Analysis Procedure Research Articles

Experiences of middle managers in transitioning to and managing teams in hybrid work: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to explore the experiences and sense-making of middle managers in transitioning to and implementing hybrid work arrangements.Design/methodology/approachUsing the lens and analytical procedures of interpretative phenomenological analysis, data were collected during the transition time at the tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic as many organizations were navigating the hybrid work setup. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 middle managers from various organizations in the Philippines that have been implementing a hybrid work arrangement for at least 3 months.FindingsFindings illustrate the challenges experienced by the middle managers in facilitating a smooth transition to onsite work, managing adjustments on when and where to work and bridging the imperatives of top management as well as the preferences of team members (managing upward and downward). The results describe strategies used by middle managers to balance deliverables and employee needs while demonstrating compassionate leadership in relating with direct reports. The middle managers also engaged in self-care, used reframing and sought support from family and peers to cope with challenges.Practical implicationsThe findings exemplified how the middle managers experience of transitioning to hybrid work reflect various contextual and cultural nuances. These external realities must be considered in providing support to these groups of employees particularly in developing leadership programs that addresses their social and emotional needs.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the limited research on middle managers' experiences in a hybrid work setup despite their critical role as change agents responsible for leading teams (van Dam et al., 2021).

Correlation between serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and 25-hydroxyvitamin D in response to analytical procedures; a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objectives In this study, the aim is to provide a more detailed understanding of vitamin D metabolism by evaluating the correlation between 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) according to the variations in measurement methods and clinical conditions. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for studies reporting correlation results between 1,25(OH)2D and 25(OH)D. We performed a meta-analysis based on the correlation results of 1,25(OH)2D and 25(OH)D in different clinical conditions. We included a total of 63 studies and our laboratory’s results in the meta-analysis. The studies were categorized into high-quality methods group (HQMG), medium-quality methods group (MQMG), and low-quality methods group (LQMG) based on the 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D measurement. Results In the healthy, renal disease, and other disease groups, the highest correlation values were observed in the studies categorized as HQMG, with values of 0.35 (95 % CI; 0.23–0.48), 0.36 (95 % CI; 0.26–0.42), and 0.36 (95 % CI; 0.22–0.48), respectively. Significant statistical heterogeneity was observed in the healthy, renal disease, and other disease groups, with I2 values of 92.4 , 82.7, and 90.7 %, respectively (p<0.001). Both Funnel plots and the results of Egger’s and Begg’s tests indicated no statistically significant bias across all studies. Conclusions A significantly low correlation was found between 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D. However, higher correlations were found in the studies categorized as HQMG. Various factors, including methodological inadequacies and disparities, might contribute to this. In the future, with more accurate and reproducible measurements of 1,25(OH)2D, a clearer understanding of vitamin D metabolism will be achieved.

Harmonizing tumor mutational burden analysis: Insights from a multicenter study using in silico reference data sets in clinical whole-exome sequencing (WES).

Tumor mutational burden (TMB) is a significant biomarker for predicting immune checkpoint inhibitor response, but the clinical performance of whole-exome sequencing (WES)-based TMB estimation has received less attention compared to panel-based methods. This study aimed to assess the reliability and comparability of WES-based TMB analysis among laboratories under routine testing conditions. A multicenter study was conducted involving 24 laboratories in China using in silico reference data sets. The accuracy and comparability of TMB estimation were evaluated using matched tumor-normal data sets. Factors such as accuracy of variant calls, limit of detection (LOD) of WES test, size of regions of interest (ROIs) used for TMB calculation, and TMB cutoff points were analyzed. The laboratories consistently underestimated the expected TMB scores in matched tumor-normal samples, with only 50% falling within the ±30% TMB interval. Samples with low TMB score (<2.5) received the consensus interpretation. Accuracy of variant calls, LOD of the WES test, ROI, and TMB cutoff points were important factors causing interlaboratory deviations. This study highlights real-world challenges in WES-based TMB analysis that need to be improved and optimized. This research will aid in the selection of more reasonable analytical procedures to minimize potential methodologic biases in estimating TMB in clinical exome sequencing tests. Harmonizing TMB estimation in clinical testing conditions is crucial for accurately evaluating patients' response to immunotherapy.

