Processing Methods Research Articles

Enhancing older care services: a comprehensive internet + community home indicator system.

Constructing a demand-oriented Internet + community home care service indicator system, starting from the actual needs of the elderly, and quantifying the demand into specific service contents that can be provided, so as to realize the effective supply of services. It aims to provide a theoretical basis for the government to formulate relevant aging policies and provide a reference basis for promoting the innovation and development of the Internet + elderly care model. Based on existence needs, relationship needs and growth needs abbreviated as "Existence, Relatedness, Growth (ERG)" demand theory, through the discussion in the group meeting, form the expert consultation questionnaire of the demand-oriented Internet + community home care service indicator system, select experts in related fields to conduct two rounds of Delphi expert consultation, summarize the experts' opinions to determine the indicator system items, and use the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method to construct the judgment matrix to derive the weighting coefficients of the indicators, and establish the ultimate demand-oriented Internet + community home care service indicator system. The effective recovery rates for the two rounds of expert consoulation questionnaires were 100%, with expert authority coefficients of 0.852 and 0.868, respectively. The Kendall coefficients for the second round of expert views varied from 0.226 to 0.431, with coefficients of variation for all indexes less than 0.25.The finalized demand-oriented Internet + community home care service indicator system includes 3 first-level indicators, 10s-level indicators, and 46 third-level indicators. The consistency ratios of indicator judgment matrices at all levels are less than 0.10, suggesting that the hierarchical analysis findings are consistent, implying that the weight coefficient distribution is appropriate. The demand-oriented Internet + community home care service Indicator System, which was created through expert consultation and AHP method, has reasonable content and is more dependable as an evaluation tool for reliably assessing demand for elderly servic.

A novel method of computation for anchorage length based on the propagation characteristics of anchor excitation stress wave

ABSTRACT Detecting the anchoring length is an integral part of the quality inspection of the bolt anchoring, which is crucial to the safety of the roadway support. This paper studies the influence of the anchoring length on the propagation characteristics of the exciting stress wave of the bolt. The research finds that the change in the anchoring length affects the attenuation rate and frequency distribution of the stress wave signal amplitude. Under the same test conditions, the anchoring length negatively correlates with the consolidation wave velocity. The VMD analysis and processing method decomposes the original detection signal once or the characteristic mode function twice. The bottom reflection time is obtained from the bottom reflection signal identified according to the decomposed mode function. Based on the propagation characteristics of the exciting stress wave in the anchor rod, a method of calculating the anchoring length using the bottom reflection time is proposed. Experimental verification of anchoring models for different anchoring lengths is carried out. The calculated results are consistent with the actual anchoring length; the longer the length, the smaller the relative error. The error rate meets the accuracy requirements of on-site engineering tests and guarantees safe production.

Materials and Processing Methods for Aerospace Engineering

Materials and Processing Methods for Aerospace Engineering

Fast error detection method for additive manufacturing process monitoring using structured light three dimensional imaging technique

This paper presents a novel method to speed up error detection in an additive manufacturing (AM) process by minimizing the necessary three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction and comparison. We develop a structured light 3D imaging technique that has native pixel-by-pixel mapping between the captured two-dimensional (2D) image and the reconstructed 3D point cloud. This 3D imaging technique allows error detection to be performed in the 2D image domain prior to 3D point cloud generation, which drastically reduces complexity and computational time. Compared to an existing AM error detection method based on 3D reconstruction and point cloud processing, experimental results from a material extrusion (MEX) AM process demonstrate that our proposed method significantly increases the error detection speed.

Investigating antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of liquid smoke and physical-chemical stability of bacon subjected to liquid smoke and conventional smoking.

