Non-destructive Analytical Method Research Articles

The application of statistical preprocessing on spectral data does not always guarantee the improvement of the predictive quality of multivariate models: Case of soil spectroscopy applied to Moroccan soils

Statistical preprocessing methods are widely used to improve the predictive performance of chemometric models especially on MIR and NIR spectral database. The main role of pretreatments in the case of soil spectroscopy is to remove/reduce the scattering impact, thus, highlight the part of the signal related to the chemical, physical or biological properties of interest. Nevertheless, given the complexity of the soil as a matrix, together the pure absorption data and the information hidden in the scattering are of key interest as they cooperatively describe the physicochemical state of the soil samples. Consequently, pretreatment methods that removes/ reduces the scattering material in the spectroscopic data may lower the predictive quality of the multivariate models. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of preprocessing methods on FTIR spectra of soil samples and test the hypothesis that the use of scatter correction techniques as pretreatment (Viz. standard normal variate, Savitzky-Golay 1st and 2nd derivatives, and the multiplicative scatter correction) does not guarantee the improvement of the predictive performance of partial least squares regression models for the prediction of total carbon, organic carbon and total nitrogen in soil samples. The obtained results showed that among all the multivariate calibrations, the PLS models set-up on the unprocessed spectral data led to similar/better predictive qualities for the estimation of selected soil properties especially for total carbon with an R2 of 0.92 and RMSECV of 0.129, either because the information contained in the scattering background is important for the predictions or there is no scatter in the spectral data. Hence, FTIR spectroscopy as a simple, fast and nondestructive analytical method that in many cases will not require a supplementary effort when performing chemometric modeling by avoiding the preprocessing step could be highly recommended for soil health indicators prediction.

Biophysical evaluation of treating adipose tissue-derived stem cells using non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma

Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTAPP) is a partially ionized gas containing fast electrons and relatively slow ions. This study aims to investigate the influences of NTAPP on human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and examine the feasibility of using optical spectroscopy as a non-destructive method for cell analysis. A plasma jet is used as the source of low-temperature plasma in which pure helium gas is ionized by a high voltage (8 kV) and frequency (6 kHz). ADSCs were exposed to the NTAPP for 30 s, 60 s, 90 s, and 120 s. The efficiency of the plasma treatment was investigated using flow cytometry and optical spectroscopy methods. This study compared surface markers of NTAPP treated and untreated ADSCs using CD90 and CD105 as positive markers. The result proved that NTAPP-exposed ADSCs maintain their stemming. Measuring ADSCS apoptosis by labeling Annexin V-Propidium Iodide showed that the plasma at short exposure time is relatively non-toxic. However, a longer exposure time can lead to apoptosis and necrosis. Moreover, Cell cycle analysis revealed that NTAPP accelerates the cell cycle in very low doses and can cause proliferation. In this experiment, flow cytometry measurements have been used to determine oxidative stress. The results showed that with increasing plasma dose, intracellular ROS levels reduced. This data also suggests that intracellular ROS are not responsible for the cells' viability. Furthermore, we used reflectance spectroscopy as a non-destructive method for evaluating treatment response and comparing this method with cell analysis techniques. The results indicate spectroscopy's efficiency as a method of cell analysis. This study suggests that NTAPP would be an efficient tool to improve ADSCs culture's efficiency in vitro; thus, we support the potential applications of NTAPP in the field of stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine.

Non-Destructive Scientific Analysis of the Gold Fabric Excavated of Cheongsong Shim’s Grave

Using non-destructive analytical methods, we identified the material characteristics of two gold fabric artifacts excavated from the Cheongsong Sim clan (Bugeum Wonsam, Jikgeum Chima), including the artifact condition, fiber type, surface contamination, and metallic threads. We found that the artifacts were buried and had turned brown; thus, we were unable to determine their original color. The fiber type was determined to be silk from cocoons, based on scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analyses of Amide I, II, III, and IV peaks, and color reactions Further, the FT-IR and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses identified the white and black stains as natural resin hydrolyzed substances, such as lipids and proteins, that occurred as microbial decomposition due to body decay. Finally, the XRF analyses identified the thin gold layer of the metallic yarn as gold (Au). According to the FT-IR data and the color reaction to the metallic yarn medium, the adhesive component of the medium was a product of-Amides I, II, III, and 3000 cm-1 within Amides A and B (an animal type), respectively. Thus, the medium was identified as Hanji (Korean paper), which is made from domestically produced Broussonetia kazinoki fibers.

