Laboratory Situations Research Articles

Assessments on SGG and WSGG spectral models in high-ash coal combustion

In radiation process, a variety of models can be used to represent the spectral radiative properties of combustion gases. In coal combustion, the high level of soot concentration brings higher complexity to the formulation. Several pieces of research are found, comparing different radiation models usually applied to idealized laboratory situations. Only a few works explore the behavior of such models in real scale applications, such as coal-fired furnaces. Comparisons among different arrangements of the SGG and WSGG models were carried out by means of CFD simulations, applied to a boiler of a real 160 MW coal-fired power plant. Five different cases were simulated. The most simple case was set with a fixed absorption coefficient SGG model, while the most detailed case was achieved by employing a WSGG model with gas and soot absorption coefficients overlay. Temperature fields were well represented by all cases, with maximum deviations of 6%. Predictions on radiative heat flux for the SGG models were significantly lower than the WSGG simulations, with relative deviations up to 16.46%. Even though deviations on radiative heat flux are significant, results suggest the suitability of simple gray gas models in fast assessments of industrial applications such as coal-fired furnaces.

GAN-Generated Image Detection With Self-Attention Mechanism Against GAN Generator Defect

With Generative adversarial networks (GAN) achieving realistic image generation, fake image detection research has become an imminent need. In this paper, a novel detection algorithm is designed to exploit the structural defect in GAN, taking advantage of the most vulnerable link in GAN generators - the up-sampling process conducted by the Transposed Convolution operation. The Transposed Convolution in the process will cause the lack of global information in the generated images. Therefore, the Self-Attention mechanism is adopted correspondingly, equipping the algorithm with a much better comprehension of the global information than the other current work adopting pure CNN network, which is reflected in the significant increase in the detection accuracy. With the thorough comparison to the current work and corresponding careful analysis, it is verified that our proposed algorithm outperforms other current works in the field. Also, with experiments conducted on other image-generation categories and images undergone usual real-life post-processing methods, our proposed algorithm shows decent robustness for various categories of images under different reality circumstances, rather than restricted by image types and pure laboratory situation.

Dust-acoustic rogue waves in non-thermal plasmas

The nonlinear propagation of dust-acoustic (DA) waves (DAWs) and associated DA rogue waves (DARWs), which are governed by the nonlinear Schr\"{o}dinger equation, is theoretically investigated in a four component plasma medium containing inertial warm negatively charged dust grains and inertialess non-thermal distributed electrons as well as iso-thermal positrons and ions. The modulationally stable and unstable parametric regimes of DAWs are numerically studied for the plasma parameters. Furthermore, the effects of temperature ratios of ion-to-electron and ion-to-positron, and the number density of ion and dust grains on the DARWs are investigated. It is observed that the physical parameters play a very crucial role in the formation of DARWs. These results may be useful in understanding the electrostatic excitations in dusty plasmas in space and laboratory situations.

Importance of Psychoanalysis of Childhood Drawings for Prediagnosis of Mental Diseases

Psychoanalysis and its application in the biological area. The area of Psychology already presents a lot of research in the context, looking for artificial and laboratory situations; however, the importance of contextual analysis of the individual as a whole, of their daily activities and, from this, the understanding of their perceptions. Through psychoanalysis it is possible to observe widely the subject as a whole, not focusing on the presence of organic or genetic disorders, Ansermet (2003) addresses this problem by stating that “We cannot see the subject only as someone who manifests an organic or mental defect, according to the logic of disability”. The systems that compose and organize the environment, according to Bronfenbrenner (1996), are constituted by the fitting of concentric structures called microsystem, what presents itself as the most active and direct contact environments, such as family, school or social work relationships; mesosystem referring to two or more environments of active social participation; exosystem, understood as environments that influence events that take place in the immediate environment of social relationship; and macrosystem, which comprise, in addition to the behavior of individuals, the connections between other people, the nature of bonds and the direct or indirect influence on the developing individual in the contexts in which they live and act actively. The use of psychoanalysis as a tool to decipher possible mental disorders has become essential, since it is intrinsically linked to the biological look for the diagnosis of a patient. Autism, attention deficit disorder, depression and hyperactivity (ADHD), among other diseases that can be diagnosed during childhood or late they are psychosocial disorders that have their diagnoses complemented by psychoanalysis. In this way, it is possible to perceive the challenges that psychoanalysis faces in terms of complementing the diagnosis of mental disorders in children, as well as the importance of psychosomatic studies in the elaboration of an accurate diagnosis that can be applied to children and their pathologists.