Liquid smoke, an alternative to traditional wood burning smoking, enhances product value by imparting desirable characteristics such as aroma, flavor, and color. Furthermore, it contains components with inherent antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This study compares the effects of liquid smoke and conventional smoking methods in bacon processing. Over a 90-day storage period at 22°C, physical-chemical stability, sensory attributes, and microbiological characteristics of the bacon were evaluated. The antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of liquid smoke were assessed. Liquid smoke exhibited antioxidant activity, with an inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 0.19mg/mL, indicating the concentration of the extract needed to inhibit 50% of DPPH (2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radicals. Moreover, it demonstrated antimicrobial effects against Escherichia coli, Salmonella choleraesius, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes, with a minimum bactericidal concentration ranging from 7.5% to 10%. Throughout the storage, bacon treated with liquid smoke showed no signs of rancid odor, supported by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances values below 0.85mgMDA/kg (where MDA is malondialdehyde). The utilization of liquid smoke yielded visually attractive bacon with enhanced color attributes, including a distinct yellow and red hue, as well as increased luminosity and brightness, surpassing the effects of traditional smoke. Remarkably, liquid smoke application significantly reduced processing time from 30h to approximately 5h, leading to substantial cost savings in the processing phase.

Real-time Information Acquisition and Processing Method for Penetration Information Based on Multi-information Fusion

Real-time Information Acquisition and Processing Method for Penetration Information Based on Multi-information Fusion

Development of a High-Fidelity digital twin using the discrete element method for a continuous direct compression process. Part 2. Validation of calibration workflow

This paper is the second in a series of two that describes the application of discrete element method (DEM) and reduced order modeling to predict the effect of disturbances in the concentration of drug substance at the inlet of a continuous powder mixer on the concentration of the drug substance at the outlet of the mixer. In the companion publication, small-scale material characterization tests, a careful DEM parameter calibration and DEM simulations of the manufacturing process were used to develop a reliable RTD models. In the current work, the same calibration workflow was employed to evaluate the predictive ability of the resulting reduced-order model for an extended design space. DEM simulations were extrapolated using a Relay Race method and the cumulative RTD was accurately parameterized using the n-CSTR model. By performing experiments and simulations, a calibrated DEM model predicted the response of a continuous powder mixer to step changes in the inlet concentration of an API. Thus, carefully calibrated DEM models was used to guide and reduce experimental work and to establish an adequate control strategy. In addition, a further reduction in the computational effort was obtained by using the Relay Race method to extrapolate results. The predicted RTD curves were then parameterized to develop reduced order models and used to simulate the process in a matter of seconds. Overall, a control strategy evaluation tool based on high-fidelity DEM simulations was developed using material-sparing small-scale characterization tests.

Inhibition of polyphenol oxidase for preventing browning in edible mushrooms: A review.

Edible mushrooms are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds, but their browning affects their quality and commercial value. This article reviews various methods to inhibit polyphenol oxidase (PPO)-induced browning in mushrooms. Physical methods such as heat treatment, low temperatures, irradiation, and ultrasound effectively reduce PPO activity but may affect mushroom texture and flavor. Chemical inhibitors, including synthetic chemicals and natural plant extracts, provide effective PPO inhibition but require careful monitoring of their content. Biological methods, including gene editing and microbial fermentation, show promise in targeting PPO genes and enhancing antioxidant production. Combining these methods offers a comprehensive strategy for preserving mushroom quality, extending shelf life, and maintaining nutritional value. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: These approaches can be applied in the food industry to improve post-harvest mushroom preservation, enhance product quality, and reduce waste, benefiting both producers and consumers. Further research and innovation are needed to optimize the practical application of these methods in large-scale processing and storage conditions.

Enhancing Sensitivity in the Hyphenation of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography to Benchtop Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy at Isocratic and Onflow Conditions.

The onflow hyphenation of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in adsorption mode with a benchtop 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer is described for the first time. Protonated solvents and isocratic conditions are used. The sensitivity was increased by choosing suitable NMR acquisition parameter as well as optimizing injection parameters and postacquisition data processing methods. With optimized conditions, the limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) were LOD = 0.010 g L-1 and LOQ = 0.031 g L-1 for the methoxy 1H of methyl paraben at 4.07 ppm, LOD = 0.038 g L-1 and LOQ = 0.134 g L-1 for the aromatic 1H of pentyl paraben between 7.00 and 8.50 ppm. These are expressed in injection concentration and are comparable to existing HPLC hyphenation with high-field NMR spectrometers. The analysis of a 2 g L-1 paraben mixture, far below the legal limits for usage in cosmetics, illustrates the applicability of the method. Taking advantage of the spectral resolution, chromatographically overlapping peaks are resolved using analyte-specific NMR elution traces. A methodology is detailed to facilitate the transfer of the optimized method to other (analyte) systems.

