Rejection Limit Research Articles

Uncertainty analysis in the detection of trends, cycles, and shifts in water resources time series

Scientists and water resources managers are increasingly worried about issues related to uncertainty. Although uncertainty analysis has been required in the decision-making processes, there is still a lack of knowledge on how to do it. The application of statistical methods for water resources research requires time series to be compliant with the hypotheses of randomness, homogeneity, independence, and stationarity (RHIS). Noncompliance may occur when trends, cycles, and/or shifts are present. However, the uncertainties and associated subjectivity in assessment and expression may make it difficult to detect these patterns of variability. In this research, synthetic time series (STS) were generated from the uncertainties in flow rates and a water quality parameter, and tested for RHIS by the Single-Sample Runs, Mann-Whitney, Wald and Wolfowitz, and Mann-Kendall tests, respectively. The tests were applied with an increasing number of elements (N). Three uncertainty scenarios were defined, the low level (LL: 10–30%), mid level (ML: 30–50%) and high level (HL: 50–70%). The Monte Carlo Method (MCM) was applied with uniform, normal and lognormal probability distributions. In each scenario, averages and standard deviations (std) were calculated as a measure of the p-values uncertainty. Although the complete series were compliant with the hypotheses, the p-values and std ranges varied from one extreme to the other (0.0–1.0) as N increased. The std ranges had an impact on the decisions when the p-value was close to the rejection limit. The randomness p-value for the flows in the uniform case was 0.04, while the STS p-values were ≈ 0.05 ± 0.04, 0.09 ± 0.10, and 0.18 ± 0.20 in the LL, ML and HL scenario respectively. However, the decision on significance should not be based only on p-values, since the actual existence and continuity of patterns of variability depends more on representativity-related issues. The results lead to the conclusion that efforts to reduce uncertainties should be directed towards the development of appropriate monitoring and data analysis/interpretation strategies.

Suckling lamb meat quality from ewes fed with different sources of fat, during storage under display conditions

We studied the effect of calcium soaps offered to ewes during lactation (CO, 3% Ca soap of palm oil; OLI, 3% Ca soap of olive oil; FO, 3% Ca soap of fish oil) on the microbial, physical-chemical and sensory properties of suckling lamb meat packaged with modified atmosphere packaging (80%O2:20%CO2) throughout storage; six ewes were tested per treatment. Microbial counts (Enterobacteriae, Pseudomonas spp., psychrotrophic and lactic acid bacteria), lipid oxidation (TBARS), colour coordinates (L*, a*, b*), metmyoglobin content and sensory quality were analysed on days 0, 5, 8 and 13 of storage. Throughout storage, the evolution of most parameters throughout depended on the lambs’ mothers' diet. From day 5 onward, microbial counts, as well as pigments and lipid oxidation, presented the highest values with FO. CO and OLI were rejected for poor sensory quality after 13 days, whereas FO reached the limit of rejection after 5 days. Therefore, the positive effect of increasing PUFA in sucking lamb meat via FO is limited due to a shorter shelf life.

Electroplating of 3D Sn-rich solder for MEMS packaging applications

Electroplating is a popular method to produce solders in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) encapsulation and interconnection applications. In this work, a fabrication process is introduced for the generation of three-dimensional (3D) Sn solder microstructures. An aluminum membrane was employed as the conducting layer while electroplating. Based on the proposed method, Sn solders with different heights can be easily obtained after reflow. Taking advantage of these 3D structures, MEMS packaging, electrical interconnections, hermetic seals and metal-armoring can be formed simultaneously in one step. Metal-armoring provided by the solder–solder contact can be used at the extremes of the suspension travel, greatly increasing the capability of shock resistance. The helium leak rates of the packaged samples are lower than the reject limit (5 × 10−8 atm cc s−1 based on MIL-STD-883E standard). The bonding strength of samples is measured by a die shear strength tests with an average value of 7.4 MPa. In addition, the ohmic behavior of the Sn solder bonding is verified as well. These excellent results show an outstanding packaging quality in MEMS encapsulation applications.

Sorting nipple castings from malleable cast iron from the result of measuring their residual magnetization

The physical principles of magnetic control of the structure of malleable cast iron compact castings are summarized. It reports on the technical features and mode of operation of the automated instrument used for control. The features of formation of remanent magnetization of unhealed castings of nipples from malleable cast iron with bleached surface layer, features of the influence of changes in the layer thickness on the result of magnetization of the castings are established. A criterion for sorting castings with thickness of the bleached layer was developed based on the result of measuring its residual magnetization a given. Recommendations on its use when adjusting the rejection limit for automated magnetic sorting of castings by structure at the Minsk plant of heating equipment are given.

