Permanent Marker Research Articles

Metabolism gene expression in worker honey bees after exposure to 50Hz electric field - semi-field analysis

The investigation of the effects of artificial 50 Hz electric field (E-field) frequency on Apis mellifera is a relatively new field of research. Since the current literature focuses mainly on short-term effects, it is unknown whether E-fields have permanent effects on bees or whether their effects can be neutralized. In this study we assessed gene expression immediately after exposure to the E-field, as well as 7 days after exposure. The aim of this work was to identify potentially dysregulated gene transcripts in honey bees that correlate with exposure time and duration to E-fields.Newly emerged bees were marked daily with a permanent marker (one color for each group). Then bees were exposed to the 50 Hz E-field with an intensity of 5.0 kV/m or 10.0 kV/m for 1–3 h. After exposure, half of the bees were analyzed for gene expression changes. The other half were transferred to a colony kept in a mini-hive. After 7 days, marked bees were collected from the mini-hive for further analysis. Six regulated transcripts were selected of transcripts involved in oxidative phosphorylation (COX5a) and transcripts involved in endocrine functions (HBG-3, ILP-1), mitochondrial inner membrane transport (TIM10), and aging (mRPL18, mRPS30).Our study showed that in Apis mellifera the expression of selected genes is altered in different ways after exposure to 50 Hz electric fields -. Most of those expression changes in Cox5a, mRPL18, mRPS30, and HGB3, were measurable 7 days after a 1–3 h exposure. These results indicate that some E-field effects may be long-term effects on honey bees due to E-field exposure, and they can be observed 7 days after exposure.

Evaluation of Sylhet sadar upazila's geological formation for groundwater availability

There is sparse of hydrogeological data and insufficient knowledge in many areas of the country reliant on groundwater. Given the exponential expansion in groundwater consumption in recent years, it is imperative to comprehend how groundwater reservoirs respond to both natural and anthropogenic situations. Because of its extensive and unequal distribution, groundwater must be carefully studied in some locations to preserve this precious resource. This study was carried out to evaluate and assess the geological formation and some relevant parameters to enrich the geotechnical information of the study area for future use of groundwater. The soil samples used for the study were obtained from 8 SPT boreholes at 0 to 800 ft.depth at various work stations by percussion drilling method and all laboratory tests were conducted by BS 1377. Drilled soil sample with water was collected in a Polythene bag with a permanent marker pen at 20 ft.intervals of the drilling layer to perform a sieve analysis test. Percentage fines decreased with an increase in boring depth and curves were closely packed homogeneity. The quantity of free silt and clay progressively reduced and coarsen materials were formed with the increase in boring depth. Results show that soil particle sizes increase with boringdepth up to the upper surface of it. However, the area is suitable in terms of groundwater availability.

Effectiveness of UV-Visible Spectroscopy (with Multi-Mode Plate Reader) and ATR-FTIR for the Discrimination of Black Marker Inks

In the ambit of Forensic examination of the questioned documents, writing instruments often serve as an essential tool in disclosing the legitimacy of a document. In the present study, a total of 18 marker samples including 9 permanent and 9 whiteboard (commonly known as dry erase) markers of black color of different brands were purchased from the local market of district Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India. UV-Visible spectroscopy with Multi-Mode Plate Reader and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy were used for the discrimination of samples. In the case of permanent marker inks, peaks near 390-405 nm and at 570-585 nm were found to be more prominent and differentiating than that of the whiteboard marker inks. Qualitative comparative analysis of the permanent and the whiteboard black marker ink samples showed 97.2% and 91.6% DP respectively based on their UV-Vis. spectral responses. FTIR spectroscopy of whiteboard markers confirmed the presence of characteristic peak at 1743 cm-1 (C=O stretch) together with a doublet in the region 2920-2850 cm-1 corresponding to asymmetric and symmetric C-H stretch in almost all the whiteboard marker inks, whereas in case of permanent marker inks the former peak 1743 cm-1 was completely absent and the later appeared as a single peak around 2900 cm-1. The results obtained from ATR-FTIR was analyzed using multivariate techniques such as PCA and DFA. PCA was used for the segregation of samples into different groups, whereas DFA was used for the discrimination and classification of marker ink samples. DFA provided a correct classification of 88.9% of the marker ink samples analyzed by FTIR. It is concluded that Multi Mode Plate Reader can be used as a substantial tool for the discrimination of marker inks and was found to be fast and cost effective with high throughput. Moreover, ATR-FTIR results gave some additional information related to the chemical composition of the samples and provided better discrimination when coupled with chemometrics.