Recent Advances in Inflammatory Diagnosis with Graphene Quantum Dots Enhanced SERS Detection.

Inflammatory diseases are some of the most common diseases in different parts of the world. So far, most attention has been paid to the role of environmental factors in the inflammatory process. The diagnosis of inflammatory changes is an important goal for the timely diagnosis and treatment of various metastatic, autoimmune, and infectious diseases. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) can be used for the diagnosis of inflammation due to their excellent properties, such as high biocompatibility, low toxicity, high stability, and specific surface area. Additionally, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) allows the very sensitive structural detection of analytes at low concentrations by amplifying electromagnetic fields generated by the excitation of localized surface plasmons. In recent years, the use of graphene quantum dots amplified by SERS has increased for the diagnosis of inflammation. The known advantages of graphene quantum dots SERS include non-destructive analysis methods, sensitivity and specificity, and the generation of narrow spectral bands characteristic of the molecular components present, which have led to their increased application. In this article, we review recent advances in the diagnosis of inflammation using graphene quantum dots and their improved detection of SERS. In this review study, the graphene quantum dots synthesis method, bioactivation method, inflammatory biomarkers, plasma synthesis of GQDs and SERS GQD are investigated. Finally, the detection mechanisms of SERS and the detection of inflammation are presented.

Investigation of lithiation/delithiation processes in ceramic solid electrolyte by means of Neutron Depth Profiling

Rechargeable all-solid-state Li batteries with solid electrolytes (SE) are a prospective solution for safe and high-capacity energy storage systems. In recent decades, several types of SE with high ionic conductivity have been developed and tested with different techniques. In this study, we employed a non-destructive nuclear analytical method, Neutron Depth Profiling (NDP), to investigate the response of one of the promising electrolytes, Lithium Conductive Glass Ceramic (LICGC), to the applied voltage +2.8 V. The in-situ NDP measurements made it possible to directly monitor the migration of lithium ions in the electrolyte and to observe and quantify the formation of a space charge layer with depleted Li atoms, which depends on the biasing time.

Effect of sample density in prompt γ-ray analysis

A high-accuracy analytical method is broadly required to obtain reliable research results. Thus, prompt γ-ray analysis (PGA), one of the most accurate non-destructive analytical methods, has been employed in various fields. However, the measurement accuracy of PGA is also known to degrade in hydrogenous samples. The degradation is caused by variation in the measurement sensitivity (counts per milligram) following the change in neutron energy due to scattering with hydrogen nucleus. Number of scatterings is well known to depend on the hydrogen content in a sample. However, considering multiple scatterings, hydrogen density, which has not been taken into account as yet, may also lead to the accuracy degradation. Here, we show the effect of the hydrogen density in PGA by evaluating the measurement sensitivity of samples with the same hydrogen content and different densities. We find that the measurement sensitivity varies by more than 30% depending on the hydrogen density even at the same hydrogen content. The variation is a particularly serious problem for PGA requiring a few percent accuracy in most cases. Additionally, although the variation is apparently observed in hydrogenous samples, the similar phenomenon can occur in other nuclides with a large scattering cross section; it may affect nuclear cross-section measurements using neutrons in such fields as astrophysics and nuclear energy.

