Laboratory Performance Research Articles

Investigation on Innovative Models of Computer Laboratories Based on Cloud Computing

Experimental teaching is an important component of computer practical teaching, and students can better absorb the knowledge learned in class by conducting experiments in computer laboratories. However, there are still some deficiencies in current computer laboratories that need to be supplemented with new technologies. Therefore, this article studied the innovative model of computer laboratories based on cloud computing, aiming to upgrade computer laboratories through cloud computing technology. This article experimentally tested the utilization rate of computer laboratory rooms before and after using cloud computing. Through data analysis, it was found that the utilization rate of computer laboratory rooms after using cloud computing could reach a maximum of 92% and a minimum of 79%. The utilization rate of traditional computer rooms was highest at 68% and lowest at 50%. From this experimental data, it could be seen that cloud computing showed good performance in computer laboratories.

A New Approach for Multivariate Data Analysis in Interlaboratory Comparisons Based on Multidimensional Scaling and Robust Confidence Ellipse

Interlaboratory comparisons (IC) present a challenge related to multivariate data analysis. ISO 13528:2015 is a reference document for interlaboratory comparisons. This standard does not provide descriptions of statistical methods for multivariate analysis and, according to our best knowledge, there is no practical guidance for the organizing and evaluation of multivariate data analysis for interlaboratory comparisons available. Due to this reason, some researchers have made efforts to develop methodologies that make it possible to analyze multivariate data in IC. Generally, these approaches are based dimensionality-reduction methods like principal component analysis. This paper proposes a new approach to reduce the dimensionality of large data set and check the performance of laboratories based on multidimensional scaling (MDS) and robust confidence ellipse/ellipsoid (RCE). MDS is a multivariate analysis technique that allows grouping laboratories according to their similarity in a Euclidean space. On the other hand, RCE is a statistical method for outlier detection in a multivariate data set. In this work, it is proposed combine MDS and RCE to evaluate laboratory proficiency in interlaboratory comparison. This methodology was compared with the multivariate z-score and both methodologies identified the same outlying laboratories. This preliminary result indicates that MDS/RCE is promising for classifying IC results.

A modular low-cost automated synthesis machine demonstrated by ring-opening metathesis polymerization

Synthesis automatization is of vast interest as it increases the number of experiments, reproducibility, and in general enhances laboratory performance.

Possible Impact Factors for Poor Quality Management of Clinical Laboratory Performance in Wad Medani City, Sudan

Possible Impact Factors for Poor Quality Management of Clinical Laboratory Performance in Wad Medani City, Sudan

Effect of low temperature storage of trichocards on laboratory performance of Trichogramma japonicum Ashmead

Effect of low temperature storage of trichocards on laboratory performance of Trichogramma japonicum Ashmead

Consolidation Of the Quality Indicator System for Clinical Laboratory Performance Improvement

Consolidation Of the Quality Indicator System for Clinical Laboratory Performance Improvement

Quality Control in Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory-A Glance

Quality Control (QC) is a process, designed to ensure reliable test results. It is a part of overall quality management of the laboratory in terms of accuracy, reliability and timeliness of reported test results. Two types of quality control are exercised in clinical biochemistry: Internal quality control and external quality assurance. Internal Quality Control (IQC), are the methods, which are performed every day by the laboratory personnel with the laboratory’s materials and equipment. It checks primarily the precision (repeatability or reproducibility) of the method. External Quality Assurance Service (EQAS) which are performed periodically (i.e. every month, every two months, twice a year) by the laboratory personnel, It checks primarily the accuracy of the laboratory’s analytical methods. Consequences of inaccurate results could be unnecessary treatment, treatment complications, failure to provide the proper treatment, delay in correct diagnosis, additional and unnecessary diagnostic testing leading to result in increased cost, in time and personnel effort and often in poor patient outcomes. By running quality control, a laboratory self-monitors its testing process and substantiate that the results produced are accurate and precise. Quality management system, looking at every aspect of the laboratory from sample collection to result dispatch is very important for achieving good laboratory performance. A QC programme allows the laboratory to differentiate between normal variation and error. This review article outlines indispensable role of quality control in clinical biochemistry laboratory which ensures patient satisfaction, the credibility of laboratory, generate confidence in laboratory results and reduce unnecessary financial burden.