Dual-channel foldable microfluidic paper-based parallel enzymatic reaction systems for simultaneous visual colorimetric detecting acetylcholinesterase and α-glucosidase together with screening inhibitors

On-site multi-enzymes detection and inhibitors screening are still challenging and particularly urgent. Here, dual-channel foldable microfluidic paper (μPAD)-based parallel enzymatic reaction systems were fabricated for simultaneous visual colorimetric detecting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and α-glucosidase (α-Glu) together with screening inhibitors. μPAD composing of two layers with dual channels was designed and prepared facilely by a permanent marker. AChE and α-Glu catalyze pre-loaded substrates into products (thiocholine (TCh), ascorbic acid (AA)) on the 1st layer. Parallelly, oxidase-like MnO2 nanosheets oxidize pre-dropped colorless 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to blue oxidized TMB (oxTMB) on the 2nd layer. After simple folding μPAD, TCh and AA can reduce oxTMB to TMB, resulting in color fading. Obviously, bioenzyme and nanozyme reactions under different pH can simultaneously occur on the μPAD. Furthermore, colorimetric results can be easily captured and on-site quantitatively analyzed by smartphone. As a result, a convenient, efficient, sensitive, and specific platform has been constructed for simultaneous detecting AChE and α-Glu in human serum samples (recoveries, 92.1–105.0%; relative standard deviations, < 3.6%), and screening inhibitors from synthesized compounds and natural products. The developed platform provides constructive insights for exploitation of visual detecting strategies for simultaneous sensing muti-targets for point-of-care testing of disease and development of drugs.

Air-polishing technology is an effective alternative chairside method for cleaning dentures.

To investigate the efficiency and abrasiveness of air-polishing on different types of denture base acrylic resins and whether air-polishing can be an effective technique to clean dentures chairside. A total of 60 specimens were prepared (n = 20/group); heat-polymerized polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) (G1), subtractive manufacturing (SM) (G2) and additive manufacturing (AM) denture base resins (G3). Equal number of specimens in each group were stained with permanent marker or nail polish and pumice mixture to mimic calcified biofilm. All specimens were treated using EMS Airflow® Prophylaxis Master with two different powders; erythritol or sodium bicarbonate powder, following manufacturer instructions. Efficacy of the powders and surface roughness of the specimens were measured. Scanning electron microscopy imaging was captured for qualitative observation. The highest efficacy for stain removal was found in erythritol powder on G1 (98.06% ± 1.304%). The lowest was found in the erythritol powder on G3 (91.83% ± 3.611%). The highest efficacy for biofilm removal was found in sodium bicarbonate powder on G3 (71.49% ± 8.607%), and the lowest was found in erythritol powder on G2 (11.64% ± 4.68%). Only AM resins had statistically significant increases in surface roughness with the use of erythritol powder (p < 0.001). The use of sodium bicarbonate powder significantly increases surface roughness of heat-polymerized (p < 0.025) and AM resins (p < 0.724). Air-polishing technology has shown to be effective and suitable for cleaning dentures. The sodium bicarbonate powder showed superior efficacy in cleaning dentures compared to the erythritol powder. Both powders show varyingly increase roughness depending on denture resin.

