Laboratory Situations Research Articles

Prototyping of vibration-sensing-actuation device which is contained high-power electrodynamic speaker for diagnosis of actual water main network

Water leakage and bursting due to deterioration of water distribution mains lead to water outages and economic losses. To prevent the accidents, we are conducting research to develop measurements and diagnostic methods for buried water mains. In this study, we focused on the shift in eigenfrequencies of in-plane bending vibration of rings because of deterioration. Therefore, we are developing the vibration-sensing-actuation device which detects the frequency changes of in-plane bending mode. The water distribution network is mainly composed from cast iron pipe. Moreover, the attached facilities for example fire hydrant and water valve are contained. Since attached facilities are fabricated from cast iron component, actual water main network is heavy facilities which have high rigidity. In order to excite the desired in-plane bending mode in heavy components, the proposed sensing-actuation device requires the high-power actuator. In this study, we introduce the high-power electromagnetic actuator more than 100W output into the proposed device. Furthermore, the fundamental operational tests were conducted under the various input signals in the laboratory situations. In addition, the field operation confirmation was performed in an actual water main network.

Exploration on Opening Model of Teaching laboratory under the Background of “Double First-class” Construction——Taking the Biochemistry Laboratory of Guizhou University as an Example

In the context of the construction of "double first-class" university, facing many problems existing in the biochemical laboratory of our university, it is necessary to increase the opening degree of laboratory in order to play an important role in cultivating innovative talents. According to the current teaching situation of biochemical laboratories, the author put forward the laboratory opening mode based on "basic-improvement" dual-level personnel training and discipline competition. At the same time, in order to ensure the smooth development of laboratory opening, the incentive mechanism of laboratory teachers has been proposed.

Influence of Intraoperative Active and Passive Breaks in Simulated Minimally Invasive Procedures on Surgeons' Perceived Discomfort, Performance, and Workload.

Laparoscopic surgeons are at high risk of experiencing musculoskeletal discomfort, which is considered the result of long-lasting static and awkward body postures. We primarily aimed to evaluate whether passive and active work breaks can reduce ratings of perceived discomfort among laparoscopic surgeons compared with no work breaks. We secondarily aimed to examine potential differences in performance and workload across work break conditions and requested the surgeons evaluate working with passive or active work breaks. Following a balanced, randomized cross-over design, laparoscopic surgeons performed three 90 min laparoscopic simulations without and with 2.5 min passive or active work breaks after 30 min work blocks on separate days. The simulation included the following tasks: a hot wire, peg transfer, pick-and-place, pick-and-tighten, pick-and-thread, and pull-and-stick tasks. Ratings of perceived discomfort (CR10 Borg Scale), performance per subtask, and perceived workload (NASA-TLX) were recorded, and the break interventions were evaluated (self-developed questionnaire). Statistical analyses were performed on the rating of perceived discomfort and a selection of the performance outcomes. Twenty-one participants (9F) were included, with a mean age of 36.6 years (SD 9.7) and an average experience in laparoscopies of 8.5 years (SD 5.6). Ratings of perceived musculoskeletal discomfort slightly increased over time from a mean level of 0.1 to 0.9 but did not statistically significantly differ between conditions (p = 0.439). Performance outcomes of the hot wire and peg transfer tasks did not statistically significantly differ between conditions. The overall evaluation by the participants was slightly in favor regarding the duration and content of active breaks and showed a 65% likelihood of implementing them on their own initiative in ≥90 min-lasting laparoscopic surgeries, compared with passive breaks. Both passive and active breaks did not statistically significantly influence ratings of perceived discomfort or perceived workload in a 90 min simulation of laparoscopic surgery, with an overall low mean level of perceived discomfort of 0.9 (SD 1.4). As work breaks do not lead to performance losses, rest breaks should be tested in real-life situations across a complete working shift, where perceived discomfort may differ from this laboratory situation. However, in this respect, it is crucial to investigate the acceptance and practicality of intraoperative work breaks in feasibility studies in advance of assessing their effectiveness in follow-up longitudinal trials.

