate with spin-orbit coupling is investigated. By solving the Gross-Pitaevskii equation, we first give a stationary state structures of the polariton condensate both in the laboratory coordinate frame and in the rotating coordinate frame. Owing to the introduction of the Bessel optical lattice, the stationary state structures of polariton condensate are diverse. We dispaly the stationary state structures of the basic Gaussian solitons and multipole solitons in the central deep potential well in the laboratory coordinate frame, and the ring solitons and multipole solitons in the central shallow potential well. We also dispaly the vortex ring soliton that exists in the rotating coordinate frame, and the stationary state structure of the component separation caused by the spin-orbit interaction. We analyze not only the influences of the spin-orbit coupling on the stationary state structures in the two coordinate frames, but also the stability of the multipole solitons in the rotating coordinate frame. It is found that the multipole solitons formed in the ring-shaped shallow potential well have better stability than in the central deep potential well, and they can maintain the relative structure and spatial distribution for a long time in the rotation process. In the rotating coordinate frame, even if the two-component separation conditions are not satisfied, the introduction of spin-orbit coupling can cause the two components to separate.</sec>

A Concurrent Testing Facility Approach to Validate Small Satellite Combined Operations

Federated remote laboratories allow for the execution of experiments ex situ. The coordination of several laboratories can be used to perform concurrent experiments of combined space operations. However, the latency of the communications between facilities is critical to performing adequate real-time experiments. This paper presents an approach for conducting coordinated experiments between floating platforms at two remote laboratories. Two independently designed platforms, one at Luleå University of Technology and the other at La Sapienza University of Rome, were established for this purpose. A synchronization method based on the Simple Network Time Protocol was created, allowing the offset and delay between the agents to be measured.Both platforms exchange data about their measured time and pose through a UDP/IP protocol over the internet. This approach was validated with the execution of simulated operations. A first demonstrative experiment was also performed showing the possibility to realize leader/follower coordinated operations. The results of the simulations and experiments showed communication delays on the order of tens of milliseconds with no significant impact on the control performance. Consequently, the suggested protocol was proven to be adequate for conducting coordinated experiments in real time between remote laboratories.

Point-of-care viral load testing among adolescents and young adults living with HIV in Haiti: a randomized control trial

ABSTRACT HIV viral load (VL) monitoring can reinforce antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. Standard VL testing requires high laboratory capacity and coordination between clinic and laboratory which can delay results. A randomized trial comparing point-of-care (POC) VL testing to standard VL testing among 150 adolescents and young adults, ages 10-24 years, living with HIV in Haiti determined if POC VL testing could return faster results and improve ART adherence and viral suppression. Participants received a POC VL test with same-day result (POC arm) or a standard VL test with result given 1 month later (SOC arm). POC arm participants were more likely to receive a test result within 6 weeks than SOC arm participants (94.7% vs. 80.1%; p1000 copies/ml and low self-reported ART adherence was stronger in the POC arm (OR: 6.57; 95%CI: 2.12-25.21) than the SOC arm (OR: 2.62; 95%CI: 0.97-7.44) suggesting more accurate self-report in the POC arm. POC VL testing was effectively implemented in this low-resource setting with faster results and is a pragmatic intervention that may enable clinicians to identify those with high VL to provide enhanced counseling or regimen changes sooner. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03288246.

Light refraction from a uniaxial crystal with arbitrary optic axis orientation using matrix representation

We have studied theoretically the refraction of a light beam in a uniaxial crystal plate by observing the electric field vector components, for an arbitrary orientation of optic axis with respect to plane of incidence and plane of interface. The electric field components for ordinary and extraordinary light beams are studied with varying the angle of optic axis with respect to plane of incidence and crystal surface and also with angle of incidence, in order to find the optimized position of optic axis orientation for various application prospects. We have used the matrix formulation to transform and simplify the electric field components from principal coordinate of crystal to the laboratory coordinate frame of crystal plate. It was observed that when optic axis is in the plane of incidence and optic axis is in the surface of crystal plate, ordinary and extraordinary beams have nonzero x and y components. While in other cases when optic axis is perpendicular to the plane of incidence and perpendicular to the surface of crystal plate, ordinary beam and extraordinary beams have only y and x components, respectively.

Expanding molecular diagnostic capacity for COVID-19 in Ethiopia: operational implications, challenges and lessons learnt.

Efforts towards slowing down coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission and reducing mortality have focused on timely case detection, isolation and treatment. Availability of laboratory COVID-19 testing capacity using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was essential for case detection. Hence, it was critical to establish and expand this capacity to test for COVID-19 in Ethiopia. To this end, using a three-phrased approach, potential public and private laboratories with RT-PCR technology were assessed, capacitated with trained human resource and equipped as required. These laboratories were verified to conduct COVID-19 testing with quality assurance checks regularly conducted. Within a 10-month period, COVID-19 testing laboratories increased from zero to 65 in all Regional States with the capacity to conduct 18,454 tests per day. The success of this rapid countrywide expansion of laboratory testing capacity for COVID-19 depended on some key operational implications: the strong laboratory coordination network within the country, the use of non-virologic laboratories, investment in capacity building, digitalization of the data for better information management and establishing quality assurance checks. A weak supply chain for laboratory reagents and consumables, differences in the brands of COVID-19 test kits, frequent breakdowns of the PCR machines and inadequate number of laboratory personnel following the adaption of a 24/7 work schedule were some of the challenges experienced during the process of laboratory expansion. Overall, we learn that multisectoral involvement of laboratories from non-health sectors, an effective supply chain system with an insight into the promotion of local production of laboratory supplies were critical during the laboratory expansion for COVID-19 testing. The consistent support from WHO and other implementing partners to Member States is needed in building the capacity of laboratories across different diagnostic capabilities in line with International Health Regulations. This will enable efficient adaptation to respond to future public health emergencies.