Impact of the formal and informal institutions on the performance of Indian mining companies: A fuzzy set QCA analysis

The extractive industry is marred with a permanent marker of being anti-stakeholders. The current shift of focus upon stakeholder salience, welfare, and collaboration has provided favourable results to extractive companies. Although similar in terms of nature of ownership, geography, and scale of operations, there's a stark contrast in the performances of the state-owned coal mining companies in India. The article wishes to explicate the subtle reasons for variances in the performances of two neighbouring and similar coal mining giants in India through an institutional analysis. The inductive study collects data from the field (25 interviews). Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) of 12 mines reveals the contrasting causal pathways explaining the impacts of formal and informal institutions on mining companies' outcomes and productivities. The study showed that the lack of generalized trust and generally high levels of corruption around the mining operations provides space for parallel institutions like the mining mafia to gain legitimacy, thus hampering the productivity of the State-owned mining companies.

Anatomical Side Marker Use in Digital Radiography at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) of Lusaka, Zambia

Background: All general radiographic images must always display a correct permanent anatomical side marker (ASM). However, literature reports a decline in the use of permanent ASMs in digital radiography (DR). The ASM has been reported as one of the most common sources of error in radiography of which some have resulted in performing wrong-site surgery and treatment. Since the installation of a DR X-ray machine in 2015 at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) no research or audit has been conducted on this subject. Aim: This study aimed at auditing the use of ASMs in digital radiography (DR) and identifying the barriers to the use of permanent ASMs at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) of Lusaka, Zambia. Methodology: This study was conducted in two phases. The first phase involved a retrospective auditing of the use of ASMs in DR with a sample of 290 radiographic images. Data were collected using a checklist. The second phase was aimed at identifying the barriers to the use of permanent ASMs and suggestions to overcome them. Data were collected using an online questionnaire. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, whilst qualitative data from open-ended questions were analysed using content analysis. Results: In the first phase, all the audited images N=290 (100.0%) had electronic (digital) ASMs and were placed on the correct anatomical side (right or left). However, no image had a permanent ASM. A total of N=45 (18.8%) images had ASMs that obscured the anatomy. In the second phase, a total of N=20 (46.0%) respondents agreed that they do not always use permanent ASMs because of a lack of ASMs, increased workload, and time-consuming. Conclusion: This study revealed the non-use of permanent ASMs by radiographers and radiography students. The purchasing of permanent ASMs and delivery of educational awareness programme is recommended as well as frequent auditing.

Динамика В-лимфоцитов и уровень экспрессии CD20-рецептора в процессе экспериментального лейкоза овец

CD20 is a permanent marker of almost all stages of B-lymphocyte differentiation, with the exception of pro-B cells and plasma cells. The role and functions of this protein are not fully understood today, but it is known that it performs the functions of a calcium channel in cooperation with BCR to regulate all-important processes of B-lymphocytes: from proliferation and differentiation to antibody synthesis. Currently, insufficient attention is paid to the study of the CD20 receptor in the process of chronic viral diseases, although in medicine this molecule is used as an important component in the diagnosis of leukemia’s of various types. This study was aimed at studying the dynamics of B- lymphocytes and the expression level of CD20 receptors after experimental infection with bovine leukemia virus. The data obtained showed that the study of CD20 lymphocytes and CD20 receptor expression levels might be important in the diagnosis of leukemia, as well as be an additional criterion in the study of immune status in long-term chronic infections.

The effect of radiation dose on CBCT measurements of maxillary gingival thickness