Formosan wood mice (Apodemus semotus) exhibit more exploratory behaviors and central dopaminergic activities than C57BL/6 mice in the open field test.

Three-quarters of the lands in Taiwan are over 1000 m above sea level. Formosan wood mice (Apodemus semotus), also called Taiwanese field mice, are largely found at altitudes of 1400 ~ 3700 m and are the dominant rodents in these areas. Notably, Formosan wood mice show high levels of exploratory behaviors, not only in the wild but also in laboratory situations. Therefore, in this study, we examined the behavioral responses and central dopaminergic activities of male C57BL/6J mice and Formosan wood mice in the open field test. Dopamine and its major metabolite 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid were used as indices of dopaminergic activities. Formosan wood mice showed higher levels of exploration and locomotor activity than C57BL/6J mice in the open field test. Higher central dopaminergic activities in the nucleus accumbens, striatum, and medial prefrontal cortex were found in Formosan wood mice than in C57BL/6J mice in the open field test. Higher levels of locomotion and central dopaminergic activities in Formosan wood mice were consistent after two exposures to the open field test; however, dramatic decreases in levels of locomotion and central dopaminergic activities in C57BL/6J mice were found after two exposures to the open field test. The present study found that Formosan wood mice exhibited higher levels of locomotor activity and exploration and central dopaminergic activities than C57BL/6J mice after one or two exposures to the open field test.

Coupling the liquid sampling – atmospheric pressure glow discharge, a combined atomic and molecular (CAM) ionization source, to a reduced-format mass spectrometer for the analysis of diverse species

Coupling of a combined atomic and molecular (CAM) ionization source with a reduced-format mass spectrometer for the analysis of diverse species provides unique capabilities that can be implemented in diverse laboratory and in-field situations.

Situation of public laboratories manufacturing antivenoms in Latin AmericaA situação dos laboratórios públicos produtores de soros antivenenos na América Latina

RESUMENSe analiza la situación de los laboratorios públicos productores de antivenenos en América Latina, con base a los resultados de en un taller coordinado por el Centro Panamericano de Fiebre Aftosa (PANAFTOSA) de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS). Nueve países en la región poseen doce laboratorios públicos que producen y distribuyen antivenenos contra venenos de diferentes animales ponzoñosos. Se discutió la situación de cada laboratorio, se analizó el escenario actual caracterizado por las crecientes demandas regulatorias y la heterogeneidad de estos en términos de infraestructura y capacidad productiva y se planteó la necesidad de concertar procesos de cooperación regional dirigidos a mejorar la disponibilidad de antivenenos, incluyendo proyectos de investigación y desarrollo para el mejoramiento de los procesos y las tecnologías; estudios del perfil de la capacidad neutralizante de los antivenenos contra diferentes venenos, y programas de capacitación técnica de profesionales y personal técnico. En el contexto actual, en el que la Organización Mundial de la Salud elaboró una estrategia global para la prevención y el control de los envenenamientos ofídicos, el Centro PANAFTOSA de la OPS ha asumido la coordinación de estas acciones en las Américas, mejorar la disponibilidad de antivenenos es prioritaria. Como resultado de ese taller, se creó la Red de Laboratorios Públicos Productores de Antivenenos de América Latina (RELAPA), con el objetivo de fortalecer estos laboratorios y de aumentar la disponibilidad y accesibilidad de antivenenos eficaces y seguros a toda América Latina.

Detection of early pregnancy in domestic ruminants

Tests for the detection of pregnancy early after insemination have not yet reached their full potential. Currently, the milk progesterone assay provides the earliest possible test, at an interval of one oestrous cycle after insemination, i.e. 17, 21 and 21 days in sheep, goats and cows respectively. This assay is pregnancy non-specific and rate of detection of pregnant animals is acceptable but less than desirable. Detection of activity of early pregnancy factor may develop into an excellent early test for many species, but the rosette inhibition test which is currently required has limited development and use. Pregnancy-specific protein B has been developed as a radioimmunoassay and is reliable under laboratory situations for ruminants. It can be used after 24 days of gestation in the cow. Application to field testing awaits development. Other pregnancy-associated or specific substances which are found in maternal body fluids might develop as pregnancy markers. Ultrasonic devices might provide very early detection in cattle but the expense of a test will limit application. All tests for pregnancy early after insemination have an inherent inaccuracy. Presence of an embryo at the time the test is applied will not assure pregnancy at the time of a confirmatory test, such as birth of live young or rectal examination in cows after 35 days of gestation. Therefore, no matter how early the test, a follow-up examination might be desirable in intensively managed herds or flocks. The animal industry is on the verge of new biotechnological approaches to reproductive management. The potential seems as great as the imagination.