Development of hermetic glass frit encapsulation for perovskite solar cells

A hermetic laser-assisted glass frit encapsulation, at a process temperature of 120 °C, was developed for perovskite solar cell application. The hermeticity and long-term stability of the sealing was examined based on standard tests for photovoltaic (PV) applications. Encapsulations using fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO)-coated glass substrates displayed 8.93 × 10−8 atm · cm3 · s−1 air leak rate after five cycles of a humidity-freeze test according to the IEC61646 standard; a rate lower than the reject limit of the MIL-STD-883 standard test for fine leaks. Devices sealed with a TiO2 blocking layer and FTO scribing—denoted as an empty perovskite solar cell—showed that the encapsulation is compatible with the various thermal coefficient of expansion regions of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The applicability of the MIL-STD-883 standard was studied in detail and it was concluded that a new method is required to measure the fine helium leak rate of devices with cavity sizes larger than 5.5 × 5.5 cm2. The developed sealing process is scalable for larger devices; therefore, it guarantees a new step forward for the industrialization of PSCs.

닭고기 등급판정 시 ISO 기준 샘플링의 적용 연구

This study was aimed to evaluate the possibility of application to the KS A ISO 2859-1 Easy test, an international standards sampling inspection, to replace a sampling method of the current grading standard of chicken meats for the first time. As a result of screening capability to check for defective products, the current sampling was 0.61 and the KS A ISO 2859-1 Normal test was 0.70, suggesting that the latter inspection method was more accurate. If the KS A ISO 2859-1 conversion principle is applied, 40,530 won per day is saved for a 50-lot inspection. The current sampling and the KS A ISO 2859-1 Easy test did not exceed the reject limit for the number of defective products to satisfy the grade 1⁺ on chicken carcass size numbers 12, 9 and 8. Freshness was not significantly different between the current sampling and the KS A ISO 2859-1 Easy test. It is expected that using the KS A ISO 2859-1 Easy test with a smaller sample volume will have the same level of quality evaluation as the current sampling method while reducing costs.

Preparation of an intelligent pH film based on biodegradable polymers and roselle anthocyanins for monitoring pork freshness

This study aims to develop an intelligent indicating film based on biodegradable polymers incorporated with roselle anthocyanins to monitor pork freshness. Three different films were prepared by using two substances of starch, polyvinyl alcohol and chitosan. The UV–vis spectra and color of anthocyanins changed at pH 2–12. SEM photographs showed that the compatibility of films was improved with the addition of anthocyanins. Furthermore, the polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan/roselle anthocyanins film had the highest tensile strength (98.28 MPa). The starch/polyvinyl alcohol/roselle anthocyanins film had the highest antioxidant activity (524.07%) and the best color stability. The starch/polyvinyl alcohol/roselle anthocyanins film showed visible changes from red to green when employed to monitor the freshness of pork stored at 25 °C, before the TVB-N value of the pork gradually increased to the rejection limit (15 mg/100 g) at 36 h. Therefore, the indicator film can be used to monitor pork freshness for intelligent packaging.

The Correlation between Students’ Reading Comprehension and Their Writing Skill at MTsN 5 Pandeglang

This study discusses the ability to read and write. The study aims to answer some problems, namely: 1) Knowing students’ reading comprehension, 2) Knowing students’ writing skill, and 3) To obtain whether there is a significant relationship between students' reading comprehension and writing skills or not. This research uses Mix method. The population is 183 students of MTs. Negeri 5 Pandeglang. The researcher took 30 students as sample. To test the research hypothesis, the researcher collected data analysis using inferential statistical techniques using Product Moment formula. The finding of research hypothesis shows that: 1) The level of students’ comprehension in reading was very low. This could be seen from the analysis that shows the mean 59.7. 2) The level of students’ writing skill was in the medium category. This could be seen from the analysis, showing the mean 68. 3) There is a significant positive relationship between reading ability and writing ability. Based on the quantitative analysis, the results of the research show that the observation value r is 0.963 above the 5% rejection limit of 0.361 and the 1% rejection limit of 0.461, in other words 0.963 > 0.463 at the 5% level and 0.361 > 0.963 at the 1% level. Thus the result is stated significant and the proposed hypothesis is accepted.