Purposes: 1. to measure Gingival Thickness (GT) both directly and with CBCT using various exposure times, and compare them. 2. to compare hard tissue measurements between different exposure times within each CBCT system. The study hypothesis was that accuracy of CBCT GT measurement is impaired when reducing exposure time. Methods: 8 fresh pig maxillae were utilized for each of two CBCT scan systems (SysA and SysB). Eight disposable dental needles were inserted into the gingival tissue of each jaw until reaching resistance from the underlying bone. A mark on each needle at its entrance point into the soft tissue was created using a permanent marker. Jaws were scanned twice, using low (RadL) and high (RadH) exposure times. The needles were extruded, and an electronic caliper was used to measure the length of the penetrated portion of the needle in mm (Cli). Radiographic GT was measured on cross sectional images, produced in the axial direcion of the 3D location of the needles (Rad) in two software systems (R and I). Descriptive statistics, t-test and ANOVA were performed. Significance was set at 5%. Results: Software I mean Cli was 2.22mm ± 0.54mm, RadL and RadH were 2.34mm ± 0.47mm and 2.34mm ± 0.52mm. Software R RadL and RadH were 2.16mm ± 0.50mm and 2.23mm ± 0.49mm, respectively. Using pairwise comparisons, both soft and hard tissue RadL and RadH were not statistically different. There was a good correlation between clinical and radiographic measurements of gingival thickness and essentially no significant difference between higher and lower radiation doses. Conclusions: Reducing CBCT radiation may be possible without affecting accuracy of radiographic gingival thickness measurements , thus opening the way to a wider utilization of CBCT in dentistry. Clinical relevance: Reducing radiation dose may enable a wider utilization of CBCT in dentistry.

A Simple, Improved Method for Scarless Genome Editing of Budding Yeast Using CRISPR-Cas9.

Until recently, the favored method for making directed modifications to the budding yeast genome involved the introduction of a DNA template carrying the desired genetic changes along with a selectable marker, flanked by homology arms. This approach both limited the ability to make changes within genes due to disruption by the introduced selectable marker and prevented the use of that selectable marker for subsequent genomic manipulations. Following the discovery of CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome editing, protocols were developed for modifying any DNA region of interest in a similar single transformation step without the need for a permanent selectable marker. This approach involves the generation of a DNA double-strand break (DSB) at the desired genomic location by the Cas9 nuclease, expressed on a plasmid which also expresses the guide RNA (gRNA) sequence directing the location of the DSB. The DSB is subsequently repaired via homologous recombination using a PCR-derived DNA repair template. Here, we describe in detail an improved method for incorporation of the gRNA-encoding DNA sequences into the Cas9 expression plasmid. Using Golden Gate cloning, annealed oligonucleotides bearing unique single-strand DNA overhangs are ligated into directional restriction enzyme sites. We describe the use of this CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing protocol to introduce multiple types of directed genetic changes into the yeast genome.