Determining If A Bike-mounted Aerodynamic Sensor Can Detect Changes In Wheel Rolling Resistance During Cycling With Different Tire Pressures Outdoors

Rolling resistance represents a key resistance force to overcome during cycling. This resistance force is calculated as the product of the coefficient of rolling resistance (Crr) and rider+bike system weight. Crr is influenced by a number of factors including tire pressure. Typically, Crr is measured in a laboratory situation but more recently, bike-mounted instruments have been developed that are mounted on a bike to measure Crr in the field. PURPOSE: To determine if a bike-mounted aerodynamic sensor is able to measure changes in Crr with changes in tire pressure while cycling outdoors. METHODS: A cyclist rode a road bike (combined mass 80.45 kg) equipped with an aerodynamic sensor to measure Crr (Aerolab). The bike-mounted sensor measures a number of parameters such as wind speed, global position system (GPS) data, cycling power, and air temperature, for example. Processing algorithms are used to generate Crr. For this experiment, tire pressure was manipulated in a manner that changes in Crr were expected. Specifically, three tire pressures were tested: 100, 70, and 40 PSI. Tire pressure was measured using a custom made valve system connected to a digital pressure gauge (Ashcroft Digital Gauge, 0.05% terminal point accuracy, 0-200 PSI range). The rider completed 2 trials per pressure condition with each trial consisting of a coast-down test. The rider reached a target velocity and then stopped pedaling. Data were recorded for at least 60 seconds for each trial. The rider maintained the same ride position for each trial. Data were processed using custom software to yield Crr per trial using an iterative algorithm that calculates Crr multiple times using different sections of data with corrections for air temperature. The research team member processing data was not aware of the conditions. Crr values were normalized such that the Crr during the 100 psi condition was set to 100%. RESULTS: Relative Crr values were 100±2.7% at 100 psi, 95.7±1.8% at 70 psi, and 119.6±2.7% at 40 psi. CONCLUSIONS: Using a bike-mounted aerodynamic sensor, changes in rolling resistance were detected when tire pressure was manipulated. However, confounding factors that could influence the calculation of Crr include the influence of subtle changes in rider position, yaw angle, and tire temperature, for example.

Music recognition without identification and its relation to déjà entendu: A study using “Piano Puzzlers”

The feeling of familiarity--the sensation of recognizing a situation without identifying any relevant prior experience—is one of the many ways in which people can experience a sensation of memory during retrieval failure. The present study is concerned with the experience of familiarity with music, and with using music as a means of investigating the auditory version of déjà vu known as déjà entendu. Previous laboratory research on the sensation of familiarity with music used the recognition without identification paradigm; familiarity was induced during retrieval failure through the systematic isolation of experimentally familiarized musical features (e.g., rhythm and pitch). While strong in experimental control, this method may have created an artificial laboratory situation unlike the experience of familiarity with music in real-life. The present study applied the recognition without identification paradigm to a more ecologically valid familiarity experience with music: that induced by Piano Puzzlers. On the weekly radio program Piano Puzzlers, people call in to the show and attempt to identify the song and the style from which musical composer Bruce Adolphe created that week's Piano Puzzler. The present study demonstrates that the recognition without identification effect shown with Piano Puzzlers is dependent on reports of déjà entendu.

Jeux de hasard et d’argent en ligne : quelles spécificités en matière de réduction des risques ?

Initially conceived as an alternative to abstinence-based approaches, the initial goal of harm-reduction was to reduce the health consequences of drug use. Applied to all addictive behaviors (with or without use), it aims to reduce the individual and social problems generated by addiction without condemning the behavior. Harm-minimisation remained very poor in the gambling field. However, the legalization of online gambling in France and their specific characteristics, update the need to develop this field, which is still a new and relatively uncommon part of harm-reduction. The aim of this article is to draw up an inventory of existing knowledge, whether it has been tested empirically or not, in an ecological environment or in a laboratory situation, as regards tools allowing the player to remain in control of his gambling behavior. A reflection on future research and other possible tools is envisaged.