NextGen ADS-B Software-Defined Reception with Enhanced Techniques

This paper provides research on the enhanced NextGen ADS-B reception method and its performance in laboratory and flight tests. It sheds the light on end-to-end reception techniques to comply with key requirements. ADS-B has emerged as among the most intriguing avionics for both researchers and companies since the launch of NextGen in 2009. ADS-B provides authorities with a mechanism for use in continuously monitoring the position and track of an airplane using periodic and independent broadcast messages that transmit Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) position information. The enhanced pulse detection technique is used to detect and validated preamble pulses. Besides the utilization of multiple amplitude samples technique not only improve bit and confidence declaration accuracy but also make it capable of deploying error detection/correction algorithms which are two aspects of enhanced Extended Squitter reception. In addition, applying a slow attack automatic gain control (AGC) algorithm improves system sensitivity and performance. The implementation is done in MATLAB Simulink and C++. Software Defined Radio (SDR) module, BladeRF, is used programable platform for the communication system. Subsequently, the lab experimental and flight test results show that when applying these strategies in a real environment, significant performance is achievable.

Divergent life histories between wild and commercially-sourced Cotesia flavipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) parasitizing four species of Diatraea (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Moths of the genus Diatraea Guilding (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) are stalk-boring pests of sugarcane throughout the neotropics. In Colombia, the economically important species are D. busckella, D. indigenella, D. saccharalis, and D. tabernella. Augmentative releases of the gregarious endoparasitoid Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) are one tactic used to manage this pest complex. We compared the laboratory performance of two C. flavipes populations, one field-collected, and one commercially-sourced, on all four host species, hypothesizing lower performance of the commercial population on host species other than D. saccharalis due to continuous rearing on this species. Parasitism success did not vary with parasitoid source, but varied among host species, being highest in D. indigenella and lowest in D. tabernella, with other species intermediate. Sex ratio was female-biased, averaging 0.635, and did not vary with parasitoid source or host species. Wild wasps developed more slowly than commercial wasps on all hosts, being slowest on D. tabernella, whereas commercial wasps were slowest on D. busckella. Both parasitoid populations produced their largest broods in D. indigenella, but commercial wasps produced smaller broods than wild wasps in D. busckella and D. tabernella, and substantially lower weight gain of host larvae post-parasitism, suggesting impaired host regulation ability. In all host species, wild wasps produced larger female progeny, based on wing area, than commercial wasps. When all metrics of parasitoid performance (fitness) were combined into a single index of host suitability, D. indigenella was the most suitable host for both parasitoid populations. Both parasitoid sources had similar performance on D. saccharalis, the host used to rear the commercial population, whereas wild wasps performed better on all other Diatraea species. The inadvertant consequences of artificial selection in mass-reared cultures of gregarious endoparasitoids are discussed, specifically the evolution of faster development and smaller body size.

Pengukuran dan Analisis Kinerja Laboratorium Kalibrasi Untuk Meningkatkan Daya Saing Perusahaan

Calibration Laboratory PT. ABC is one of the calibration specialist laboratories, offering calibration service facilities and tool sales via a job order system under the warranty and ISO departments. Currently, performance measurement in the Calibration Laboratory is based on incoming order targets being met by the warranty and ISO departments. This method of measuring performance cannot be used as a benchmark. As a result, the Calibration Laboratory must implement an adequate performance measuring method to determine whether or not the company's performance has been satisfactory. This study uses the Sink's Seven Performance Criteria technique to assess firm performance based on seven criteria: productivity, effectiveness, efficiency, quality, profitability, work life, and innovation. The performance measurement results obtained using this method can identify 23 Key Performance Indicators (KPI) at PT. ABC's Calibration Laboratory (Persero). The use of a scoring system based on the Objective Matrix (OiMAX) and the Traffic Light System is known to obtain a performance index of 7.78 for the Calibration Laboratory of PT. ABC in 2021. According to the Traffic Light System, Calibration Laboratory's total performance value is in the yellow category, indicating that average performance has also not met the aim. Management must strive harder to improve its performance by selecting criteria that are poor and have a high weight. They are then assessed and suggestions for improvement are made using Fishbone diagrams and 5W+1H.

Redesigning the surveillance of in vitro diagnostic medical devices and of medical laboratory performance by quality control in the traceability era.