A fatigue crack prediction method based on inductive semi-supervised learning and Lamb-wave monitoring for orthotropic steel bridge deck

Orthotropic steel bridge deck suffers from fatigue cracking due to its orthotropic configuration and cyclic vehicular load. Hence, fatigue crack monitoring and prediction are crucial for addressing this issue. The Lamb-wave technique has potential in monitoring the growth of fatigue cracks, whereas most of the existing signal processing methods show poor performance in the crack prediction. To improve the accuracy and reliability of fatigue crack prediction, an inductive semi-supervised learning (ISL) approach is proposed in conjunction with Lamb-wave monitoring. The presented method is first verified by conducting a fatigue test of orthotropic steel bridge deck loading by three load conditions which would lead to different types of cracks, where lightweight Lamb-wave monitoring devices were adopted. The approach was further applied in field monitoring to validate its effectiveness in real engineering structures. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can recognize the initiation of fatigue cracks by giving a predicted time interval in which the real initiation moment locates. Similar increasing trends are found between the predicted and real crack lengths during the growth of cracks, while a relative fluctuate is existing in the predicted results, and the prediction accuracy of crack lengths can be regarded as 2 mm. For bridge field monitoring, the real fatigue crack length was also well predicted by the proposed method, exhibiting an average error of 0.82 mm in comparison with the real values. In general, the research findings emphasize the adaptability of the proposed method for fatigue crack prediction in practical engineering.

Design and inversion study of a 1.6 µm high resolution non-modulated laser heterodyne radiometer (NM-LHR)

Laser heterodyne detection boasts exceptional advantages such as high spectral resolution and high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). It excels at capturing spectral line broadening information of upper atmospheric molecules, which presents substantial research value in the realms of greenhouse gas profile measurement and the assessment of laser propagation effects in the atmosphere. This paper delves into the investigation of the processing method for heterodyne signals, adopting a non-modulated signal processing method to construct a near-infrared non-modulated laser heterodyne radiometer. This innovative design significantly enhanced the response speed and SNR. The radiometer achieved a spectral resolution of 0.006 cm-1 and an SNR of 300. This facilitated the acquisition of vertical profile distribution and column concentration of CH4 by measuring the absorption spectrum. Comparative tests revealed compelling advantages of the non-modulated device. The modulated device collected data 6 times in 6 minutes, yielding an SNR of 58. In contrast, the non-modulated device demonstrated superior efficiency by collecting data 6000 times in 2 minutes, resulting in a remarkable SNR of 103. In the process of inversion, the influence of the solar spectrum was coupled to improve the accuracy of inversion results. The inversion results of the CH4 column concentration from the laser heterodyne radiometer were compared with those from the Fourier transform spectrometer (EM27/SUN), with average concentrations of 1.946 ppmv and 1.930 ppmv, and exhibited an overall deviation of approximately 0.8%. The non-modulated laser heterodyne radiometer provides a new reference for the rapid, accurate and high spectral resolution measurements of greenhouse gas concentration.

A Novel Method for Aircraft Structural Dynamic Strain Trend Signal Processing via Optimized Parallel Computing

In this study, we investigate the underlying causes of drift in the time history curves of measured parameters obtained through strain electrical measurements and assess their impacts on load measurements. To address the challenge of efficiently processing large volumes of aircraft load data, we propose and analyze a multi-level parallel algorithm specifically designed for the data processing of aircraft load measurements. To achieve this objective, we discuss parallel processing at both medium- and fine-grained levels and develop two distinct parallel processing algorithms: one for coarse- and medium-grained aircraft-type data streams, and another for medium- and fine-grained takeoff and landing data streams. The efficacy of these algorithms is validated through the processing of load data measured on a specific aircraft wing. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach offers a novel technical pathway for large-scale scientific computations and enhances data processing efficiency in the domain of aircraft load spectrum analysis.