The impact of preanalytical variables on the analysis of cell-free DNA from blood and urine samples

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA), a burgeoning class of molecular biomarkers, has been extensively studied across a variety of biomedical fields. As a key component of liquid biopsy, cfDNA testing is gaining prominence in disease detection and management due to the convenience of sample collection and the abundant wealth of genetic information it provides. However, the broader clinical application of cfDNA is currently impeded by a lack of standardization in the preanalytical procedures for cfDNA analysis. A number of fundamental challenges, including the selection of appropriate preanalytical procedures, prevention of short cfDNA fragment loss, and the validation of various cfDNA measurement methods, remain unaddressed. These existing hurdles lead to difficulties in comparing results and ensuring repeatability, thereby undermining the reliability of cfDNA analysis in clinical settings. This review discusses the crucial preanalytical factors that influence cfDNA analysis outcomes, including sample collection, transportation, temporary storage, processing, extraction, quality control, and long-term storage. The review provides clarification on achievable consensus and offers an analysis of the current issues with the goal of standardizing preanalytical procedures for cfDNA analysis.

Time varying reliability analysis of corroded gas pipelines using copula and importance sampling

Ensuring the safety of gas pipelines is crucial for the reliable and efficient transportation of natural gas. This study introduces a methodology for evaluating the time-varying reliability of corroded gas pipelines. The proposed approach employs both importance sampling and copula theory to effectively address the uncertainties associated with random variables involved and provide efficient estimates of failure probability. Small leak and burst failure modes are specifically investigated within this study. The methodology first establishes a step-by-step procedure for analysis. Subsequently, the study investigates the failure probability of corroded gas pipelines, taking into account both small leak and burst failures, under scenarios involving single and multiple defects. Furthermore, the study examines the influence of correlation strength and dependence structure among the involved random variables using the copula theory. Additionally, the generation of newly formed defects is thoroughly investigated, along with its impact on failure probability. Numerical examples are provided to evaluate the performance of the proposed methodology, comparing it with the benchmark failure probability estimated through Monte Carlo simulation. The results validate the precision and efficiency of the proposed methodology, while offering practical and insightful suggestions for reliability analysis of real-world gas pipelines.

Lived experiences of matrilocal husbands in Filipino marriage patterns: a phenomenological inquiry

Marriage exists to bring a man and a woman together as husband and wife. Hence, determining a community's rules or rules of residence in marriage has long been established as an essential requirement in understanding the social system. Moreover, in-residence practices are the first family pattern to exhibit change and cause subsequent change; thus, they warrant attention. Meanwhile, when couples marry, they usually live in or near the home of the man's parents. However, sometimes, this wasn't practiced because of the preeminence of the bride's family. Hence, unlike the more common patrilocal marriage, the groom resides with the bride's parents. A phenomenological qualitative study was utilized to understand the lived experiences of matrilocal husbands in Filipino marriage patterns. The researcher identified four major themes from the transcripts using Colaizzi's phenomenological data analysis procedure. Reasons for becoming a matrilocal husband are primarily based on the socioeconomic status of the couple. The participants expressed that there were moments of self-adjustment and set-aside decisions. They expressed a need to socialize, particularly with his in-laws. This study can be used for policy-making, specifically for the local government unit, to extend activities to cater to the personal, social, and psychological impacts of being a matrilocal husband. It can also be integrated into gender and society courses in college.

Environmental Influences on the Drying Rate of Spray Applied Disinfestants from Horticultural Production Surfaces

Drying rates of disinfestants commonly applied to horticultural plant production surfaces were evaluated under cool to hot weather and under laboratory conditions to characterize the range of drying times and how this relates to contact times specified on product labels. Drying rates of six disinfestants [isopropyl alcohol (IPA), two quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), two peroxygen compounds (PXs), sodium hypochlorite (bleach)] and water were evaluated when applied to six substrate materials (concrete, galvanized metal, polypropylene ground fabric, polyethylene plastic sheet, pressure-treated pine, and twin-wall clear polycarbonate) based on the weather variables of solar radiation, temperature, and relative humidity. Differences were evident at the point of application. Disinfestants with low (IPA, both QACs and one PX) and high (bleach, one PX and water) surface tension provided approximately 100% and 60% coverage, respectively, when applied to horizontal, non-porous solid materials. Disinfestants applied to horizontal porous materials (concrete, fabric and wood) persisted on the surface for a mean of only 9 to 113 sec because solutions were actively drawn into the substrates internal structure. Disinfestants applied to vertical twin-wall greenhouse material flowed off, while retaining only a maximum beaded wetness coverage of 14%. A Bayesian analysis procedure was used to model drying effects of disinfestants correlated with substrate and weather variables based on posterior marginal and prediction trends. Generally, the fastest drying rate occurred in the first 2.5 min, and approximately 50% of coverage was retained by 5 min. The evaporative process was variable with distinct interactions occurring among the experimental variables.