Otherwise Possibility

Otherwise Possibility Ashon Crawley (bio) Click for larger view View full resolution dancing in one spot (number 8), 2017. Pigment powder, acrylic paint on paper, 30 × 44 in. All images courtesy of the artist. [End Page 18] learning about life and love in the spiritual space of Blackpentecostalism, I was able to sense the world by paying attention to how my flesh felt. We sang songs loudly. We shouted hard. We spoke in tongues. The flesh was the conduit through which praise and worship happened. But the flesh was also a site to control, a site that was always available to sinfulness. The doctrine about queerness as beyond the scope of possible joy and holiness is a doctrine I had to reconcile and eventually contest. For my visual arts practice, I use choreography to paint, hand clapping to splatter. I use voice to sing and make music. I listen to recorded church services, clap and dance and play the tambourine to the rhythm of the sounds and music with paint on my hands or feet. I use paint, ink and canvas, paper and other surfaces to visualize that which remains after my body moves to the sound of the music and of praise, to more fully consider residue—lingering—that escapes capture. My art practice lets me think about the ways the religious, as a conceptual domain and field of thought, has sequestered particular kinds of meditative, transformative, collective modes of existence, reflection, behavior. With audiovisual practices, I have occasion to think about hiddenness, about the practice of composing and constructing, of putting ideas and concepts and colors and sounds together—and taking them apart. When she was alive, Nancy Ambrose, grandmother of mystic thinker Howard Thurman, vowed that if she ever became literate, she would refuse to read biblical passages by Saint Paul because his words were used against enslaved people. Though illiterate, she created her own canon, and engaged in critical reading practices of the text. She made art, practiced otherwise possibility, by engaging critical erasure, contending with the architecture of racist thought. She unsettled scripture, made it contingent. My work is an attempt toward a similar kind of process, a similar kind of thinking, using texture and color and choreography and voice. I attempt to honor traditions of my emergence while thinking and feeling with and against it. Whether writing, sound performance, visual art, augmented reality, light sculpture, or action painting, the work is about exploring versions of the same, the same with difference, otherwise possibility. [End Page 19] Click for larger view View full resolution yes. surrender. bloom. (number 4), 2020. Acrylic paint, oil paint, spray paint, flowers on canvas, 24 × 36 in. [End Page 20] Click for larger view View full resolution thy word have i hidden in my heart (number 2), 2020. Acrylic ink, acrylic paint, scripture text, permanent marker on vellum, 8.5 × 11 in. [End Page 21] Click for larger view View full resolution i did not not know i could be beautiful (number 7), 2021. Acrylic paint, acrylic ink, polyester film, pigment powder, dyed hymns on watercolor paper, 30 × 44 in. [End Page 22] Click for larger view View full resolution i will fear no evil (number 1), 2019. Acrylic paint, markers, plaster, thread on canvas, 24 × 30 in. [End Page 23] Click for larger view View full resolution i did not know i could be beautiful (number 4), 2019. Acrylic paint, markers, plaster, thread on canvas, 24 × 30 in. [End Page 24] Click for larger view View full resolution i did not know i could be beautiful (number 5), 2021. Acrylic paint, acrylic ink, polyester film, pigment powder, dyed hymns on watercolor paper, 30 x 44 in. [End Page 25] Click for larger view View full resolution i did not know i could be beautiful (number 1), 2021. Acrylic paint, alcohol ink, digital print, decorative paper, moroccan pigment powder on watercolor paper, 20 x 20 in. [End Page 26] Click for larger view View full resolution the sound of blackpentecostal noise grows flowers, is floral (number 8), 2021. Acrylic paint, alcohol ink, tambourine jingles on yupo paper, 26 x 40 in. [End Page 27] Click for larger view View full...

Eliminating tattoos for short course palliative radiation therapy: Set-up error, satisfaction and cost

PurposePalliative patients are living longer thanks to advancements in systemic therapies and radiotherapy technologies. Prior to image guided radiotherapy, permanent ink tattoos were used to ensure set up accuracy. Permanent marks can cause psychological damage, physical pain and can reduce a patient’s quality of life. In recent years, image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) has become standard practice and may eliminate the need for permanent tattoos in this patient population. MethodsTwenty-five patients were consecutively chosen from the Palliative Radiation Oncology Program (PROP). Each received 5 fractions of radiotherapy commencing within 72 hours of CT simulation. In place of permanent tattoos, patients were marked with permanent marker and an adherent transparent film dressing (Tegaderm TM ) was placed over the mark. Patients were educated on maintaining the marks and dressing. Daily cone beam CT (CBCT) isocentre mismatch values were compared with 25 patients who received tattoos for radiotherapy to similar body regions. Radiation therapist concerns, cost, variations in isocentre shift values and additional imaging requirements were obtained. ResultsIsocentre shift values were similar (p<0.05) for Tegaderm TM vs. tattoo patients in the anterior-posterior (AP) and right-left (RL) directions. The mean shift value in the superior-inferior (SI) direction was larger for Tegaderm TM than for tattoos (p=0.01), however the magnitude was only 2 mm, which is clinically insignificant as these shifts were prior to IGRT guided correction. No patient required a repeat CBCT or a resimulation. The cost of the Tegaderm TM dressing was substantially less than the tattoo group. Radiation Therapists' satifaction with Tegaderm TM was overall high, however some expressed concerns with their durability and longevity. ConclusionsWe found that the use of Tegaderm TM dressing did not result in increased set-up time, mismatch error or additional imaging procedures (CBCT or CTsimulation) and moreover cost substantially less than permanent ink tattoos.