Chemical characteristics of potato chips fried in repeatedly used oils

The objective of the study was to evaluate chemical properties of potato chips fried in repeatedly used oils. Potato chips were deep-fat fried in refined coconut oil (PC: potato chips), refined soybean oil (PS), pure olive oil (PO), and vegetable shortening (PH) used up to 80 times repeatedly. Oils were extracted from PC (OC: extracted oil), PS (OS), PO (OO), and PH (OH) and analyzed for oxidative stability. The PH was higher in hexanal than the PS and PO (p < 0.05). Nonanal and 2-decenal were most detected in the PO (p < 0.05) and rarely in the PS. 2,4-Decadienal was least detected in the PC (p < 0.05). Fatty acid compositions of frying oils affected levels of nonanal, 2-decenal, and 2,4-decadienal in the potato chips during frying. Total polar compounds in the OC were lower than in the other extracted oils at the 80th repeated frying (p < 0.05). Peroxide value of the OC continuously increased during the repeated frying (p < 0.05), while those of the OO and OH little changed. Conjugated dienes, p-anisidine value, and total oxidation value of the OC were the lowest at all the repeated fryings (p < 0.05). Total polar compounds, peroxide value, and conjugated dienes of the oils extracted from potato chips did not exceed the rejection limits until 80 times repeated use of the oils. In this study, the PC might have less oxidative products, suggesting that the refined coconut oil was the most stable during the repeated frying.

Physicochemical properties and oxidative stability of frying oils during repeated frying of potato chips.

Physicochemical properties and oxidative stability of refined coconut oil (RCO), refined soybean oil (SBO), pure olive oil (POO), and vegetable shortening (VST) during repeated frying of potato chips were determined. Polyunsaturated fatty acids of all the oils significantly decreased after frying. Tocopherols in SBO, POO and VST, and DPPH radical scavenging activities of POO and VST significantly decreased after frying. L* values of the oils significantly decreased, and a* and b* values significantly increased after 80 times repeated frying. Conjugated dienes and p-anisidine value of SBO after 80 times repeated frying were 21.8mmol/L and 47.7, respectively, the highest among the oils. Levels of total polar compounds of all the oils after 80 times repeated frying were between 8.1 and 9.5%, not exceeding rejection limit after frying. Compositions and contents of alkanals, 2-alkenals, and 2,4-alkadienals in the oils during frying were largely affected by their fatty acid compositions.

Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells are able to undergo differentiation into functional islet-like cells in type 2 diabetic tree shrews

Islet transplantation is arguably one of the most promising strategies to treat patients suffering with diabetes mellitus. However, a combination of a lack of donors and chronic immune rejection limit clinical applications. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of cell therapy using islet-like cells differentiated from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) of tree shrews for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) labeled UC-MSCs were directly injected into type 2 diabetic tree shrews, where UC-MSC differentiated into functional islet-like cells and alleviated disease severity, as evidenced by improved biochemical features and reduced concentrations of inflammatory cytokines. We also demonstrated that in vitro culture of UC-MSCs for six days in a high-glucose environment (40 mmol/L or 60 mmol/L glucose) resulted in significant gene methylation. The potency of UC-MSCs differentiated into insulin-secreting cells was attributed to the activation of Notch signal pathways. This study provides evidence that cell therapy of islet-like cells differentiated from UC-MSCs is a feasible, simple and inexpensive approach in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Evaluation of the CLSI EP26-A protocol for detection of reagent lot-to-lot differences

BackgroundVerification of new reagent lots is a required laboratory task. The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) EP26-A guideline provides a lot-to-lot verification protocol to detect significant changes in test performance. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of EP26-A with our laboratory reagent lot verification protocol. MethodsProspective evaluations for two reagent lots each for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroglobulin (Tg), thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), free triiodothyronine (fT3), and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) were performed. The laboratory's lot verification process included evaluation of 20 patient samples with the current and new lots and acceptability based on a predefined criteria. For EP26-A, method imprecision data and critical differences based on previously defined lot-to-lot consistency goals were used to define sample size requirements and rejection limits. ResultsEP26-A required the following number of samples: 23 for TSH, 17 for Tg, 33 for T4, 31 for T3, 48 for fT3, and 1 for TPOAb. Our current protocol and EP26-A were in agreement in 9 of the 12 (75%) paired verifications. Of the 3 discrepant verifications, Tg and TSH reagent lots were rejected by EP26-A due to significant differences at medical decision points; whereas TPOAb was rejected by the current laboratory protocol. ConclusionsThe EP26-A protocol arrived at the same conclusions as our protocol in 75% of the evaluations and required more samples for 4 of the 6 analytes tested. Challenges associated with determining rejection limits and the need for increased sample sizes may be critical factors that limit the utility of EP26-A.