The Impact of Oil Prices on the Import of Capital Goods in Azerbaijan

The article studies theoretical and practical aspects of the oil prices impact on the import of capital goods in an oil-exporting country. Based on the two-step Engel-Granger procedure for cointegration analysis, the relationship between the real volume of imported capital goods per capita and the real price of Azeri light oil is examined. It has been determined that the real volume of imported capital goods per capita is highly dependent on the oil price, and the volatility of the oil price also affects the volatility of imports of capital goods. This also shows that investment activity in the country depends on oil prices. Therefore, it is necessary to spend oil revenues, regardless of oil prices, depending on the economic development goals and to pursue policies to transform oil revenues into stable growth factors.

Fast, accessible and reliable method for elemental analysis of metals in solution by ED-XRF spectroscopy

The measurement of metals in solution is usually performed using inductive coupled plasma hyphenated techniques or atomic absorption. Although very sensitive and accurate, these analytical techniques are quite expensive and do not allow field measurements. The present work takes advantage of energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) ease-of-use features to determine the concentration of rare earth elements (Y, Pr, Nd, Eu) and others (S, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn) in aqueous solutions, after appropriate sample treatment. The approach turned out to be a reliable and very convenient procedure for field analysis. The simplicity, speed and reliability of the methodology used combined with the possibility of simultaneous analysis and low cost of the method can be advantageous in industrial context. The approach relies on the suspension of the target solutions in a cellulose matrix that is further converted into a pellet for direct analysis. Calibration curves obtained by regression analysis at 5% significance are shown for a variety of elements (S, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Y, Pr, Nd, Eu) with correlation coefficients between 0.9555 and 0.9980. Higher coefficients of variance were obtained for the calibration of S and Pr due to low sensitivity and the overlapping with the L lines of Nd, respectively. The performed calibrations were not affected by the presence of other analytes in the matrix. Results obtained showed that it is possible to use the proposed methodology to accurately quantify d and f block metals in aqueous solutions by ED-XRF after sequestering the chemical content into a cellulose powder matrix and further processing into a pellet.Graphical

Unveiling the Attractiveness of Urban Destinations in the Context of Cuisine

The efforts to diversify and extend the tourism season to 12 months continue unabated with new approaches and strategies. This issue is of greater importance for countries where tourism is pivotal to the growth of the economy. One approach to achieve this is through urban tourism and its popularity is increasing rapidly. Although tourism has a significant impact on the Turkish economy, the country is widely known for sea-sand-sun tourism. However, research on how this can be transformed into urban tourism especially from the perspective of cuisines is still needed. This current study focuses on the narratives of tourists visiting Istanbul, Turkey's mega-city as well as an important urban destination. A qualitative research approach is adopted, and a document analysis technique is employed in the study. Tripadvisor user entries, commonly used in scientific research, are used as a data source. Data analyses are performed following a three-step analysis procedure with the qualitative analysis software MAXQDA. The analysis covers a total of 450 entries. The results of the present study introduce a series of key projections for the scientific literature, practitioners, and administrators.

Effect of Goat Dung, Saboak and Corn Cobs Charcoal Mixture on the Physicochemical Properties of Biochar Briquettes

The experiment goals to investigate the physicochemical properties of biochar briquette mixed of goat dung, saboak shell and corn cob charcoal. Research used a completely randomized design with 4 different treatments were: P1 = 25% of goat dung + 75% saboak shell charcoal; P2 = 25% of goat dung + 50% saboak shell + 25% corn cob charcoal; P3 = 25% of goat dung + 25% saboak shell + 50% corn cobs charcoal; P4 =25% of goat dung + 75% corn cobs charcoal. Variables measured included yield, density, moisture, ash, calorific value, volatille matter and fixed carbon. Data were analyzed according to the statistic analysis procedure. The mean values obtained were yield 57.54%; density 0.62 g/cm3; moisture 4.67%; ash 16.93%; calorific value 5198.75 cal/g; volatile matter 25.18%; fixed carbon 53.23%. The results of variance analysis showed that the treatment had a very significant effect (P&lt;0.01) on density and calorific value but not significant (P&gt;0.05) on yield, moisture, ash, volatile matter and fixed carbon. It can be concluded that using of corn cobs as substitute of saboak shell ini briquettes making blend of goat manure can be improve the calorific value, with similar ini yield, moisture, ash, volatile matter and fixed carbon. The best characteristic of briquettes find out in mixing of 25% goat manure + 25% saboak shell + 50% corn cobs.