Educational Research on the Use of Virtual Reality Combined with a Practice Teaching Style in Physical Education: A Qualitative Study from the Perspective of Researchers

(1) Background: the scientific literature has shown that students’ active involvement in the teaching–learning process significantly improves their learning outcomes. (2) Methods: this study shows the perceptions of seven researchers on the process of inquiring about the effects of the combined use of virtual reality (VR) and a practice teaching style in physical education in secondary educational institutions. (3) Results: the results obtained from the researchers’ diaries and the focus group, through qualitative design, are arranged in the following categories: difficulties in data collection before, during, and after the intervention; perceived differences between VR interventions in laboratory situations and educational contexts; and the perceived transferability of the use of VR devices in the educational context. (4) Conclusions: more research is needed on the use of VR in the educational context, although the results obtained indicate that the teaching–learning process can be enriched by overcoming the difficulties inherent to the use of this technology in a variable context such as education.

ИННОВАЦИОННЫЕ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ ПРАКТИЧЕСКОЙ СРЕДЫ ОБУЧЕНИЯ ДЛЯ РАЗВИТИЯ ТАЛАНТОВ В ОБЛАСТИ СЕТЕВЫХ ПРИЛОЖЕНИЙ

In order to develop talents in the field of network applications and improve practical and innovative abilities, this article analyzes and examines the current situation in network engineering laboratories and existing problems in the practical learning environment, as well as combines the professional situation and the requirements of network practice courses. A laboratory integration plan is also being considered, measures for updating and expanding, as well as adding ADSL central office equipment to implement PPPOE certification services, configuring IP to provide dial-up Internet access, adapting to Internet access settings in remote areas, expanding pilot projects and improving the use of laboratories.

Effects of Fatigue Induced by the Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test on the Performance in Execution Time and Decision-Making in Technical-Tactical Actions in Soccer (Passing and Driving) in a Laboratory Situation

Study purpose. The running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST) has been developed to assess anaerobic power and fatigue levels using a repeated sprint protocol. The aim of this research was to study the effect of fatigue induced by RAST on performance in execution time (ET) and decision-making (DMA) in technical-tactical actions in soccer in a laboratory situation. Materials and methods. Quasi-experimental, longitudinal, pretest-posttest comparative study. Two groups of soccer players (n = 34) divided into a control group (n = 18) and an experimental group (n = 16) were evaluated twice at two different times. Results. Taking into account the p-value, effect size and statistical power, there are differences before and after RAST in the variables Total Index (TI) and ET, and not in DMA. On the other hand, the control group remained stable at both times. Conclusions. After the intervention, the experimental group showed a decrease in the figures of the ET and TI variables, but not in the DMA variable, in other words, the decisional time and motor time, components of the ET variable and essential at the time of rapid decision-making, increased in the posttest.

Recent Advances in the Management of Microangiopathic Hemolytic Anemias (MAHA): A Narrative Review.

Red blood cells (RBCs) start to break down early in hemolytic anemia, which can be chronic or life-threatening. It should be considered while determining if normocytic or macrocytic anemia is present. Hemolysis in the reticuloendothelial system may happen intravascularly, extravascularly, or both. It accounts for a broad spectrum of laboratory and clinical situations, both physiological and pathological. Whenever the frequency of RBCbreakdown is rapid enough to lower hemoglobin levels below the normal range, hemolytic anemia occurs. Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA) is a term used to describe non-immune hemolysis induced by intravascular RBC fragmentation caused by substances in the tiny blood arteries that generate schistocytes in the peripheral circulation. Microvasculature abnormalities, such as small arterioles and capillaries, are usually involved. Furthermore, MAHA can also be brought on by intravascular devices like a prosthetic heart valve or assistive technologies. Poor deformity results in entrapment, phagocytosis, antibody-mediated elimination through phagocytosis or direct complement activation, fragmentation brought about by microthrombi or acute mechanical stress, oxidation, or spontaneous cellular death. Hemolysis may cause acute anemia, jaundice, hematuria, dyspnea, tiredness, tachycardia, and possibly hypotension. This article aimsto synthesize existing research, identify therapeutic strategies, and provide insights into current and emerging approaches for managing this complex hematological disorder.