Effects of speed on pheasant gaits and hindlimb joint angles

Abstract When studying the gait of pheasants, an intermittent-flight bird, it is necessary to take into account changes in the gaits and hindlimb joint angles resulting from increases of speed. In this study, pheasant locomotion postures were recorded on a speed-variable treadmill with high-speed cameras. Firstly, kinematic analysis showed that the stride cycle of pheasants decreased and the stride length increased with increasing speed. The duty factor also decreased, but was less than 0.5 in only about 10% of measurements. Thus, pheasants are more inclined to choose the grounded running or walking gait in laboratory situations. Secondly, changes in the tarsometatarso-phalangeal joint angle and the intertarsal joint angle at touch-down, mid-stance and lift-off concomitant with speed variation were studied. Tarsometatarso-phalangeal joint angle was found not to be significantly affected by changes in speed, but changed over larger ranges than the intertarsal joint angle. Thirdly, the continuous changes in the joint angles were studied during a complete stride cycle. The curves shifted leftward with increasing speed. Finally, the changes at four main positions were analyzed with increasing speed.

Microbiological reference material (bacterial and fungal domains): Definition, production rules, use and need for establishment in Brazil

Abstract Reference materials are crucial for laboratory quality assurance. They are widely used for the internal quality control of analytical tests, in the validation of methodologies and as test items in proficiency tests. Microbiological reference materials are represented mainly by reference strains, whose use in laboratory internal quality control is unquestionable and recommended by several microbiological manuals. In Brazil, the practice of producing microbiological reference materials has advanced in recent years in the development of specific materials for proficiency testing. However, the same did not occur with the establishment of reference strains due to a lack of incentive policies, maintaining the country dependant on the use of international reference strains. This article aims to emphasize the importance of the use of microbiological reference materials in laboratory quality control and discuss the need for the development of such materials in Brazil. The paper presents a brief explanation of microbiological reference materials and points out questions concerning the country’s dependence on the acquisition of international biological materials. It also describes quality standards related to the production of these materials and the situation of culture collections and Brazilian reference laboratories that supply reference strains. The study also mentions practical recommendations on the subcultures of reference strains.

I can hear the birds: using audio recordings to assess perceptions of amenity in urban riparian environments

The restorative qualities of nature (amenity values) have been explored for their benefits to human wellbeing. Yet methodology to assess restorative qualities is generally limited to visual stimuli in laboratory situations. Little is known about the influence of other sensory elements or specific environmental conditions on perceptions of amenity and finding data collection methods that encapsulate these complexities is challenging. This study used a novel methodological approach utilising in-situ voice recordings to explore the relationship between human perceptions of amenity and biodiversity levels of urban river corridors in Melbourne, Australia. The research methodology collected in-situ responses to natural stimuli. This enabled the influence of biodiversity levels on public perceptions of the amenity value of urban river corridors to be explored. To investigate this, participants were taken to two sites along a river, one with high biodiversity and one with low biodiversity. Participants walked alone for 30 min along the river corridor recording their experiences on portable voice recorders as they travelled. Utilising voice recordings enabled the collection of rich in-situ experiences of amenity and enhanced self-reporting written responses. This method also gave voice to the influence of other sensory elements along with the visual and allowed the researchers to better appreciate the immersed experiences of the participants. This method provides a means of progressing amenity and perception studies from laboratory settings to real experiences of amenity. It illuminates the links between human wellbeing benefits and contact with biodiversity and can facilitate greater synergy between land management and public perceptions.

Adsorption of Common Laboratory Dyes Using Natural Fibers from Luffa cylindrica

Adsorption of methylene blue and malachite green was carried out using Luffa cylindrica sponges as adsorbing material. We provide a very illustrative exercise about the use of common natural materials requiring little preparation to solve environmental tasks in a routine laboratory situation such as using dyes. In addition, the experiment can be used in different study levels. We illustrate the use of spectrophotometric techniques, calibrations, or (in a more advanced level) calculations of adsorption kinetics and the use of statistical tools in data treatment. The use of natural fibers to remove dyes from laboratory wastewater highlights the environmental responsibility of undergraduate students by training them to treat common laboratory pollutants, and on the other hand, it offers an efficient tool to illustrate water remediation procedures.