The effect of mechanical compaction on the soil water retention curve: Insights from a rapid image analysis of micro-CT scanning

Soil hydrological and agricultural properties are highly affected by the soil water retention characteristics, which are closely related to the void size distribution and structure of the soil. Agricultural lands are often faced with the challenge of soil compaction, which alters the size, shape, connectivity, and morphology of soil voids. To determine the water retention curve and other hydrological and agricultural functions of un-compacted and compacted sandy soils, we used micro-CT techniques and image analysis procedures in both two and three dimensions. We found that these techniques were reliable, as they were validated against physical measurements and empirical physically-based models, and provided a relatively simple and fast way to characterize the key features of soil hydrological and agricultural properties. The findings highlight the impact of compaction on the soil void size distribution, resulting in increased water holding capacity, greater water availability for root uptake, and reduced hydraulic conductivity. We also discussed the differences between the two and three-dimensional analyses, highlighting the better ability to characterize soil hydrological and agricultural functions and soil water retention curve using the three-dimensional image analysis approach.

Fast Fractional Fourier Transform-Aided Novel Graphical Approach for EEG Alcoholism Detection

Given its detrimental effect on the brain, alcoholism is a severe disorder that can produce a variety of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral issues. Alcoholism is typically diagnosed using the CAGE assessment approach, which has drawbacks such as being lengthy, prone to mistakes, and biased. To overcome these issues, this paper introduces a novel paradigm for identifying alcoholism by employing electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. The proposed framework is divided into various steps. To begin, interference and artifacts in the EEG data are removed using a multiscale principal component analysis procedure. This cleaning procedure contributes to information quality improvement. Second, an innovative graphical technique based on fast fractional Fourier transform coefficients is devised to visualize the chaotic character and complexities of the EEG signals. This elucidates the properties of regular and alcoholic EEG signals. Third, thirty-four graphical features are extracted to interpret the EEG signals’ haphazard behavior and differentiate between regular and alcoholic trends. Fourth, we propose an ensembled feature selection method for obtaining an effective and reliable feature group. Following that, we study many neural network classifiers to choose the optimal classifier for building an efficient framework. The experimental findings show that the suggested method obtains the best classification performance by employing a recurrent neural network (RNN), with 97.5% accuracy, 96.7% sensitivity, and 98.3% specificity for the sixteen selected features. The proposed framework can aid physicians, businesses, and product designers to develop a real-time system.

Institutional framework, macroeconomic instability and financial markets: perspective from emerging economies

Purpose The study evaluates the role of institutional framework and macroeconomic instability on financial market development among emerging economies.Design/methodology/approach The study uses panel data compiled from 32 countries from the sub-region of Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA), covering the period starting from 1996 to 2019. Empirical analyses were carried out using the two-step system generalized method of moments (TS-GMM) statistical framework.Findings Reviewed results suggest that institutional quality, effective governance and corruption control have a significant positive impact on financial market development among economies in the sub-region. Further empirical estimates show that macroeconomic risk and macroeconomic uncertainty have significant adverse effects on financial market development. Additionally, reported empirical estimates suggest that an improved institutional framework has the potential to lessen the adverse effect of macroeconomic instability on financial market development among economies in the sub-region.Originality/value The uniqueness of this empirical inquiry compared to related studies in the present literature stems from the fact that studies employing similar empirical approaches on the subject matter for economies in the sub-region are rare. Additionally, the analysis pursued in this study employs critical variables whose impact on financial market performance in the sub-region has not been examined per our review. These variables include indexes such as macroeconomic risk and institutional quality, which are unique to this study based on their construction; these indexes are generated using a principal component analysis procedure with different underlying variables compared to what may be found in the literature.