Influence of the Human Field of View on Visual and Non-Visual Quantities in Indoor Environments.

The visual and non-visual effectiveness of light is often determined by measuring the spectrally weighed irradiance on the corneal plane. This is typically achieved using spectral irradiance or illuminance measurements, captured in a hemispheric (2π) geometry with a diffuser. However, the human binocular field of view (FOV) is not a perfect hemisphere, as it is occluded both upward and downward. Previous research on FOV-restricted measurements is limited, leaving the error from using hemispheric measurements for non-visual quantities undefined. In our study, we tackled this issue by designing and 3D printing FOV occlusions as attachments to spectral measurement devices. We took measurements with and without the occlusion in various laboratory (light from different directions) and real-world lighting situations (light typically from above). Our findings reveal a reduction of visual and melanopic values due to the FOV occlusion. These ranged from negligible to more than 60% in realistic scenarios. Interestingly, the reduction was consistent for both visual and melanopic parameters, as the distribution of light in the FOV was generally spectrally homogeneous. An exception occurred in a specific artificial laboratory situation, where the melanopic daylight (D65) efficacy ratio changed by more than a factor of 2 solely because of the FOV occlusion. Additionally, we observed that head orientation had a marked effect on all quantities measured. In conclusion, our results highlight the potential for substantial errors when solely relying on vertical, hemispheric measurements in experiments and non-visual lighting design projects. We encourage the (additional) use of FOV occlusion in eye-level measurements for typical viewing directions, and we are providing open-source 3D-print files to facilitate this practice.

ICS-SUFU standard: Theory, terms, and recommendations for pressure-flow studies performance, analysis, and reporting, Part 1: Background theory and practice

Aims:The working group (WG) initiated by the International Continence Society Standardization Steering Committee and supported by the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction has revised the (1997) ICS Standard for pressure flow studies. Methods:Based on the ICS standard for developing evidence-based standards, the WG developed this new ICS standard in the period from May 2020 to December 2022. A draft was posted on the ICS website in January 2023 to facilitate public discussion and the comments received have been incorporated into this final release. Results:The WG summarizes the theory and recommends the practice and the terms used for the diagnosis of voiding dysfunction for adult female and male patients without relevant neurological abnormalities, in part 1 of this standard. The WG has also recommended standard principles and parameters for objective and continuous grading of urethral resistance and detrusor voiding contraction on the basis of pressure flow studies in part 2. The recommendations for practice in this part have also the aim to increase the understanding of the physiology as well as the psychology of voiding. The potential effects of the laboratory situation of the test on the voiding as well as the role of the urodynamicist in this regard are discussed. The WG has recommended to use for diagnosis only the voidings that are considered representative by the patient. Conclusion:A pressure flow study is the gold standard to assess voiding function and to quantify dysfunction. This part of the standard explains the clinical background, gives recommendations for the execution of a pressure flow study and lists relevant terms, parameters, and units of measurements.

The Impact of Storage Temperature and Time on Ergot Alkaloid Concentrations.

Ergot sclerotia produce toxic secondary metabolites, ergot alkaloids, that infect cereal crops and grasses. Ergot alkaloids have two isomeric configurations: the C-8-R-isomer (R-epimer), and the C-8-S-isomer (S-epimer). Ergot contaminated matrices, such as cereal grains or grasses, may be stored for extended periods at various temperatures before being analyzed, utilized, or consumed. This study assessed the concentration of six common ergot alkaloids in both configurations found in naturally contaminated wheat over time (one, two, and four months) at different temperatures (room temperature, +4 °C, and -20 °C) using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The data indicate that the total ergot concentration within a natural contaminated sample varies over time at room temperature, +4 °C, and -20 °C. The total ergot concentration increased until month two, and decreased at month four, independent of temperature (p < 0.05). The total R-epimer concentration appeared to be less stable over time than the total S-epimer concentration. The changes in the total R and total S-epimer concentrations may have been caused by changes in the ergocristine and ergocristinine concentrations, respectively. Time and temperature should be considered when storing potentially contaminated matrices in a laboratory or practical agriculture situations. Quantification of ergot contaminated matrices should occur prior to their use to ensure the most reliable estimates of the concentration of ergot.