IVD manufacturers have total responsibility in terms of the traceability of marketed in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVD-MD). This includes the provision of a quality control (QC) material as a part of the measuring system, suitable for traceability verification and alignment surveillance by end-users in daily practice. This material [to be used for the internal QC (IQC) component I as described in this paper] should have unbiased target values and an acceptability range corresponding to analytical performance specifications (APS) for suitable (expanded) measurement uncertainty (MU) on clinical samples. On the other hand, medical laboratories (by the IQC component II as described in this paper) should improve the IQC process and its judging criteria to establish a direct link between their performance, estimated as MU of provided results, and APS defined according to recommended models to apply corrective actions if the performance is worsening with the risk to jeopardize the clinical validity of test results. The participation to external quality assessment (EQA) programs that meet specific metrological criteria is also central to the evaluation of performance of IVD-MDs and of medical laboratories in terms of harmonization and clinical suitability of their measurements. In addition to the use of commutable materials, in this type of EQA it is necessary to assign values to them with selected reference procedures and to define and apply maximum allowable APS to substantiate the suitability of laboratory measurements in the clinical setting.

CDC’s Vitamin A Laboratory-External Quality Assessment Program Shows Little Change in Laboratory Performance for Multiple Nutritional Biomarkers over a 10-Year Period (2008–2017)

BackgroundThe Vitamin A Laboratory-External Quality Assessment (VITAL-EQA) program operated by the CDC provides analytical performance assessment to low-resource laboratories conducting serum vitamins A (VIA), D (VID), B-12 (B12), and folate (FOL), as well as ferritin (FER) and CRP measurements for public health studies. ObjectivesWe aimed to describe the long-term performance of VITAL-EQA participants from 2008 to 2017. MethodsParticipating laboratories received 3 blinded serum samples biannually for duplicate analysis over 3 d. We assessed results (n = 6) for relative difference (%) from the CDC target value and imprecision (% CV) and conducted descriptive statistics on the aggregate 10-year and round-by-round data. Performance criteria were based on biologic variation and deemed acceptable (optimal, desirable, or minimal performance) or unacceptable (less than minimal performance). ResultsThirty-five countries reported VIA, VID, B12, FOL, FER, and CRP results from 2008–2017. The proportion of laboratories with acceptable performance ranged widely by round: VIA 48%–79% (for difference) and 65%–93% (for imprecision), VID 19%–63% and 33%–100%, B12 0%–92% and 73%–100%, FOL 33%–89% and 78%–100%, FER 69%–100% and 73%–100%, and CRP 57%–92% and 87%–100%. On aggregate, ≥60% of laboratories achieved acceptable differences for VIA, B12, FOL, FER, and CRP (only 44% for VID), and over 75% of laboratories achieved acceptable imprecision for all 6 analytes. Laboratories participating continuously in 4 rounds (2016–2017) showed generally similar performance compared to laboratories participating occasionally. ConclusionsAlthough we observed little change in laboratory performance over time, on aggregate, >50% of the participating laboratories achieved acceptable performance, with acceptable imprecision being achieved more often than acceptable difference. The VITAL-EQA program is a valuable tool for low-resource laboratories to observe the state of the field and track their own performance over time. However, the small number of samples per round and the constant changes in laboratory participants make it difficult to identify long-term improvements.

External quality assessment of laboratory performance in bacteriology in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, 2011-2019.

Since 2007, national public health laboratories in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) have participated in a regional external quality assessment scheme in bacteriology to improve testing proficiency. To assess laboratory performance in bacteriology in the EMR between 2011 and 2019 using the regional external quality assessment scheme. We analysed the accuracy of participant-reported data in bacterial identification, Gram stain microscopy, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. For each category, we assessed the performance over time, the performance on multiple organisms, and whether a laboratory repeatedly failed to attain satisfactory results. Between 2011 and 2019, 70% of laboratories achieved satisfactory performance for bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and 85% performed satisfactory Gram stain microscopy. Testing did not improve on multiple organisms and results were consistently low for some pathogens and test categories. Twenty-nine percent of laboratories underperformed throughout the study period. The unchanged performance over time and underperformance of laboratories highlight the need for improvements in the regional external quality assessment scheme. Participating laboratories and WHO need to work more actively to strengthen the problem areas.