A Fast and Robust Range Alignment Method for ISAR Imaging Based on a Deep Learning Network and Regional Multi-Scale Minimum Entropy Method

In inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging, range alignment (RA) is crucial for translational compensation. To address the need for rapidity and accuracy in the RA process, a fast and robust range alignment method is proposed based on a deep learning network and minimum entropy (ME) method. The proposed method consists primarily of two components: the CNN-RNN attention mechanism network (CRAN) architecture and the regional multi-scale minimum entropy (RMSME) method. The main distinction of this method from existing approaches lies in its utilization of a deep learning network for rapid coarse alignment, followed by the search for minimum entropy within local regions at multiple scales. The integration strategy effectively addresses the current challenges of poor generalization in deep learning networks and low efficiency in the traditional ME method. The experimental results of simulation data indicate that the proposed method achieves the best range alignment performance compared to RNN, CRAN, and the traditional ME method. The experimental results of the measured data further validate the practicality of the proposed method. This research provides reference significance for the joint application of deep learning and traditional methods in the RA process.

Histology slide is non-repeatable, non-reproducible and unreliable in estimating post-mortem heart wall thickness

ABSTRACT A routine measurement in heart examination is that of the heart wall thickness. This study investigated whether histology can be used to estimate heart wall thickness measured in a post-mortem examination, and therefore assess the utility of this method in the post-mortem report peer review process. This study compared 30 consecutive adult heart measurements (left and right free wall thickness and interventricular wall thickness). It showed that heart wall thickness measurements on histology slides were non-repeatable, non-reproducible, and unreliable, with overall poor to moderate intraclass correlation coefficient (<0.60, p < 0.05). The 95% confidence interval in the difference between histology and post-mortem examination was 1–3.5 mm for left ventricle and interventricular wall thickness, and −1–0.5 mm for the right ventricle. This study showed limited utility in using histology in estimating heart wall thickness. However, in instances where histology was the only modality available to estimate heart wall, marking where the measurements were taken, citing the confidence intervals, and noting the limitations thereof is recommended.

Development of coordination abilities of mentally retarded children in physical education lessons

The aim of the study to develop a methodology for improving the level of development of the coordination abilities of mentally retarded children aged 8-9 years in the lessons of adaptive physical education. Methods The study was organized at a special correctional school from September 13 to December 16, 2023. 14 schoolchildren aged 8-9 took part in the experiment. Children from the control group studied according to the usual program, and children from the experimental group performed complexes of coordination exercises and used outdoor games during lessons on adaptive physical culture. The level of development of coordination abilities of mentally retarded children aged 8-9 years was determined by three tests: 3x10m shuttle run, one-leg stand, obstacle course. The Student’s T-Test was the main method of mathematical processing of the research results. Results Prior to the start of the study, the difference in performance in control tests in both groups was not significant and not reliable (p&gt;0.05), which indicates the homogeneity of the groups. After the end of the pedagogical experiment, the indicators of coordination abilities of children from the control group improved, but not significantly or significantly (p&gt;0.05). Significant positive changes occurred in the experimental group for all tests. In the shuttle run, the indicators became higher by 0.5 seconds (p&gt;0.05), in the one-leg stand test, the indicators improved by 1.1 seconds (p&gt;0.05), and in the obstacle course test, the indicators improved by 1.2 seconds (p&lt;0.05). An intergroup comparison showed a difference in two of the three indicators of coordination abilities when the significant difference is the shuttle run (p&lt;0.05) and the obstacle course (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion The developed experimental methodology for the development of coordination abilities for mentally retarded children aged 8-9 years in the lessons of adaptive physical education has proven its effectiveness and is recommended for use in correctional schools in working with mentally retarded children. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 23 No. 04 October’24 Page : 1219-1226

Prototype of a Virtual Assistant System Integrated with AI

This research focuses on the development of a prototype virtual assistant system integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) using the Rational Unified Process (RUP) method. The system is designed to improve user flexibility and efficiency by allowing interaction through voice commands, removing the need for traditional input devices. Python was selected as the primary programming language due to its robust capabilities in handling AI-driven applications. The system utilizes Whisper API for speech recognition, enabling the virtual assistant to accurately interpret voice inputs. Additionally, the integration of Chat GPT API allows the assistant to process and generate responses in a natural, context-aware manner. The combination of these technologies is expected to enhance user experience by making the system more intuitive and seamless, applicable to both daily tasks and complex business environments. The RUP method, structured into phases such as inception, elaboration, construction, and transition, was applied to ensure that the development process was iterative, flexible, and aligned with user needs. The results indicate that the integration of Whisper API with Chat GPT API significantly improves the quality and accuracy of voice-based interaction, streamlining system operation while minimizing the need for complex graphical interfaces. This research demonstrates the potential of voice-driven AI systems in increasing overall operational efficiency.