Quantitative PCR for HTLV-1 provirus in adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma using paraffin tumor sections.

Detection of HTLV-1 provirus using paraffin tumor sections may assist the diagnosis of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). For the detection, non-quantitative PCR assay has been reported, but its usefulness and limitations remain unclear. To our knowledge, quantitative PCR assay using paraffin tumor sections has not been reported. Using paraffin sections from ATLLs and non-ATLL T-cell lymphomas, we first performed non-quantitative PCR for HTLV-1 provirus. Next, we determined tumor ratios and carried out quantitative PCR to obtain provirus copy numbers. The results were analyzed with a simple regression model and a novel criterion, cut-off using 95 % rejection limits. Our quantitative PCR assay showed an excellent association between tumor ratios and the copy numbers (r = 0.89, P < 0.0001). The 95 % rejection limits provided a statistical basis for the range for the determination of HTLV-1 involvement. Its application suggested that results of non-quantitative PCR assay should be interpreted very carefully and that our quantitative PCR assay is useful to estimate the status of HTLV-1 involvement in the tumor cases. In conclusion, our quantitative PCR assay using paraffin tumor sections may be useful for the screening of ATLL cases, especially in HTLV-1 non-endemic areas where easy access to serological testing for HTLV-1 infection is limited.

Thermo-economic Limitations of Ambient Heat Rejection in Vertical Fin Arrays With Buoyancy-Driven Flow Enhancement Through the Chimney Effect

This paper presents the thermo-economic limits of ambient heat rejection in vertical fin arrays with buoyancy-driven flow enhancement through the chimney effect. A one-dimensional semi-analytical thermo-fluidic model is developed to assess the cooling power enhancement of the proposed heat sink design. A bi-objective optimization is performed utilizing genetic algorithm to present the tradeoffs between the cost and the thermal performance of a heat sink. For the considered baseplate geometry, the maximal cooling power without a chimney amounts 1540 W at a heat flux of 1.03 W/cm2. By adding a chimney up to 2.5 m high, the cooling power is increased by 46% to 2250 W at a heat flux of 1.50 W/cm2.

대량 데이터를 위한 제한거절 기반의 회귀부스팅 기법

The purpose of this study is to challenge a computational regression-type problem, that is handling large-size data, in which conventional metamodeling techniques often fail in a practical sense. To solve such problems, regression-type boosting, one of ensemble model techniques, together with bootstrapping-based re-sampling is a reasonable choice. This study suggests weight updates by the amount of the residual itself and a new error decision criterion which constructs an ensemble model of models selectively chosen by rejection limits. Through these ideas, we propose AdaBoost.RMU.R as a metamodeling technique suitable for handling large-size data. To assess the performance of the proposed method in comparison to some existing methods, we used 6 mathematical problems. For each problem, we computed the average and the standard deviation of residuals between real response values and predicted response values. Results revealed that the average and the standard deviation of AdaBoost.RMU.R were improved than those of other algorithms.

Contribution of dermal-derived mesenchymal cells during liver repair in two different experimental models.

Progressive liver disease is a major health issue for which no effective treatment is available, leading to cirrhosis and orthotopic liver transplantation. However, the lack of availability of donor organs and other adverse factors including rejection limit its extensive clinical application. Cell-based therapy using mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) may represent an attractive therapeutic option. Dermal-derived mesenchymal cells (DMCs) are attractive as one of the abundant sources from which to isolate mesenchymal cells for therapeutic applications and can be easily accessed with minimal harm to the donor. In this study, we used two different animal models to investigate potential therapeutic effect of DMCs transplantation in liver injury. We found that DMCs administration alleviated liver fibrosis and restored the liver function in fibrotic mice induced by CCl4. Furthermore, in an acute irradiation induced damage model, a unique population of DMCs could engraft into the liver tissue for a long period, exhibiting the phenotype of both mesenchymal cells and macrophage cells, and improve the survival of mice exposed to 8 Gy lethally total-body irradiation. These discoveries provide important evidence that DMCs therapy has a beneficial effect on liver injury, and provide new insight into liver injury therapy depending on the alternative cells.