Diagnosis of Thyroid Malignancy using Levels of Chemical Element Contents in Nodular Tissue

Introduction: Thyroid benign (TBN) and malignant (TMN) nodules are a common thyroid lesion. The differentiation of TMN often remains a clinical challenge and further improvements of TMN diagnostic accuracy are warranted. The aim of present study was to evaluate possibilities of using differences in chemical elements (ChEs) contents in nodular tissue for diagnosis of thyroid malignancy. Methods: Contents of ChEs such as aluminum (Al), boron (B), barium (Ba), calcium (Ca), chlorine (Cl), coper (Cu), iron (Fe), iodine (I), potassium (K), lithium (Li), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), silicon (Si), strontium (Sr), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn) were prospectively evaluated in “normal” thyroid (NT) of 105 individuals as well as in nodular tissue of thyroids with TBN (79 patients) and to TMN (41 patients). Measurements were performed using a combination of non-destructive and destructive methods: instrumental neutron activation analysis with high resolution spectrometry of short-lived radionuclides and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Results: It was observed that in TMN tissue the mean mass fraction of I was lower while the mean mass fractions of K, Mg, and P were higher than in both NT and TBN groups of samples. It was demonstrated that I content is nodular tissue is the most informative parameter for the diagnosis of thyroid malignancy. It was found that “Sensitivity”, “Specificity” and “Accuracy” of TMN identification using the I level in the needle biopsy of affected thyroid tissue was significantly higher than that using US examination and cytological test of fine needle aspiration biopsy. Conclusions: It was concluded that determination of the I level in a needle biopsy of TNs using non-destructive instrumental analytical method is a fast, reliable, and very informative diagnostic tool that can be successfully used as an additional test of thyroid malignancy identification.

Non-destructive analysis of power insulators by frequency response function and three dimensional-computed tomography

Various techniques are being implemented to analyze outdoor insulators. It plays an important role in the transmission line, and its electrical insulation and mechanical support capabilities must be met at the same time. Mechanical analysis of physical properties and electrical analysis of the threshold voltage to destruction, accounts for a large part. This article focused on detection of pores and crack of insulators by implementing frequency analysis using frequency response function (FRF) an unique non-destructive analysis method, and three dimensional-computed tomography (3D-CT) fault analysis. The purpose of this method is to diagnose insulator defects with non-destructive analysis methods rather than traditional costly breakdown analysis methods. In the case of FRF, the low frequency band stress wave was created up to 35 mm−1 using the Impact Response Test (IRT) using the impact hammer. Due to the difference in the stiffness of the insulator, it moved more than 5.79 μm−1 from the samples B and D that were insulated. For samples, whose insulation was destroyed, a pore size found with 3D-CT was at least 4.88 mm, through which leakage current penetrated The insulating fracture path inside the insulator was formed with a pore diameter of 1.98 to 4.88 mm, through which leakage current penetrates.

Diagnosis of Thyroid Malignancy Using Chemical Elements of Nodular Tissue Determined by Neutron Activation Analysis

Thyroid benign (TBN) and malignant (TMN) nodules are a common thyroid lesion. The differentiation of TMN often remains a clinical challenge and further improvements of TMN diagnostic accuracy are warranted. The aim of present study was to evaluate possibilities of using differences in chemical elements (ChEs) contents in nodular tissue for diagnosis of thyroid malignancy. Contents of ChEs such as calcium (Ca), chlorine (Cl), iodine (I), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), and sodium (Na) were prospectively evaluated in “normal” thyroid (NT) of 105 individuals as well as in nodular tissue of thyroids with TBN (79 patients) and to TMN (41 patients). Measurements were performed using non-destructive instrumental neutron activation analysis. It was observed that in TMN tissue the mean mass fraction of I was lower while the mean mass fractions of K and Mg were higher than in NT and TBN tissue. It was demonstrated that I content is nodular tissue is the most informative parameter for the diagnosis of thyroid malignancy. It was found that “Sensitivity”, “Specificity” and “Accuracy” of TMN identification using the I level in the needle biopsy of affected thyroid tissue was significantly higher than that using US examination and cytological test of fine needle aspiration biopsy. It was concluded that determination of the I level in a needle biopsy of TNs using non-destructive instrumental analytical method is a fast, reliable, and very informative diagnostic tool that can be successfully used as an additional test of thyroid malignancy identification.