B-268 Detection of xylazine in fentanyl-positive urine drug screen specimens using a quantitative LCMS/MS method

Abstract Background Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid used clinically for severe pain management, sedation, and as a perioperative analgesic, has been at the forefront of fatal drug-involved overdoses for almost a decade. Xylazine, an α-2 adrenergic receptor agonist, is an increasingly common adulterant in illicitly manufactured fentanyl products and analogs. Given its class, xylazine is non-responsive to naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist used to reverse opioid overdose. Importantly, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration reported xylazine in 23% of seized fentanyl powders and 7% of fentanyl pills; additionally, a recent study by Kariisa et. al. identified an increase of xylazine presence in fatal fentanyl-involved overdoses (2.9% in January 2019 to 10.9% in June 2022) across twenty states.1 Collectively, these trends indicate a need for increased surveillance of xylazine in overdose-presenting patients to inform appropriate clinical responses. In this study, we developed a sensitive LC-MS/MS method for xylazine quantitation and used it to determine xylazine presence in our fentanyl positive patients. Methods An LC-MS/MS method for quantitation of xylazine from urine samples was developed using a Waters Xevo TQ-XS and reversed-phase CORTECS C8 2.7 µm column. MRMs and optimal MS tuning parameters were generated for xylazine and xylazine-d6 via IntelliStart, with transition ions of 221.18→90.04 (Quan) and 221.18→136.31 (Qual) selected for xylazine quantitation against a 227.23→89.98 xylazine-d6 transition as an internal standard. An LC method was developed using water (2 mM Ammonium Acetate; 0.1% Formic Acid v/v) and methanol (2 mM Ammonium Acetate; 0.1% Formic Acid v/v) gradient for a 4-minute runtime. Calibrators were prepared by addition of the pure drug to water, while QCs were prepared using healthy volunteer urine that was confirmed negative in a routine urine drug screen (UDS). Calibrators were value-assigned using a reference laboratory. A simple processing method consisting of the addition of 200 µL methanol containing 25 ng/mL xylazine-d6 to 50 µL of standards, QCs, or urine was used for sample preparation. Remnant fentanyl-positive patient samples (determined by ARK Fentanyl II Immunoassay - Abbott Architect C16000 analyzer) submitted for routine UDS evaluation were collected for xylazine analysis. Results Using custom xylazine standards, the method yielded a linear range from 2 ng/mL to 500 ng/mL with an average R2 of 0.9995 across runs (n = 12). The LLoQ for this assay was 2 ng/mL with a CV of 18.1%. The intra-assay CVs were &amp;lt; 5.0% and inter-assay CVs were &amp;lt; 15.0%. Of preliminary patient samples tested (n = 25), xylazine was detected in 32% of fentanyl-positive samples, ranging in concentration from 2.8 ng/mL to 192.8 ng/mL with an average of 64.8 ng/mL. Conclusions Here we report a simple LC-MS/MS method for quantitation of xylazine in remnant fentanyl-positive UDS specimens by LC-MS/MS. Preliminary testing revealed a xylazine positivity rate of 32% in fentanyl-positive patients. Uncomplicated sample work-up makes this method applicable to xylazine surveillance in all UDS-positive patient samples in high-throughput clinical laboratories. Reference: 1. Kariisa M, et. al. “Illicitly Manufactured Fentanyl-Involved Overdose Deaths with Detected Xylazine.” MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023;72:721-727.