The Landscape of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Newborn Screening in the United States in 2020: A Review of Screening Methodologies and Targets, Communication Pathways, and Long-Term Follow-Up Practices.

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is T cell development disorders in the immune system and can be detected at birth. As of December 2018, all 53 newborn screening (NBS) programs within the United States and associated territories offer universal screening for SCID. The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL), along with the Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF), surveyed public health NBS system laboratory and follow-up coordinators regarding their NBS program’s screening methodologies and targets, protocols for stakeholder notifications, and long-term follow-up practices. This report explores the variation that exists across NBS practices, revealing needs for efficiencies and educational resources across the NBS system to ensure the best outcomes for newborns.

Pengelolaan Laboratorium IPA SMP Negeri 2 Muara Rupit Kabupaten Musi Rawas Utara Tahun 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengelolaan laboratorium IPA di SMP Negeri 2 Muara Rupit Tahun 2020, meliputi: (1) perencanaan laboratorium IPA; (2) pengaturan penggunaan laboratorium IPA; (3) evaluasi dan pengawasan pengunaan laboratorium IPA. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi. Data dianalisis dengan menggunakan model dari Miles dan Huberman dengan tahapan pengumpulan data, reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: (1) Perencanan laboratorium IPA mencakup pengadaan alat/bahan laboratorium IPA dilakukan oleh koordinator laboratorium IPA dan guru IPA melalui analisis kebutuhan berdasarkan skala prioritas disesuaikan dengan dana yang ada. Rencana penggunaan laboratorium IPA dalam pembelajaran IPA kurang terperinci sampai dengan jadwal harian, tetapi hanya ada jadwal bulanan. (2) Pengaturan penggunaan laboratorium IPA mencakup: (a) tata tertib penggunaan laboratorium IPA, (b) persiapan alat/bahan IPA, (c) penyimpanan alat/bahan IPA, (d) pemeliharaan/perawatan laboratorium IPA dilakukan oleh koordinator laboratorium IPA yang dituangkan secara tertulis dalam tata tertib penggunaan laboratorium. (3) Pengawasan yang dilaksanakan kepala sekolah masih terbatas untuk mengetahui pelaksanaan kegiatan belajar mengajar di laboratorium, belum mengarah pada proses pengelolaan laboratorium IPA. Sedangkan untuk evaluasi pengelolaan laboratorium IPA yang dilakukan oleh koordinator laboratorium IPA hanya sebatas untuk mengevaluasi kelayakan alat dan ketersediaan bahan IPA yang hasilnya digunakan sebagai acuan dalam pengadaan alat pada tahun berikutnya.

Detection of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) by real-time RT-PCR.

BackgroundThe ongoing outbreak of the recently emerged novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) poses a challenge for public health laboratories as virus isolates are unavailable while there is growing evidence that the outbreak is more widespread than initially thought, and international spread through travellers does already occur.AimWe aimed to develop and deploy robust diagnostic methodology for use in public health laboratory settings without having virus material available.MethodsHere we present a validated diagnostic workflow for 2019-nCoV, its design relying on close genetic relatedness of 2019-nCoV with SARS coronavirus, making use of synthetic nucleic acid technology.ResultsThe workflow reliably detects 2019-nCoV, and further discriminates 2019-nCoV from SARS-CoV. Through coordination between academic and public laboratories, we confirmed assay exclusivity based on 297 original clinical specimens containing a full spectrum of human respiratory viruses. Control material is made available through European Virus Archive – Global (EVAg), a European Union infrastructure project.ConclusionThe present study demonstrates the enormous response capacity achieved through coordination of academic and public laboratories in national and European research networks.

Thermal radiation measurements of downward spreading flames

Radiative emission from a flame is an important component of the heat transfer balance between flame and surroundings. When the residence time of the oxidizer increases radiation plays an important role, and a practical example is given by microgravity flames where the lack of buoyancy creates larger time scales of the problem. With a strong opposed-flow, however, radiation could become a secondary effect. This study presents experimental measurements of thermal radiation from downward spreading flames over thin sheets of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) in a normal gravity environment and no forced flow. Radiation data from these downward spreading flames can serve as a baseline for future microgravity experiments. The presented experiments are performed in an apparatus called Flame Stabilizer where a spreading flame is turned stationary in laboratory coordinates by moving the sample upwards at the same velocity as the downward spreading flame. A radiometer, capable of line of sight measurement, is mounted on a x-y-z position controller and used to map the radiation emitted by the flame and the burning solid perpendicular to the fuel surface. After establishing repeatability and consistency of the results, a family of radiation profile curves is generated to map the radiation field. The experiments are then repeated by varying fuel thickness; larger fuel thicknesses are found to generate stronger radiation signals as the flame size becomes bigger. Furthermore, the radiative response to the presence of char in a flame is illustrated by comparing the PMMA results with a cellulosic fuel. With the unburnt solid in the flame region, radiative emissions significantly increase.