Imaging characteristics, and long term outcomes of surgical management for pannus overgrowth after mechanical aortic valve replacement

Background: Endocardial proliferation or pannus is uncommon after aortic valve replacement. This study aimed to determine the imaging characteristics, the risk factors and evaluate the long-term results of surgical treatment for these patients.&#x0D; Material and methods: a retrospective review of patients with confirmed intraoperative pannus diagnosis following mechanical aortic replacement.&#x0D; Results: There have 102 patients (mean age 48 and 71 women) who were re-operated for pannus. The image of “pannus” seen on echocardiography and valve dysfunction on fluoroscopy is positive in over 90% of cases. Female sex (OR=2.1, P=0.01) and both aortic and mitral valve replacement at first surgery (OR=2.98; P = 0.001) have a higher risk of pannus. Surgical procedures included pannus resection only or aortic replacement with a new valve and resect pannus or resect pannus, aortic replacement with aortic annulus enlargement. 30-day mortality was 1 case; atrioventricular block required permanent pace marker: 2 cases. The mean follow-up time for the second operation was 55.3 ± 48.8 months (2 cases lost of follow-up), recurrent pannus occurred in 5 cases, and no late death.&#x0D; Conclusion: The female patients and previously aortic combined with mitral replacement are a risks factor for pannus. Echocardiography combined with fluoroscopy could be identified as the diagnosis of pannus. The long-term outcomes of surgery for pannus are very good. Completely resect the pannus and replace it with the new valve is the method of choice instead of simply resecting the pannus to prevent recurrent pannus.

Use of a Camera Trap to Monitor Male Mating Territories of the Imperiled Callophrys irus (Lycaenidae)

Camera trap technology is now commonly used to monitor rare and cryptic species of animals. In this study, we present the first use of a camera trap to monitor the imperiled frosted elfin (Callophrys irus Godart). We placed camera traps at two male mating territories (hereafter, ‘territory’) in north Florida 25 m apart to determine 1) the efficacy of camera traps for use in determining C. irus occupancy and 2) if camera traps can be used to monitor presence of individuals within territories. We marked 15 C. irus, seven females and eight males using a colored permanent marker to identify individuals in and around two territories. After 28.9 and 30.2 trap hours across six days, only one camera detected C. irus. This camera recorded 125 instances where C. irus continually remained within range of the camera trap. Of these, 31 observations included marked individuals, 41 events contained unmarked individuals, and 53 events contained C. irus that were unable to be verified as marked or not. Individuals remained within view of the camera for an average of 95.2 seconds (± 13.93 SE). Of 15 color-marked C. irus, two were observed via camera trap, two by human observers, and one by both camera and human observer. The mean Euclidean distance of resighted individuals was 110.25m (range: 16.4–207.08 m; number of resights ranged from 1–5). This evidence suggests that cameras are unlikely to capture all C. irus activity at a patch due to their limited field of view. Human observers therefore may be necessary to augment monitoring of host plant patches. However, the utility of camera traps demonstrated here offers a valuable tool in C. irus monitoring.

Monumental upheavals: Unsettled fates of the Captain Cook statue and other colonial monuments in Australia

Monuments and statues are forms of commemoration. They typically pay tribute to people or events and aim to serve as a permanent marker, a link between present and past generations, committing them to memory and assigning them with importance and meaning. While commemorations can be beneficial in terms of recognising a legacy of the past and helping foster relationships between opposing groups, they can also be divisive and painful, failing to acknowledge other dimensions of historical fact and further hardening the boundaries between groups in conflict. Essentially, what we choose to commemorate reflects what we as a society actually value. This paper focuses on the unsettled fates of the Captain Cook statue that stands with prominence in Hyde Park, Warrane, and other colonial monuments in Australia. It also discusses the emotionality surrounding such commemorations. We question whether Cook’s actual achievements constitute the notoriety that has been bestowed upon him. A range of commentators have put forward ideas around what to do about the Cook statue which we discuss while also considering what the future might look like if the truth of colonial history is known and open conversations can be had.

Design and optimization of an experimental maintenance system for yellow clam broodstock Amarilladesma mactroides (Reeve, 1854).