Analytical performance of the digital morphology analyzer Sysmex DI-60 for body fluid cell differential counts.

Sysmex DI-60 (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan) is a digital morphology (DM) analyzer widely used in clinical laboratories and supports body fluid (BF) applications. We evaluated analytical performance of DI-60 compared with XN-350 (Sysmex) and manual counting for BF cell differential counts. A total of 213 BF samples were collected (47 cerebrospinal fluid [CSF], 80 pleural fluid, and 86 ascites samples). The analytical performance of DI-60 for BF cell differential counts was evaluated based on sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and agreement. BF cell differential counts obtained by DI-60 were compared with those obtained by XN-350 and manual counting. The overall sensitivity was high for neutrophils, lymphocytes, and macrophages (range, 83.1-99.4%). The overall specificity and overall accuracy were high for all cell types (range, 95.3-99.7% and 94.3-99.3%, respectively). The agreement between DI-60 pre-classification and verification was strong (κ = 0.89). The absolute mean differences between DI-60 verification and XN-350 ranged from 0.26 to 11.05, and differences between DI-60 verification and manual counting ranged from 0.01 to 4.76. This is the first study to evaluate the performance of DI-60 compared with XN-350 and manual counting for BF cell differential counts. DI-60 showed reliable performance with CSF, pleural fluid, and ascites samples. For BF cell differential counts, DI-60 may be a better option than XN-350 and could be used for screening purposes in understaffed laboratories. To improve the hematology workflow for BF cell differential counting, the DM analyzer needs to be optimized by taking into account the laboratory situation and unmet needs, and the clinical laboratory needs to establish criteria for verification and manual slide review.

ICS-SUFU standard: Theory, terms, and recommendations for pressure-flow studies performance, analysis, and reporting. Part 1: Background theory and practice.

The working group (WG) initiated by the International Continence Society Standardization Steering Committee and supported by the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction has revised the (1997) ICS Standard for pressure flow studies. Based on the ICS standard for developing evidence-based standards, the WGdeveloped this new ICS standard in the period from May 2020 to December 2022. A draft was posted on the ICS website in January 2023 to facilitate public discussion and the comments received have been incorporated into this final release. The WG summarizes the theory and recommends the practice and the terms used for the diagnosis of voiding dysfunction for adult female and male patients without relevant neurological abnormalities, in part 1 of this standard. The WG has also recommended standard principles and parameters for objective and continuous grading of urethral resistance and detrusor voiding contraction on the basis of pressure flow studies in part 2. The recommendations for practice in this part have also the aim to increase the understanding of the physiology as well as the psychology of voiding. The potential effects of the laboratory situation of the test on the voiding as well as the role of the urodynamicist in this regard are discussed. The WG has recommended to use for diagnosis only the voidings that are considered representative by the patient. A pressure flow study is the gold standard to assess voiding function and to quantify dysfunction. This part of the standard explains the clinical background, gives recommendations for the execution of a pressure flow study and lists relevant terms, parameters, and units of measurements.

Earcons to reduce mode confusions in partially automated vehicles: Development and application of an evaluation method

Partially automated vehicles have systems that can ensure lateral and longitudinal control through adaptive cruise control and lane centering assist, meaning that there are three possible levels (modes) of automation: manual driving, automated longitudinal control, and automated lateral and longitudinal control. Confusions can occur when drivers fail to perceive or comprehend the automation mode indicated by the interface. Earcons reflecting the hierarchy of these automation modes through the use of pitch, rhythm, and number of note variations could improve mode awareness. The goal of the present study was therefore to develop and test a method for assessing the efficiency of earcons as indicators of automation mode, based on a mode awareness model. This method consisted in checking during a controlled laboratory situation, that the earcons were perceived correctly (Experiment 1), comprehended in isolation (Experiment 2), and comprehended during the performance of a parallel visual task that mimicked the visual demand of driving with partial automation and having to react to changes of visual icons (Experiment 3). This method was applied to earcons indicating the hierarchy of automation modes. The results of these experiments indicated that the earcons were efficiently perceived. They were comprehended in isolation and had a provoked a small decrement to a visual task. The parameters used here to create earcons for the purpose of reducing mode confusions were therefore validated to future simulator studies. The method for assessing them could be applied elsewhere, to ensure that other auditory signals adequately contribute to all dimensions of mode awareness before being integrated to a vehicle.