Chemoreactomic analysis of acyzole in comparison with zinc derivatives of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Background. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are characterized by ulcerogenic effects and used for effective and safe pharmacotherapy of inflammation and pain. The zinc-containing drug acyzole is a promising anti-inflammatory drug that potentially does not have this drawback. Objective: to conduct chemoreactomic modeling of the pharmacological effects of acyzole and zinc derivatives of well-known NSAIDs (diclofenac, nimesulide, ketorolac).Material and methods. The analysis of the pharmacological capabilities of NSAIDs was based on a chemoinformatic approach, i.e. comparing the chemical structure of the studied molecules with the structures of millions of other molecules with established molecular pharmacological properties. The analysis procedure was based on the latest machine learning technologies developed in the theory of topological and metric analysis of feature descriptions.Results. It was shown that acyzole might have an anti-inflammatory effect due to its impact on the activity of cytokines and, partly, on the metabolism of prostaglandins and leuktrienes. The central effects of acyzole are comparable to those of zinc-NSAIDs. The analgesic effect of acyzole may be associated with kinin receptors inhibition, and weak antihistamine and antinociceptin effects. Acizol may also exhibit a gastroprotective effect. It was established that acyzole, to a lesser extent than the reference molecules, negatively affected the metabolism of vitamins and microelements.Conclusion. Chemoreactomic profiling of acyzole indicates prospects for its use as an anti-inflammatory drug.

Comparing nitric acid treatment and microwave digestion for efficiency of metal extraction from bioprocess samples

Metal ions may act as enzyme cofactors and influence the kinetics of biochemical reactions that may also influence the biological production of therapeutic proteins and quality attributes such as glycosylation. Because sample preparation is a significant step in the reliable analysis of metals, we compared two sample preparation procedures for metal analysis of bioreactor culture media samples by ICP-MS: (i) samples were diluted in 2 % nitric acid (treatment with nitric acid, TNA); and (ii) samples were mixed with equal volume of 5 % nitric acid and closed vessel digestion was performed in a microwave (closed vessel digestion, CVD). In the comparison of extraction efficiencies between TNA and CVD procedures, CVD showed better extraction for Ca and Cu among bulk metals (∼30 %) and for Ni among the trace metals (∼65 %) for the bioreactor broth supernatant samples. For the cell pellet samples, the CVD procedure was found to be better for extraction of Fe (∼65 % more) among bulk metals, Zn (∼20 % more) among minor metals and Co (∼60 % more) and Ni (∼45 % more) among trace metals. Differences between the two procedures were less than 10 % and TNA was better for all other metals quantified from both supernatant samples and cell pellet samples. The current study helps bring more clarity to the methodology on comprehensive metal analysis to monitor and maintain trace metal content for biologics production.

Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) Cases During Pandemic: Experiences of Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) Officers in Cebu City

This study aimed to explore the life experiences of the Women and Children Desk (WCPD) handling Violence against Women and their Children (VAWC) cases during the pandemic in Cebu City. Specifically, sought to address the following specific problems: the experiences of the informants in handling VAWC cases during the Covid-19 pandemic, addressing the problems encountered by the informants, and aspirations of the informants to improve the quality of service to the victims of VAWC. The phenomenological and qualitative approach in this study was utilized through interviews as the key process in the gathering of data. There were ten (10) selected police officers handling Violence against Women and their Children (VAWC) during the Covid-19 pandemic in Cebu City. Five (5) of them were individually interviewed, while the other five (5) were included in the Focused Group Discussion (FGD). They were selected randomly but met the qualifications and have broad experience in the subject matter. The research locations are the top five (5) police stations in Cebu City with a high number of VAWC cases is Cebu City namely: Police Station (PS) 4- Mabolo; PS5- Carbon; PS7- Pardo; PS9- Guadalupe and PS10- Punta. A validated interview guide was aided by the voice recorder for the basis of transcribing the responses of the informants. Utilization of Colaizzi's method, a phenomenological analysis procedure, was used to analyze the responses of the informants during the interview. For the experiences of the informants in handling VAWC cases in Cebu City during a pandemic, themes created were Satisfaction with Desired Result, Attained Productivity, and Embracing Limitations of Official Functions in addressing the problems encountered in handling (VAWC) cases during pandemic, the following themes created were: Intensified Implementation of Restrictions, Established Online Presence, and Maintaining Effective Collaboration and for the aspirations of the informants to improve the quality of service to the victims of VAWC, the following theme were created: New Normal Retooling and Equipment for Stabilization. The Philippine National Police (PNP)- Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) officers, as a specialized unit in enforcing laws related to the protection of women and children and regarded as the “quick-response-unit,” must maintain dynamic and standardized public service. It is suggested that the Performance Standards and Assessment Tool for police service addressing cases of violence against women be amended where the assessment tool should not be done as “Self-administered” to identify committed officers who are working diligently to end violence against women and children. The retooling of PNP-WCPD should not only cover policy-related attitudes, habits, and work ethics but should also investigate an array of services that can be extended during a crisis. The provision of additional facilities and personnel to attend VAWC cases will expedite the acquisition of relevant documents for filing legal actions and will be timely in the recent health crisis. This will enable the Department of Health to provide prompt intervention on the outbreak of mental health problems aggravated by the pandemic. PNP-WCPD and other linkages should develop process-based alternatives and act on the research of shared resources from the Covid-19 experiences because health protocols altered policing strategies and are not conducive to problem-oriented crime prevention and innovation.