The yellow clam is a sand-burrowing bivalve that inhabits the dissipative beaches from southern Brazil to the north coast of Argentina. In the last decades, populations of this species have been impacted by mass mortality events, overfishing and other anthropogenic activities. The production of juveniles in captivity would allow feasibility studies to be carried out to restore the natural stock as well as the production in aquaculture systems. Given the scarcity of studies on the maintenance of this species in captivity, a culture system and a management protocol were developed and tested. Wild-caught clams (total length ≥50 mm) were used in a series of 14 day-long trials. Survival was higher in clams that were allowed to bury into the sand. A permanent ink marker covered with a thin layer of a quick-hardening adhesive proved to be a reliable method to tag clams. The maintenance of yellow clams in this system resulted in high survival and growth, increases in the condition factor and oocyte diameter, and a relative advancement of gonadal development.

Obtaining the effective gripper dimensions for a kiwifruit harvesting robot using kinematic calibration procedures

PurposeA harvesting robot is developed as part of kiwifruit industry automation in New Zealand. This kiwifruit harvester is currently not economically viable, as it drops and damages too many kiwifruit in the harvesting task due to the positional inaccuracy of the gripper. This is due to the difficulties in measuring the exact effective dimensions of the gripper from the manipulator. The purpose of this study is to obtain the effective gripper dimensions using kinematic calibration procedures.Design/methodology/approachA setup of a constraint plate with a dial gauge is proposed to acquire the calibration data. The constraint plate is positioned above the robot. The data is obtained by using a dial gauge and a permanent marker. The effective dimensions of the gripper are used as error parameters in the calibration process. Calibration is exercised by minimizing the difference between target positions and measured positions iteratively.FindingsThe robot with the obtained effective dimensions is tested in the field. It is found that the fruit drops due to positional inaccuracy of the gripper are greatly reduced after calibration.Practical implicationsThe kiwifruit industry in New Zealand is growing rapidly and announced plans in 2017 to double global sales by 2025. This growth will put extra pressure on the labour supply for harvesting. Furthermore, the Covid pandemic and resulting border restrictions have dramatically reduced seasonal imported labour availability. A robotic system is a potential solution to address the labour shortages for harvesting kiwifruit.Originality/valueFor kiwifruit harvesting, the picking envelope is well above the robot; the experimental data points obtained by placing a constraint plate above the robot are at similar positions to the target positions of kiwifruit. Using this set of data points for calibration yields a good effect of obtaining the effective dimension of the gripper, which reduces the positional inaccuracy as shown in the field test results.

Dual-excitation in-lab-made device based on a handy UV lamp and GQDs-modified PADs for simultaneous determination of acetaminophen and its endocrine disrupting impurity 4-nitrophenol

In this study, we first propose novel and intelligent strategies for simultaneous estimation of acetaminophen (AC) and its potential toxic impurity 4-nitrophenol (NP) using an in-lab-made device as well as a benchtop fluorometry technique. The developed approaches depend on the dual-excitation of fluorescent graphene quantum dots (GQDs) at 240 and 350 nm, and measurement of the characteristic emission at 440 nm. AC efficiently quenches the fluorescence of GQDs when excited at 240 nm, while NP quenches the fluorescence of GQDs when excited at 350 nm. The mechanism involved in the quenching has been established to be the inner filter effect via absorption of the incident excitation light by the quenchers. An in-lab-made device that integrates a dual-wavelength handy UV lamp and a GQDs modified paper-based analytical device (PAD) confined with a permanent ink marker has been developed. Imaging of the PAD was performed by a smartphone, and image processing permitted the selective estimation of AC and NP. This technique offers an affordable, easily fabricated, and widely accessible device for application in limited-resources laboratories. The benchtop approach permitted the determination of AC and NP over the range of 0.1–20 and 0.1–2.0 µg/mL, while the in-lab-made device approach allowed AC and NP determination within the ranges of 0.04–6.0 and 0.04–2.0 µg/detection zone, respectively. The two approaches have been successfully validated for the estimation of AC and NP in pharmaceutical preparations. The proposed strategies are the first to utilize a single nanomaterial for simultaneous analysis of two analytes adapting the dual excitation technique.