Study of Helium Irradiation Effect on Al6061 Alloy Fabricated by Additive Friction Stir Deposition

Additive friction stir deposition (AFS-D) is considered a productive method of additive manufacturing (AM) due to its ability to produce dense mechanical parts at a faster deposition rate compared to other AM methods. Al6061 alloy finds extensive application in aerospace and nuclear engineering; nevertheless, exposure to radiation or high-energy particles over time tends to deteriorate their mechanical performance. However, the effect of radiation on the components manufactured using the AFS-D method is still unexamined. In this work, samples from the as-fabricated Al6061 alloy, by AFS-D, and the Al6061 feedstock rod were irradiated with He+ ions to 10 dpa at ambient temperature. The microstructural and mechanical changes induced by irradiation of He+ were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nanoindentation. This study demonstrates that, at 10 dpa of irradiation damage, the feedstock Al6061 produced a bigger size of He bubbles than the AFS-D Al6061. Nanoindentation analysis revealed that both the feedstock Al6061 and AFS-D Al6061 samples have experienced radiation-induced hardening. These studies provide a valuable understanding of the microstructural and mechanical performance of AFS-D materials in radiation environments, offering essential data for the selection of materials and processing methods for potential application in aerospace and nuclear engineering.

Advancements in Flexible Electronics Fabrication: Film Formation, Patterning, and Interface Optimization for Cutting-Edge Healthcare Monitoring Devices.

Flexible electronics can seamlessly adhere to human skin or internal tissues, enabling the collection of physiological data and real-time vital sign monitoring in home settings, which give it the potential to revolutionize chronic disease management and mitigate mortality rates associated with sudden illnesses, thereby transforming current medical practices. However, the development of flexible electronic devices still faces several challenges, including issues pertaining to material selection, limited functionality, and performance instability. Among these challenges, the choice of appropriate materials, as well as their methods for film formation and patterning, lays the groundwork for versatile device development. Establishing stable interfaces, both internally within the device and in human-machine interactions, is essential for ensuring efficient, accurate, and long-term monitoring in health electronics. This review aims to provide an overview of critical fabrication steps and interface optimization strategies in the realm of flexible health electronics. Specifically, we discuss common thin film processing methods, patterning techniques for functional layers, interface challenges, and potential adjustment strategies. The objective is to synthesize recent advancements and serve as a reference for the development of innovative flexible health monitoring devices.

B-164 Comparison of Analytical Performance of Two Processing Methods for Measurement of Zinc and Copper on Triple Quadrupole Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer

Abstract Background Copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are essential cofactors of enzymes involved in several metabolic processes required for the development of tissue structures and immune response, especially in pediatrics and pregnant women. Triple quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-QQQ) enables simultaneous precise quantification of multiple elements with high throughput, sensitivity, and specificity. Samples are introduced into ICP-QQQ as a liquid and converted to fine aerosol with the help of a nebulizer and spray chamber. The precision and sensitivity of measured metals are dependent on the sample preparation thus, this study focuses on comparing the analytical performances between two sample preparations: 0.5% nitric acid (HNO3) as the only diluent (Diluent A) versus a combination of 0.5% HNO3 along with 1% ethanol, 0.5% Ammonium hydroxide, 0.02% TritonX-100, and 0.1% HNO3 (Diluent B) for Cu and Zn metal analysis in serum using ICP-QQQ. Methods Twenty deidentified randomly selected patient serum samples were prepared with either diluent A or diluent B and analyzed by ICP-QQQ (Agilent 8900). Data were analyzed using EP Evaluator. Bland-Altman analysis was used to determine the agreement between the two sample preparations. Deming regression analysis was used to determine other analytical performances, such as the proportional and constant bias of Zn and Cu concentration. Results There was a bias of -4.8 and -3.0 between the two sample preparation methods when analyzing Cu and Zn, respectively. The mean of Cu-Diluent B versus Cu—Diluent A was 125.2 ± 28.3 µg/dL and 120.4 ± 29.8 µg/dL, respectively, with a slope of 1.070. Conversely, the Zn comparison study shows a lower slope (0.769) with a mean of 71.0 ± 20.5 and 68.0 ± 16.1 µg/dL for Zn-Diluent B and Zn-Diluent A, respectively. Conclusions Samples prepared with nitric acid solution only (Diluent A) appeared to show negative bias compared to Diluent B solution containing triton-X for both metals. However, the bias is within the total allowable error for zinc and copper. Importantly, Zn-sample analysis with diluent A (HNO3 only) shows a 23% proportional bias, which is absent with copper sample analysis. A larger study is needed to further compare several methods of sample preparation in ICP-QQQ analysis while leveraging simple preparation without compromising analytical sensitivity. Overall, this study shows that both methods of sample preparation can be effectively used in the ICP-QQQ analysis of serum copper and zinc.