Effect of air voids and asphalt content changes on laboratory and simulated long-term fatigue performance of asphalt concrete pavements

Effect of air voids and asphalt content changes on laboratory and simulated long-term fatigue performance of asphalt concrete pavements

Investigating the Laboratory Performance of Crumb-Rubber-Modified and High-Float Polymer-Modified Asphalt Emulsions in Chip Sealing

Chip sealing is a widely popular pavement maintenance treatment because of its low initial cost and convenient construction process. Bleeding, loss of aggregate, reduced skid resistance, and aging have been identified as the most common type of distress that lead to the failure of chip sealing. The objective of this study was to evaluate the laboratory performance of a crumb-rubber-modified asphalt emulsion and a high-float polymer-modified asphalt emulsion in chip sealing and to evaluate the effects of crumb rubber as a modifier as well as its utilization as part of the aggregate stone. To achieve this objective, four types of emulsion were evaluated, namely a crumb-rubber-modified asphalt emulsion (CRS-2TR), a high-float polymer-modified emulsion (CHFRS-2P), a polymer-modified emulsion (CRS-2P), and a conventional unmodified emulsion (CRS-2). Based on the results of the experimental program, it was concluded that the aggregate retention properties of polymer-modified and crumb-rubber emulsions were superior to the unmodified emulsion. In addition, the granite aggregate performed better than the granite–crumb-rubber blends regardless of the type of emulsion used. However, a small percentage of crumb rubber may be used in chip sealing without significantly affecting its performance. According to the rheological and physical test results, CHFRS-2P showed the highest useful temperature interval (92.7), followed by CRS-2P (87.8), CRS-2TR (82.6), and CRS-2 (76.7). Based on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and saturate, aromatic, resin, and asphaltene test results, both CRS-2TR and CHFRS-2P showed lower carbonyl indices growth as compared to the other emulsions, indicating superior resistance to aging.

Laboratory Performance Evaluation of Asphalt-Treated Cold Recycled Mixtures Using Existing Practical Tests

Agencies currently utilize several proxy tests, related to level of compaction (density) and moisture content, to assess the quality of a recycled pavement during construction. These proxy tests are not completely able to indicate sufficient quality or stability of recycled pavements under trafficking or surfacing, especially at early ages. The lack of sound and rapid tests for use in process control and acceptance during construction limits the use of the recycling techniques by agencies, therefore they do not fully benefit from the advantages that pavement recycling offers. This study evaluates the viability of currently available simple and practical stiffness tests (i.e., soil stiffness gauge and light weight deflectometer tests), deformation resistance tests (i.e., Marshall hammer test), and penetration resistance tests (i.e., dynamic cone penetration test) to characterize the properties of asphalt-treated cold recycled mixtures. The scope of the work included laboratory testing of 18 different cold recycled mixtures, prepared through different processes combining different binding agents and filler types, at different curing times via the selected tests. The collected data were analyzed to evaluate these tests in relation to their repeatability characteristics and versatility to capture the performance of recycled materials with respect to changes in curing time, type of stabilizing/recycling agent, and presence of active filler. The data obtained showed the ability of these tests to capture the effect of curing. Moreover, these tests were found to be sensitive to changes in the recycling agent type, recycling agent content, and presence of active filler.

Selecting EOR Polymers through Combined Approaches-A Case for Flooding in a Heterogenous Reservoir.

This work uses micromodel, core floods and Field-Flow Fractionation (FFF) evaluations to estimate the behaviour and key elements for selecting polymers to address heterogenous reservoirs. One of the approaches was to construct two-layered micromodels differing six times in permeability and based on the physical characteristics of a Bentheimer sandstone. Further, the impacts of injectivity and displacement efficiency of the chosen polymers were then assessed using single- and two-phase core tests. Moreover, FFF was also used to assess the polymers' conformity, gyration radii, and molecular weight distribution. For the polymer selection for field application, we weighted on the good laboratory performance in terms of sweep efficiency improvement, injectivity, and propagation. Based on the results, polymer B (highest MWD) performed the poorest. Full spectrum MWD measurement using Field-Flow Fractionation is a key in understanding polymer behavior. Heterogenous micromodel evaluations provided consistent data to subsequent core flood evaluations and were in alignment with FFF indications. Single-phase core floods performed higher injection velocities (5 m/d) in combination of FFF showed that narrower MWD distribution polymers (polymers A and C) have less retention and better injectivity. Two-phase core floods performed at low, reservoir representative velocities (1 ft/d) showed that Polymer B could not be injected, with pressure response staying at high values even when chase brine is injected. Adsorption values for all tested polymers at these conditions were high, however highest were observed in the case of polymer B. Overall, for the polymer selection for field application, we weighted on the good laboratory performance in terms of sweep efficiency improvement, injectivity, polymer retention, and propagation; all accounted in this work.

