Accuracy Of Test Results Research Articles

Quality Control In Medical Laboratories: Strategies For Ensuring Accurate And Reliable Laboratory Test Results.

Quality control in medical laboratories is essential to ensure accurate and reliable laboratory test results. This essay explores various strategies for maintaining quality control in medical laboratories. These strategies include proper training of laboratory personnel, regular calibration and maintenance of equipment, adherence to standardized procedures, implementation of quality assurance programs, and participation in proficiency testing. By following these strategies, medical laboratories can improve the accuracy and reliability of their test results, ultimately leading to better patient care and outcomes.

Design and Prototyping of Electronic Load Controller for Pico Hydropower System

A hydroelectric power plant is an electrical energy generator that utilizes water energy to drive a water turbine coupled to a generator. The main problem in hydroelectric power plants is the frequency and voltage fluctuations in the generator due to fluctuations in consumer loads. The purpose of this research is to make a prototype of the Electronic Load Controller (ELC) system at the Pico Hydropower Plant. The main part of ELC is the frequency sensor and gating system. The first part is made by a Zero Crossing Detector, which detects the generator frequency. The gating system was developed with TRIAC. The method used is the addition of a complement load which is controlled by delaying the TRIAC. Load control is intended to maintain the stability of the electrical energy produced by the generator. The PID algorithm is used in frequency control. The results of the frequency sensor accuracy test are 99.78%, and the precision is 99.99%. The ELC system can adjust the frequency automatically by setting the firing delay on the TRIAC to distribute unused power by consumer loads to complementary loads so that the load used remains stable. The ELC is tested with increasing and decreasing load. The proposed ELC gives a stable frequency at 50Hz. Whereas at the first test, the mean voltage is 183V, and in the second test is 182.17V.

Geoid Modelling of Kalimantan Island using Airborne Gravity Data and Global Geoid Model (EGM2008)

The availability of geoids, especially in survey and mapping activities, is useful for transforming the geometric heights obtained from observations of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) into orthometric heights that have real physical meanings such as those obtained from waterpass measurements. If a geoid is available, the orthometric heights of points on earth can be determined using the GNSS heighting method. The use of modern survey and mapping instruments based on satellite observations such as GNSS is more efficient in terms of time, effort, and cost compared to the accurate waterpass method. According to the Indonesian Geospatial Information Agency (BIG) it is stated that the application of geoid as a national Vertical Geospatial Reference System has an adequate and ideal category if the accuracy is higher than 15 cm. Recent studies have shown that it is possible to generate local geoid models with centimetre accuracy by utilizing airborne gravity data. We calculate free-air gravity anomaly data is calculated by processing airborne gravity and GNSS data using the Stokes Integral method on AGR software. Next a geoid model is created by calculating the contribution of three components, namely the long wave component represented by the EGM2008 global geoid data model, the shortwave component represented by the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data and the medium wave component represented by the free-air gravity anomaly data. The geoid model validation was carried out using the geoid fitting method for geoid accuracy by calculating the difference between the gravimetric geoid and the geometric geoid and comparing it with the global geoid model EGM2008 degrees 2190. As a result, the total geoid model accuracy value was determined to be 49.4 cm on gravimetric geoid undulations with a standard deviation of 7.1 cm. Meanwhile, the results of the EGM2008 geoid undulation accuracy test at 2190 degrees resulted in an accuracy of 51.9 cm with a standard deviation of 9.9 cm. These results indicate that the local geoid model from airborne gravity measurement data produces a geoid model with a higher accuracy than the global geoid model EGM2008 degrees 2190. However, the accuracy of the resulting data is still below the BIG standard of 15 cm, so further research is needed to produce a geoid model which conforms to the standard.

Pemetaan Habitat Dasar Perairan Dangkal Menggunakan Citra Satelit SPOT-7 di Pulau Nusa Lembongan, Bali

Shallow water habitat is one of the regions that has high dynamics and has an important role are ecologically and economically. The high dynamics of the ideal shallow water habitat is always followed by updating information so that an overview of the area is obtained in accordance with reality. Remote sensing technology is one of the technologies that can be used for mapping natural resource studies such as mapping of shallow water habitats with the satellite imagery. This study aims to map the distribution of shallow water habitats using SPOT-7 satellite imagery on Nusa Lembongan Island, Bali and test the level of accuracy. The method used true color composite and DII (Depth Invariant Index) transformation and uses the maximum likelihood classification. The classification scheme used 6 classes, namely sand, seagrass, macro algae, rubble, live coral, and dead coral. The results of this study indicate the distribution of shallow water habitat on Nusa Lembongan Island, Bali spread equally based on the level of water depth with a total area of shallow water habitat of 453.41 ha. The results of mapping accuracy test showed the overall accuracy of the DII transformation classification results is better than the composite image classification results with an overall accuracy of 75.43% and a kappa coefficient is 0.71. So from these results can be said that used of a water column correction with the DII method can improve image accuracy in mapping shallow water habitats.

VALIDATION OF ION SELECTIVE ELECTRONIC METHODS AT PUPUK KALIMANTAN TIMUR COMPANY FOR DETERMINING AMMONIA LEVELS (NH3) IN AMBIENT AIR

Validation method of ammonia (NH3) determination in ambient air with the ion-selective electrode (ESI) method has been carried out. The purpose of this study is to determine linearity, accuracy, precision, method detection limits, and selectivity. The performance characteristics of the method are determined using standard ammonium chloride solutions. The instrument used to detect ammonia levels is the ion analyzer. The results in the linearity test show an r2 value of 0.9999. Accuracy test results show recovery values in the range of 88.86 to 100.48%. The precision of this method has a value of % RSD smaller than 2/3 CV Horwitz.. The detection limit value of the method was 0.0224 mg/L. The presence of interference ions such as SO2 and NO2 does not affect the measurement of ammonia concentrations. The results of the validation test show that the method used can be used to determine ammonia concentrations in ambient air.