Detection of captan residues in apple juice using fluorescence spectroscopy combined with a genetic algorithm and support vector machines

The captan residues in apple juice were detected by fluorescence spectrometry, and the content level of captan was predicted based on a genetic algorithm and support vector machines (GA-SVMs). According to the captan concentration in apple juice, the experimental samples were divided into four levels, including no excess, slight excess, moderate excess, and severe excess. A GA was used to select the characteristic wavelength and optimize SVM parameters, and SVM was applied to train the classification model. 50 characteristic wavelength points were selected from the original fluorescence spectra, which contained 401 wavelength points, and the classification accuracy of the training set and test set is 99.02% and 100%, respectively, which is higher than the traditional PLS method. The results show that a GA can effectively select the feature wavelengths, and an SVM model can accurately predict the content level of captan residues. A fast and non-destructive analysis method, combined with a GA and SVM based on fluorescence spectroscopy, was realized.

Non-destructive mechanical assessment for optimization of 3D bioprinted soft tissue scaffolds

SummaryCharacterizing the mechanical properties of engineered tissue constructs provides powerful insight into the function of engineered tissues for their desired application. Current methods of mechanical characterization of soft hydrogels used in tissue engineering are often destructive and ignore the effect of 3D bioprinting on the overall mechanical properties of a whole tissue construct. This work reports on using a non-destructive method of viscoelastic analysis to demonstrate the influence of bioprinting strategy on mechanical properties of hydrogel tissue scaffolds. Structure-function relationships are developed for common 3D bioprinting parameters such as printed fiber size, printed scaffold pattern, and bioink formulation. Further studies include mechanical properties analysis during degradation, real-time monitoring of crosslinking, mechanical characterization of multi-material scaffolds, and monitoring the effect of encapsulated cell growth on the mechanical strength of 3D bioprinted scaffolds. We envision this method of characterization opening a new wave of understanding and strategy in tissue engineering.

Combining FTIR-ATR and OPLS-DA methods for magic mushrooms discrimination

Magic mushrooms are naturally occurring fungi that are considered hallucinogenic drugs because they contain psilocybin and psilocin. These substances are controlled in almost every country in the world, so the use, possession, cultivation, and sale of magic mushrooms are prohibited in whole or in part. Despite this, the abuse of magic mushrooms continues and can put at risk the life of the consumer and society in general if the consumer behaves in an unsafe manner.The number of mushroom species is very high, making it difficult to correctly identify them based only on physical and morphological characteristics. Therefore, there is a need to develop non-destructive mushrooms analysis methods that have less response time and higher discrimination ability. The present work used Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR-ATR) Spectroscopy to study 64 mushroom samples from different genera including hallucinogenic, edible, and toxic species. In addition, this study used Orthogonal Partial Least Squares - Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA), using SIMCA chemometric software to analyse the obtained infrared (IR) spectra. The main molecular vibrations of the components of the fungus were successfully identified by IR spectroscopy. Although the specific bands corresponding to psilocybin or psilocin could not be assigned in the spectra, the regression method was able to discriminate the various species. Hallucinogenic mushrooms were well separated from other species, allowing the method to be used as an initial screening technique to determine whether or not the seized mushrooms are of forensic interest.

Novel Terahertz Spectroscopy Analysis for the Electrode with Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) in Lithium-Ion Batteries

In this study, to use carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as a conductive material instead of carbon black in cathode electrodes, their dispersions were prepared in 1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) solvent by using an ultrasonic horn, and their dispersion stability was analyzed using CNTs on the formation of the network between cathode electrode constituent materials comprised of cathode material, CNTs, and current collectors, and their correlation with electrochemical performance results were investigated using various analytical techniques. Particularly, in the analysis, terahertz time domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS), a new non-destructive analysis method, was used to analyze and compare the various optical properties of the cathode’s slurries that co-existed with CNTs and cathode material, suggesting the suitability of its analytical use in the field of materials dispersion and the slurry manufacturing process for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In the investigated results, the sample with the highest dispersion stability of CNTs uniformly formed the networks of CNTs and cathode material in the electrode, which results in the highest electrical conductivity among all samples, and as a result, the best performance in electrochemical evaluations.