Prioritization of the factors affecting the performance of clinical laboratories using the AHP and ANP techniques

Prioritization of the factors affecting the performance of clinical laboratories using the AHP and ANP techniques

Effect of Mat Moisture Content, Adhesive Amount and Press Time on the Performance of Particleboards Bonded with Fructose-Based Adhesives

The study evaluates the performance of laboratory, single-layered particleboards made out of fructose-hydroxymethylfurfural-bishexamethylenetriamine (SusB) adhesive as a sustainable alternative. Several production parameters such as mat moisture content (MMC), adhesive amount and press time were varied and their effect on the bonding efficiency investigated. The internal bond strength (IB) and thickness swelling after 24 h of water immersion (TS) were taken as evaluation criteria for the bonding efficiency. pMDI-bonded particleboards were produced as fossil-based, formaldehyde-free reference. Particleboard testing was complemented by tensile shear strength measurements and thermal analysis. It was found that the MMC has the highest impact on the internal bond strength of SusB-bonded particleboards. In the presence of water, the reaction enthalpy of the main curing reaction (occurring at 117.7 °C) drops from 371.9 J/mol to 270.5 J/mol, leading to side reactions. By reducing the MMC from 8.7%, the IB increases to 0.61 N/mm2, thus surpassing P2 requirements of the European standard EN312. At a press factor of 10 s/mm, SusB-bonded particleboards have a similar IB strength as pMDI-bonded ones, with 0.59 ± 0.12 N/mm2 compared to 0.59 ± 0.09 N/mm2. Further research on the improvement of the dimensional stabilization of SusB-bonded PBs is needed, as the TS ranges from 30-40%.

The effect of breast self-examination training on nursing students by using hybrid-based simulation on knowledge, skills, and ability to correctly evaluate pathological findings: Randomized Controlled Study

AimTo investigate the effectiveness of hybrid simulation-based training and classical-based training with the Miller pyramids' ability to evaluate students' knowledge, skills and pathologies in breast self-examination. BackgroundBreast cancer incidence is becoming more common among women in developed and developing countries. Nurses should be capable of evaluating breast self-examination knowledge, abilities and pathologies. MethodA randomized full experimental design was used. Two groups were formed: a hybrid simulation-based training group (n = 36) and a classical-based training group (n = 36)—students in the hybrid simulation-based group trained on a standardized patient with a wearable breast attachment. The classical-based training group received training on the breast model. The laboratory performance of the students was evaluated one week after the training. Their performance on the standardized patient was evaluated against the checklist in the clinical setting one week after the laboratory. Before and after the training, each student's knowledge of basic and Application steps was evaluated. Students completed the self-description form regarding the clinical process after the clinical performance. All participants received 60 min of theoretical and 60 min of demonstration training. While the students in the hybrid simulation-based training group completed the 55-minute simulation training, the students in the Classic-based training group practised on the desktop breast model for 10 min. The hybrid simulation-based training group received 175 min of total training time, whereas the classical-based training group received 130 min. ResultsCompared with classical-based training, teaching BSE with hybrid simulation-based training raised students' total knowledge score, application step score, skill score and pathological evaluation score (p < 0.05). Students who trained using hybrid simulation-based training experienced low levels of anxiety but increased levels of excitement and motivation (p < 0.05). The education and counselling scores of students who received hybrid simulation -based simulation training were higher than those who received classical-based training (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups' BSE mean pre-test basic knowledge scores (p = 0.186). BSE mean application steps knowledge scores difference (pre-test-post-test) of the groups was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001) ConclusionThe ability to accurately evaluate breast self-examination on knowledge, skills and pathological findings of students in the hybrid simulation-based training group was higher than in the classical-based training group. Besides, the students' perceived communication, education and counselling efficiency in the hybrid simulation-based training group were higher compared with the classical-based training group.