Interstrain transfer of the prophage ϕNM2 in staphylococcal strains

Staphylococcus aureus is a successful pathogen in part because the bacterium can adapt rapidly to selective pressures imparted by the external environment. Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) plays an integral role in the evolution of bacterial genomes, and phage transduction is likely to be the most common and important HGT mechanism for S. aureus. Phage can transfer not only its own genome DNA but also host bacterial DNA with or without pathogenicity islands to other bacteria. Here, we demonstrate that the staphylococcal prophage ϕNM2 could transfer between strains Newman and NCTC8325/NCTC8325-4 by simulating a natural situation in laboratory without mitomycin C or ultra-violet light treatment. This transference may be caused by direct contact between Newman and NCTC8325/NCTC8325-4 instead of phage particles released in Newman culture’s supernatant. The rates of successful horizontal genetic transfer in recipients NCTC8325 and NCTC8325-4 were 2.1% and 1.8%, respectively. Prophage ϕNM2 was integrated with one direction at an intergenic region between rpmF and isdB in all 17 lysogenic isolates. Phage particles were spontaneously released from lysogenic strains again and had no noticeable influence on the growth of host cells. The results reported herein provide insight into how mobile genetic elements such as prophages can lead to the emergence of genetic diversity among S. aureus strains.

Otopathology in the United States: History, Current Situation, and Future Perspectives.

: Human temporal bone studies have documented the pathophysiologic basis of many pathologic conditions and diseases affecting the ear, contributing to the development of specific clinical knowledge and pathology-oriented treatments. Researchers dedicated to the study of anatomy and histology of the temporal bone emanated from Europe to the United States during the first part of the 20th Century. The first otopathology laboratory was founded in the United States in 1924, at Johns Hopkins University; over time, the otopathology laboratories-considered by some authors as "gold mines" for studying ear diseases-became numerous and very prolific. However, today, only three of the temporal bone laboratories are still running and producing scientific knowledge to the Otology/Neurotology field: the ones at Harvard Medical School, University of Minnesota, and University of California. Molecular biologic assay techniques and new microscopy and computer equipment broadened the possibilities for temporal bone studies; however, the current funding for those laboratories are insufficient to cover the costs for processing and studying human temporal bones. The main objective of this study is to briefly describe the history, current situation, and future perspectives of the otopathology laboratories in the United States.

An Exploration of Subjective Situation Dimensions Associated With Situation-Specific Behavior

The current research presents a general framework for assessing the subjective perception of situations. The framework was used to assess freely listed situations relevant to participants’ daily lives as well as laboratory situations in which behavior was objectively assessed. Exploratory factor analyses revealed five common situation dimensions that map closely to the Big Five: positive affect (PA)/affiliation, negative affect (NA), achievement, dominance/aggression, and situation strength. Results indicate that the five situation dimensions are sensitive to experimentally manipulated characteristics of situations. Further, correlations between subjective situation dimensions and both self-reported and nonself-reported behavior indicate that the situation dimensions possess predictive validity and that the subjective perception of situations is associated with situation-specific behavior. The correspondence between situation perception and personality is discussed.

Magnetic Field Saturation of the Ion Weibel Instability in Interpenetrating Relativistic Plasmas

Abstract The time evolution and saturation of the Weibel instability at the ion Alfvén current are presented by ab initio particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations. We found that the ion Weibel current in three-dimensional (3D) simulations could evolve into the Alfvén current where the magnetic field energy is sustained at 1.5% of the initial beam kinetic energy. The current filaments are no longer isolated at saturation, but rather connected to each other to form a network structure. Electrons are continuously heated during the coalescence of the filaments, which is crucial for obtaining sustained magnetic fields with much stronger levels than with two-dimensional (2D) simulations. The results highlight again the importance of the Weibel instability in generating magnetic fields in laboratory, astrophysical, and cosmological situations.

Reducing friction-induced vibration and noise by clearing wear debris from contact surface by blowing air and adding magnetic field

The purpose of this laboratory-scale study was to compare two possible approaches to reduce friction-induced vibration and noise during the dry sliding contact of ferrous metals. These approaches were tested using a ball-on-disc sliding apparatus in which the ball was composed of Cr-bearing steel and the disc was made from forged steel. One approach was to blow air at the wear track using a hand-held rubber bulb with a nozzle, and the other was to use a magnetic field to remove loose wear debris. Results from tests run under a limited set of sliding conditions showed that although both approaches can remove wear debris, their effects on reducing unstable vibration and noise differed. Magnetic debris removal worked better in reducing unstable vibration and noise than did the alternate approach. In addition, wear debris particles accumulated in a different way for the two approaches, and the operative phenomena are explained by analyzing third-body behavior. While limited in scope to a laboratory situation, the current findings may help engineers to reduce unstable vibration and noise in related tribosystems.