Content of Fifty Trace Elements in Thyroid Benign Nodules and Thyroid Tissue adjacent to Nodules investigated using Neutron Activation Analysis and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

Thyroid benign nodules (TBNs) are the most common diseases of this endocrine gland and are common worldwide. The etiology and pathogenesis of TBNs must be considered as multifactorial. The present study was performed to clarify the role of some trace elements (TEs) in the etiology of these thyroid disorders. Thyroid tissue levels of fifty TEs were prospectively evaluated in nodular tissue and tissue adjacent to nodules of 79 patients with TBNs. Measurements were performed using a combination of non-destructive instrumental neutron activation analysis and destructive method such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results of the study were additionally compared with previously obtained data for the same TEs in “normal” thyroid tissue. This study provides evidence on many TEs level alteration in nodular and adjacent to nodule tissue and shows the necessity to continue TEs research of TBNs.

Diagnosis of thyroid malignancy using trace elements of nodular tissue determined by neutron activation analysis

Thyroid benign (TBN) and malignant (TMN) nodules are a common thyroid lesion. The differentiation of TMN often remains a clinical challenge and further improvements of TMN diagnostic accuracy are warranted. The aim of present study was to evaluate possibilities of using differences in trace elements (TEs) contents in nodular tissue for diagnosis of thyroid malignancy. Contents of TEs such as silver (Ag), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), iodine (I), rubidium (Rb), antimony (Sb), scandium (Sc), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) were prospectively evaluated in “normal” thyroid (NT) of 105 individuals as well as in nodular tissue of thyroids with TBN (79 patients) and to TMN (41 patients). Measurements were performed using non-destructive instrumental neutron activation analysis. It was observed that in TMN tissue the mean mass fraction of I was lower while the mean mass fraction of Rb was higher than in NT and TBN tissue. It was demonstrated that I content in nodular tissue is the most informative parameter for the diagnosis of thyroid malignancy. It was found that “Sensitivity”, “Specificity” and “Accuracy” of TMN identification using the I level in the needle biopsy of affected thyroid tissue was significantly higher than that using US examination and cytological test of fine needle aspiration biopsy. It was concluded that determination of the I level in a needle biopsy of TNs using non-destructive instrumental analytical method is a fast, reliable, and very informative diagnostic tool that can be successfully used as an additional test of thyroid malignancy identification.

Non-destructive 3D imaging method using muonic X-rays and a CdTe double-sided strip detector

Elemental analysis based on muonic X-rays resulting from muon irradiation provides information about bulk material composition without causing damage, which is essential in the case of precious or otherwise unreachable samples, such as in archeology and planetary science. We developed a three-dimensional (3D) elemental analysis technique by combining the elemental analysis method based on negative muons with an imaging cadmium telluride double-sided strip detector (CdTe-DSD) designed for the hard X-ray and soft gamma-ray observation. A muon irradiation experiment using spherical plastic samples was conducted at the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC); a set of projection images was taken by the CdTe-DSD, equipped with a pinhole collimator, for different sample rotation angles. The projection images measured by the CdTe-DSD were utilized to obtain a 3D volumetric phantom by using the maximum likelihood expectation maximization algorithm. The reconstructed phantom successfully revealed the 3D distribution of carbon in the bulk samples and the stopping depth of the muons. This result demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed non-destructive 3D elemental analysis method for bulk material analysis based on muonic X-rays.

Quantitation of Water Addition in Octopus Using Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR): Development of a Rapid and Non-Destructive Food Analysis Method.

A rapid and non-destructive method based in time domain reflectometry analysis (TDR), which detects and quantifies the water content in the muscle, was developed for the control of abusive water addition to octopus. Common octopus samples were immersed in freshwater for different periods (0.5–32 h) to give a wide range of moisture contents, representing different commercial conditions. Control and water-added octopus were analyzed with a TDR sensor, and data correlated with moisture content were used for calibration and method validation. A maximum limit of moisture content of 85.2 g/100 g in octopus is proposed for conformity assessment, unless the label indicates that water (>5%) was added. Calibration results showed that TDR analysis can discriminate control and water-added octopus, especially for octopus immersed for longer periods (32 h). In addition, moisture content can be quantified in octopus using only TDR analysis (between 80 and 90 g/100 g; RMSE = 1.1%). TDR data and correlation with moisture content show that this non-destructive methodology can be used by the industry and quality control inspections for assessment of octopus quality and to verify compliance with legislation, promoting fair trade practices, and further contributing to a sustainable use of resources.