Effects of pulsed light treatments and pectin edible coatings on the quality of fresh‐cut apples: a hurdle technology approach

Pulsed light (PL) treatments stand as an alternative for the shelf-life extension of fresh-cut products. The antimicrobial effects of PL are well known; however, its influence on quality attributes needs to be assessed. This study was aimed at evaluating the application of PL treatments in combination with pectin-based edible coatings enriched with dietary fiber for the preservation of fresh-cut apples. Dipping of fresh-cut apples in ascorbic acid/calcium chloride solution prior to pectin coating and PL treatments was effective to minimize browning and softening of apple surfaces. Incorporation of fiber in the pectin coating did not cause any change in microbial loads and sensory acceptability of apple cubes. Pectin-coated PL-treated apple pieces exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activity values than fresh and PL control samples. At the end of storage, the combination of both treatments resulted in an almost 2 log CFU g-1 reduction of microbial counts. Sensory attribute scores did not fall below the rejection limit throughout 14 days, although the presence of off-odors limited the acceptability of the pectin-coated samples. The results demonstrate that PL treatments applied to pectin-coated fresh-cut apples may be used to maintain quality attributes, thus conferring prebiotic potential and extending the shelf-life of the product. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Analysis and Simple Circuit Design of Double Differential EMG Active Electrode.

In this paper we present an analysis of the voltage amplifier needed for double differential (DD) sEMG measurements and a novel, very simple circuit for implementing DD active electrodes. The three-input amplifier that standalone DD active electrodes require is inherently different from a differential amplifier, and general knowledge about its design is scarce in the literature. First, the figures of merit of the amplifier are defined through a decomposition of its input signal into three orthogonal modes. This analysis reveals a mode containing EMG crosstalk components that the DD electrode should reject. Then, the effect of finite input impedance is analyzed. Because there are three terminals, minimum bounds for interference rejection ratios due to electrode and input impedance unbalances with two degrees of freedom are obtained. Finally, a novel circuit design is presented, including only a quadruple operational amplifier and a few passive components. This design is nearly as simple as the branched electrode and much simpler than the three instrumentation amplifier design, while providing robust EMG crosstalk rejection and better input impedance using unity gain buffers for each electrode input. The interference rejection limits of this input stage are analyzed. An easily replicable implementation of the proposed circuit is described, together with a parameter design guideline to adjust it to specific needs. The electrode is compared with the established alternatives, and sample sEMG signals are obtained, acquired on different body locations with dry contacts, successfully rejecting interference sources.

Preservation of fresh-cut apple quality attributes by pulsed light in combination with gellan gum-based prebiotic edible coatings

Pulsed light (PL) has received considerable attention during the last years as a non-thermal method for the superficial decontamination of fresh foods. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the quality attributes of fresh-cut ‘Golden Delicious’ apples as affected by the combined application of a pulsed light treatment (12 J/cm2) and a gellan-gum based (0.5% w/v) edible coating enriched with apple fiber. Changes in color, firmness, antioxidant capacity, microbial growth and sensory attributes were determined during 14 days of storage at 4 °C. The combined application of coating and PL treatment retarded the microbiological deterioration of fresh-cut apples and maintained the sensory attribute scores above the rejection limits after prolonged storage. Incorporation of fiber in the coating formulation did not curb the sensory acceptability of apple cubes. Results show that the use of a gellan-gum based coating incorporating apple fiber followed by the application of a PL treatment significantly reduced softening and browning of apple pieces through storage.Our results reveal that PL treatments applied to gellan-coated fresh-cut apples can be used to decontaminate the cut fruit surface without dramatically affecting its fresh-like quality attributes, thus conferring prebiotic potential and contributing to their shelf-life extension.

ASSESSMENT OF TOTAL POLAR MATERIALS IN FRYING FATS FROM CZECH RESTAURANTS

Deep-frying is commonly used as convenient technique for the preparation of foods. The frying oils and fats are absorbed by fried food and become a part of diet. The content of total polar materials was determined in frying oils and fats in 46 restaurants from South Moravia and the Olomouc regions. Twenty-eight samples were found with total polar materials with limit of rejection over 24%. The highest total polar materials values were observed in cooking fat; the lowest one was in vegetable shortening oil. This conclusion corresponds with frying temperatures, which were highest in cooking fat.