Wearables measuring electrodermal activity to assess perceived stress in care: a scoping review.

Chronic stress responses can lead to physical and behavioural health problems, often experienced and observed in the care of people with intellectual disabilities or people with dementia. Electrodermal activity (EDA) is a bio-signal for stress, which can be measured by wearables and thereby support stress management. However, the how, when and to what extent patients and healthcare providers can benefit is unclear. This study aims to create an overview of available wearables enabling the detection of perceived stress by using EDA. Following the PRISMA-SCR protocol for scoping reviews, four databases were included in the search of peer-reviewed studies published between 2012 and 2022, reporting detection of EDA in relation to self-reported stress or stress-related behaviours. Type of wearable, bodily location, research population, context, stressor type and the reported relationship between EDA and perceived stress were extracted. Of the 74 included studies, the majority included healthy subjects in laboratory situations. Field studies and studies using machine learning (ML) to predict stress have increased in the last years. EDA is most often measured on the wrist, with offline data processing. Studies predicting perceived stress or stress-related behaviour using EDA features, reported accuracies between 42% and 100% with an average of 82.6%. Of these studies, the majority used ML. Wearable EDA sensors are promising in detecting perceived stress. Field studies with relevant populations in a health or care context are lacking. Future studies should focus on the application of EDA-measuring wearables in real-life situations to support stress management.

THE MONSTER INSIDE ME: 11 Dialogues about drastic aesthetics, the fictional monster, and boredom in the midst of the apocalypse

ABSTRACT This work explores the human demand for fictional monsters and the narrative of the zombie apocalypse. When and why do monsters appear and what happens if they take over? Which psychological, social, and cultural needs do these scenarios satisfy? To answer these questions, Antonia Prochaska follows a communicative approach, using conversations as an artistic and knowledge-producing practice. Bringing together her interlocutors' understanding of the monstrous, she drafts a picture of the monster within. The zombie apocalypse is like a laboratory situation that gives an idea of where the human appears in the monstrous and the monstrous in the human.

The effects of Covid 19 on the globe —- discovering the development trend of biotechnology

Global development has been forced to a halt since the COVID-19 pandemic, but a few sectors, such as biotechnology, have received high attention and attracted investment as a result, leading to its rise against the wind to become the fastest-growing industry since the pandemic. This study is based on the analysis of the current situation of biotechnology-related companies, laboratories, and related industries and structures, and is supported by their influence and importance to today's society. The study found that despite the serious impact of the pandemic on world development, the structure of related industries such as biotechnology has been optimized and played a role in promoting its development due to the impact of vaccine research and development and increased investment. It can be seen from the results that people pay more and more attention to biotechnology, and at the same time, the industry chain related to biotechnology has also seized the opportunity to transform and upgrade, not only successfully maintaining growth in the current economic downturn but also laying a good foundation for its further development in the future.

Surface Environment and Energy Density Effects on the Detection and Disinfection of Microorganisms Using a Portable Instrument.