XAFS and HAXPES analyses of the oxidation state of a copper surface buried under a phenolic resin nanofilm

The oxidation state of a buried copper surface under a phenolic resin insulating layer was investigated by nondestructive analysis methods using conversion electron yield X-ray absorption fine structure (CEY-XAFS) and hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES). The formation of Cu2O and CuO during heat treatment at 180 °C in air and the formation of Cu(OH)2 and CuCO3 during long-term storage under atmospheric conditions at room temperature proceeded on the buried copper surface to a depth of tens of nanometers. The phenolic resin nanofilm suppressed the thermal oxidation of the underlying Cu to Cu2O and CuO by 20% but did not suppress the formation of native oxides Cu(OH)2 and CuCO3 under atmospheric conditions because of the high water absorption and high permeability of the phenolic resin nanofilm. This study demonstrated that CEY-XAFS and HAXPES technique are the powerful tools for investigation of oxidation states of the copper surface buried under the phenolic resin insulating layer.

Sr distribution as proxy for Ca distribution at depth in SXRF analysis of mm‐sized carbonaceous chondrites: Implications for asteroid sample return missions

AbstractReliable identification of chondrules, calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions (CAIs), carbonate grains, and Ca‐phosphate grains at depth within untouched, unprepared chondritic samples by a nondestructive analytical method, such as synchrotron X‐ray fluorescence (SXRF) computed tomography (CT), is an essential first step before intrusive analytical and sample preparation methods are performed. The detection of a local Ca‐enrichment could indicate the presence of such a component, all of which contain Ca as major element and/or Ca‐bearing minerals, allowing it to be precisely located at depth within a sample. However, the depth limitation from which Ca‐K fluorescence can travel through a chondrite sample (e.g., ∼115 µm through material of 1.5 g cm−3) to XRF detectors leaves many Ca‐bearing components undetected at deeper depths. In comparison, Sr‐K lines travel much greater distances (∼1700 µm) through the same sample density and are, thus, detected from much greater depths. Here, we demonstrate a clear, positive, and preferential correlation between Ca and Sr and conclude that Sr‐detection can be used as proxy for the presence of Ca (and, thus, Ca‐bearing components) throughout mm‐sized samples of carbonaceous chondritic material. This has valuable implications, especially for sample return missions from carbonaceous C‐type asteroids, such as Ryugu or Bennu. Reliable localization, identification, and targeted analysis by SXRF of Ca‐bearing chondrules, CAIs, and carbonates at depth within untouched, unprepared samples in the initial stages of a multianalysis investigation insures the valuable information they hold of pre‐ and post‐accretion processes in the early solar system is neither corrupted nor destroyed in subsequent processing and analyses.

Qualitative Characterization of Astringent and De-astringed Intact ‘Xichu’ Persimmon Fruit Using VIS/SWNIR and Chemometrics

Astringency removal is considered as a key process before commercialize persimmon cv. ‘Xichu’, due to its high content of soluble tannins. Application of carbon dioxide treatment effective in removing astringency and widely used as a commercial postharvest practice for astringent persimmon fruit. The aim of this research is study to the application of visible and shortwave near infrared (VIS/SWNIR) spectroscopy in the spectral data of 400-1100 nm to discriminate astringent (A) and de-astringed (DA) fruit non-destructively based on the sensorial perception as 0.10% soluble tannin of fresh weight. The highest classifi cation accuracy score was obtained from QDA model combined with 2D preprocessing technique as 98.99% in the external validation set. Therefore, the results obtained in this study can be considered as a non-destructive analytical method to monitoring the effectiveness of the astringency removal treatment in ‘Xichu’ persimmon fruit.