Sentry of the Cyberspace during Covid-19 Pandemic: Experiences of Philippine National Police Cyber Cops

This study aimed to explore the life experiences of cyber cops as sentries in cyberspace during the COVID-19 pandemic in RACU 7. Specifically, this sought to answer the following specific problems: experiences of the informants as cyber cops during the COVID-19 pandemic, coping with the challenges they encountered, and how they tried to solve the situation and aspirations of the informants to improve quality service. The phenomenological and qualitative approach in this study was utilized through interviews as the critical process in gathering data. There were ten (10) selected police officers with a cyber cop badge. They were chosen randomly, but they met the minimum qualifications. The research location is at Cebu PPO Compound, Cebu City, where RACU 7 holds the office. A validated interview guide aided by the voice recorder to transcribe the informants' responses was used. Utilization of Colaizzi's method, a phenomenological analysis procedure, was used to analyze the responses of the informants during the interview. Results revealed that in the informants' experiences as cyber cops during the COVID-19 pandemic, the themes generated were Performing Duties Amidst the Pandemic, Maintaining a Good Image, and Encountering Insufficiency of Personnel and Supplies. In coping with the challenges encountered and how they try to solve the situation, the following themes were created: Expanding Cyber Cops Strategies and Having the Cyber Cops Initiative. For the aspirations of the informants, themes identified were the adaptation of advanced technology and the expansion of organizational support. It was recommended that PNP-ACG design a program that would address issues in times of crisis like the pandemic and extend services prospective complainants could easily access. Moreover, the PNP organization should produce more well-trained cyber cops.

Oil Quality Prediction in Olive Oil by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy: Applications in Olive Breeding

The oxidative stability index (OSI) and fatty acid (FA) composition of extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) are key parameters in the characterization of new varieties in breeding programs. Their determination through traditional methods (Rancimat and gas chromatography, respectively) is expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, there is a need to develop rapid and cost-effective analytical procedures. This study aimed to evaluate the potential use of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for analyzing OSI and FA composition in EVOOs. A total of 318 samples sourced from different origins were evaluated using both FT-NIR MPA and MicroNIR instruments in transmittance mode, with wavelengths ranging from 1100 to 2500 nm and 908 to 1676 nm, respectively. Different accuracies were obtained in the models developed for the different evaluated traits, with simpler models (using a lower number of latent variables) for the MPA analyzer in all cases. Additionally, consistent results between instruments for the partitioning of the variance and heritability estimation, and the reliable ranking of genotypes were obtained from one of the sample sets tested. In summary, models derived from PLS regression using spectroscopic data of both instruments demonstrated promising results in determining these EVOO traits, facilitating their evaluation and selection of genotypes, particularly in breeding programs.

Evaluation of two alternative non-alcohol-based media for the suspension of self-collected vaginal swabs for HPV testing in cervical cancer screening

The introduction of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing in cervical cancer screening enhanced the opportunity to introduce self-collection as an innovative approach to improve coverage rates. Validation and standardization of the pre-analytical and analytical procedures are crucial for the quality assurance of HPV tests on self-collected samples.This study evaluated the analytical performance and the stability of self-collected vaginal samples resuspended in 5 mL of two non-alcohol-based media, eNat® and MSwab® compared to a professionally collected cervical sample, resuspended in 20 mL ThinPrep®, for the detection of high-risk HPV (hrHPV). The impact of the suspension volumes on analytical performance was also evaluated (2 and 5 ml).A good analytical concordance in hrHPV detection in cervical and vaginal self-collected swabs suspended in 5 ml of both non-alcohol-based media was demonstrated (eNat®: 91.2%, k=0.821; MSwab®: 91.4%; k= 0.798). A similar analytical performance was found for samples resuspended in 2 mL (eNat®: 92.9%, k=0.811; MSwab®: 92.9%, k=0.811) compared to cervical samples.Good nucleic acid stability was demonstrated for vaginal samples stored at 22°C and 37°C for up to 4 weeks.Results of this preliminary study support the introduction of these media for vaginal self-sampling-based prevention programs. Nevertheless, further research is necessary to evaluate clinical accuracy in larger settings.