Real-time detection and disinfection of foodborne pathogens are important for preventing foodborne outbreaks and for maintaining a safe environment for consumers. There are numerous methods for the disinfection of hazardous organisms, including heat treatment, chemical reaction, filtration, and irradiation. This report evaluated a portable instrument to validate its simultaneous detection and disinfection capability in typical laboratory situations. In this challenging study, three gram-negative and two gram-positive microorganisms were used. For the detection of contamination, inoculations of various concentrations were dispensed on three different surface types to estimate the performance for minimum-detectable cell concentration. Inoculations higher than 103~104 CFU/mm2 and 0.15 mm of detectable contaminant size were estimated to generate a sufficient level of fluorescence signal. The evaluation of disinfection efficacy was conducted on three distinct types of surfaces, with the energy density of UVC light (275-nm) ranging from 4.5 to 22.5 mJ/cm2 and the exposure time varying from 1 to 5 s. The study determined the optimal energy dose for each of the microorganisms species. In addition, surface characteristics may also be an important factor that results in different inactivation efficacy. These results demonstrate that the proposed portable device could serve as an in-field detection and disinfection unit in various environments, and provide a more efficient and user-friendly way of performing disinfection on large surface areas.

Mobilizowanie i relatywizowanie przemocy. Interakcyjny wymiar przemocy w stojącej przed dylematem moralnym grupie, w której pozycja żadnej osoby nie jest uprzywilejowana

Using the perspectives of microsociology, ethnomethodology and Goffman's sociology, the author analyzes the relationship between artificiality (theatricality) of decision-making, the affective dynamic of a laboratory situation (the theatre stage) and interactions between participants. In order to uncover silent methods of coordinating actions (contrary to overtly adhering to institutional rules), I decide to use an innovative methodology. Together with performance artists, I created a simulation of a research situation (an interactive theatre play), in which six people are faced with a moral dillema. The interactions were filmed and analysed with the use of a videograph. No person's position was privileged. What happens when two strangers, occupying an equal position, face a moral dillema? The article focuses on an analysis of violence, which appears in groups or violence which the groups have to face. The author demonstrates how violence is used in social circumstances and rendered relative in order to maintain an interactional order.

The role of money in everyday life decisions: Investigating the effect of priming money on decision-making aspects with uncertain consequences

Introduction: Decision-making is an area of ​​human life that the cognitive sciences have long dreamed of drawing a complete profile of it. Aim: Considering the importance of identifying the role of priming money in everyday decision-making and also the lack of focus on this area, this study was conducted to investigate the mentioned priming on aspects of risk assessments and optimal selections among given options. Method: The research method was quasi – experimental with comparison group. The statistical population was all students of Allameh Tabataba'i University in Tehran in 2020-2021. From students of Bachelor of Science and Master of Science, 30 students were purposefully selected, then randomly divided into experimental and comparison groups. Data were collected using IOWA Gambling Task (IGT) and Barrat Impulsivity Scale and then analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance in SPSS-24 software. Results: Significant differences were observed in the selection of cards from the advantageous decks in experimental group (M:31.26; SD:12.34) compared to the comparison group (M:22.06; SD:12.14) in the IGT (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, priming money in laboratory situations have the ability to influence the cognitive dimensions of everyday decision making and in particular, improving the selective function and the prediction of estimated value result in choosing more cards from the advantageous decks in the IGT.

Characteristic analysis and optimisation of an asymmetric‐primary axial‐flux hybrid‐excitation generator for vertical‐axis wind turbines

Axial-flux wind generators have advantages of high ratio of generator diameter to generator length and high possibility of modular construction, which make them suitable for use in vertical-axis wind turbines. The design optimisation and analysis of an asymmetric-primary axial-flux hybrid-excitation generator that can provide a controllable suspension magnetic levitation force to compensate for the ripple of axial force fluctuation are described. First, the mechanical topological operation principle of the proposed generator is introduced, and four generators with different magnetic field modulation ratios and winding distributions are investigated. Second, the levitation force and the torque model are based on the d/q axes dynamic mathematical model. Four generators are compared based on no-load performance. Considering the polar arc coefficient, this study analyzes the no-load performance. In addition, comprehensive analyses of the on-load performance under two typical load conditions are conducted. Based on simulation results and by integrating the magnetic field modulation ratio, tooth width, and permanent magnet thickness, the optimal design of a 12s22p generator is obtained. Finally, a prototype of the 12s22p generator is manufactured and tested in a laboratory situation under on-load and no-load conditions. All of the findings are consistent with the simulation results.