The Pen Is Milder Than the Blade: Identification Marking Mice Using Ink on the Tail Appears More Humane Than Ear-Punching Even with Local Anaesthetic.

Simple SummaryLaboratory mice often look identical, so they are commonly marked by cutting the ear via ear-punching, or marking the tail with permanent marker. Ear-punching is permanent but could be painful, and mice could become stressed by weekly tail-marking, so we compared impacts on mice over 5 weeks. We also explored whether local anaesthetic cream could reduce any ear-punching effects. We found that ear-punching, even with anaesthetic, caused mice to be sniffed and groomed by their cagemates for at least 5 min after marking. Mice ear-punched with anaesthetic also groomed themselves and their ears ~5 times more than tail-marked and control mice. Facial grimacing was most common in the unmarked cagemates of tail-marked mice, and possibly in mice ear-punched with anaesthetic. The next day, mice ear-punched with anaesthetic were significantly less likely to eat unfamiliar food in an anxiety test than tail-marked or control mice. Over 5 weeks, ear-punched mice approached the handler significantly less than unmarked mice did, and tail-marked mice showed reduced defecation during re-marking. Other behaviour, bodyweight, and corticosterone showed no treatment effects. This suggests ear-punching caused some signs of pain and anxiety, and anaesthetic did not help. Tail-marking appeared more humane, showing no differences from the controls.Identification marking mice commonly involves ear-punching with or without anaesthetic, or tail-marking with ink. To identify which is most humane, we marked weanling male BALB/c mice using ear-punching (EP), ear-punching with anaesthetic EMLATM cream (EP+A), or permanent marker pen (MP). We compared marked mice, unmarked cagemates, and control mice (n = 12–13/group) for 5 weeks, reapplying MP weekly. Treatment-blind observations following marking showed that EP and EP+A mice were allogroomed (p < 0.001) and sniffed (p < 0.001) by their cagemates more than MP and control mice were. EP+A mice groomed themselves (p < 0.001) and their ears (p < 0.001) ~5 times more than most other mice; their cagemates also increased self-grooming (p < 0.001). Unmarked MP cagemates (p = 0.001), and possibly EP+A mice (p = 0.034; a nonsignificant trend), grimaced the most. The following day, half the EP+A mice showed hyponeophagia versus no MP and control mice (p = 0.001). Over the 5 weeks, EP mice approached the handler significantly less than unmarked cagemates did (p < 0.001). Across weeks, defecation during marking of MP mice decreased (p < 0.001). Treatment showed no effects on immediate responses during marking, aggression, bodyweight, plus-maze behaviour or corticosterone. MP mice showed no differences from controls, whilst EP and EP+A mice showed altered behaviour, so ink-marking may be the more humane identification method.

Do-It-Yourself Preoperative High-Resolution Ultrasound-Guided Flap Design of the Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap (SCIP).

The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap is a well-documented, thin, free tissue flap with a minimal donor site morbidity, and has the potential to become the new method for resurfacing moderate-size skin defects. The aim of this study is to describe an easy, reliable, systematic, and standardized approach for preoperative SCIP flap design and perforator characterization, using color-coded duplex sonography (CCDS). A list of customized settings and a straightforward algorithm are presented, which are easily applied by an operator with minimal experience. Specific settings for SCIP flap perforator evaluation were investigated and tested on 12 patients. Deep and superficial superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA) branches, along with their corresponding perforators and cutaneous veins, were marked individually with a permanent marker and the anatomy was verified intraoperatively. From this, a simplified procedure for preoperative flap design of the SCIP flap was developed. Branches could be localized and evaluated in all patients. A preoperative structured procedure for ultrasonically guided flap design of the SCIP flap is described. A 100% correlation between the number and emergence points of the branches detected by preoperative CCDS mapping and the intraoperative anatomy was found.