Variations in FVC and FEV1 Biologic Quality Control Measures in a Global Multi-Center Clinical Trial.

Although quality control standards are recommended to ensure accurate test results, the coefficient of variation for the FVC and FEV1 biologic quality control (BioQC) is not specified. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate variations in spirometry BioQCs in a large and diverse cohort of individuals to determine an acceptable standard for the coefficient of variation. The FVC and FEV1 biologic control data were secondary analyses from an inhaled medication trial that was conducted over 3 y ending in 2018 that included 114 laboratories. Results were sent to a central repository for expert review. The FVC and FEV1 coefficients of variation were based upon a minimum of 10 spirometry values annually separated by at least 5 d. A second method of computing the coefficient of variation used 10 values within 28 d. Descriptive statistics were computed. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were conducted to compare whether the median coefficient of variation values between the 2 methods differed, tested at α = 0.05 using SPSS. Of 249 biologic control participants, 170 met the first year's inclusion criteria. The coefficient of variation for the 5-d separated method was < 5% for 94.1% of FVC and 93.5% of FEV1 values in the first year. By year 3, 90% of FVC and FEV1 coefficient of variation values were < 4%. The medians for the 5-d separated and the 28-d measure showed no difference for either FVC coefficient of variation or FEV1 coefficient of variation, Z = -1.764, P = .78, and Z = -0.980, P = .33, respectively. Interlab biologic control variation values of < 4% for FVC and FEV1 are achievable; however, individual labs should strive to attain lower values. Acceptable coefficients of variation can be achieved within 28 d.

Differences in antimicrobial susceptibility testing complicating management of IMP carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales infection

IMP-type carbapenemases are rarely detected in Europe and limited information is available to guide the treatment of infections caused by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) producing these carbapenemases. Accurate antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) results are essential for optimal antibiotic management. Here we report discrepancies in AST of IMP-producing Enterobacterales (IMP-CPE) complicating the management of severe sepsis. Antimicrobial susceptibilities were analysed by in-house VITEK® 2, Etest and broth microdilution (BMD). Carbapenemase-encoding genes were detected by PCR. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed using an Illumina MiSeq platform. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) determined by VITEK® 2 for Enterobacter hormaechei and Klebsiella oxytoca blood culture isolates were ≥16 mg/L for meropenem and ≤0.5 mg/L for ertapenem. In contrast, Etest analysis and BMD returned MICs of 2 mg/L and 1 mg/L, respectively. Both isolates tested positive for IMP carbapenemase-encoding genes by PCR. WGS revealed that both isolates carried the same blaIMP-4 gene. Based on VITEK® 2 susceptibilities, initial treatment was with tigecycline and amikacin. After subsequent deterioration, the patient was successfully treated with ertapenem and amikacin. This case highlights that automated AST by VITEK® 2 can over-report meropenem resistance for IMP carbapenemase-producers compared with Etest and BMD. Clinicians need to be cautious deciding against carbapenem treatment based on VITEK® 2 susceptibility testing results for IMP-positive Enterobacterales. Tigecycline was inferior to carbapenem treatment for pyelonephritis caused by isolates expressing IMP carbapenemases, however specific evidence guiding the treatment of these infections is lacking.

Systematic review with meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy for COVID-19 by mass spectrometry

BackgroundThe global COVID-19 pandemic has led to extensive development in many fields, including the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection by mass spectrometry. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the accuracy of mass spectrometry diagnostic tests developed so far, across a wide range of biological matrices, and additionally to assess risks of bias and applicability in studies published to date. Method23 retrospective observational cohort studies were included in the systematic review using the PRISMA-DTA framework, with a total of 2858 COVID-19 positive participants and 2544 controls. Risks of bias and applicability were assessed via a QUADAS-2 questionnaire. A meta-analysis was also performed focusing on sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic accuracy and Youden's Index, in addition to assessing heterogeneity. FindingsSensitivity averaged 0.87 in the studies reviewed herein (interquartile range 0.81–0.96) and specificity 0.88 (interquartile range 0.82–0.98), with an area under the receiver operating characteristic summary curve of 0.93. By subgroup, the best diagnostic results were achieved by viral proteomic analyses of nasopharyngeal swabs and metabolomic analyses of plasma and serum. The performance of other sampling matrices (breath, sebum, saliva) was less good, indicating that these protocols are currently insufficiently mature for clinical application. ConclusionsThis systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates the potential for mass spectrometry and ‘omics in achieving accurate test results for COVID-19 diagnosis, but also highlights the need for further work to optimize and harmonize practice across laboratories before these methods can be translated to clinical applications.

Generation of False-Positive SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Results with Testing Conditions outside Manufacturer Recommendations: A Scientific Approach to Pandemic Misinformation.

ABSTRACTAntigen-based rapid diagnostics tests (Ag-RDTs) are useful tools for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) detection. However, misleading demonstrations of the Abbott Panbio coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Ag-RDT on social media claimed that SARS-CoV-2 antigen could be detected in municipal water and food products. To offer a scientific rebuttal to pandemic misinformation and disinformation, this study explored the impact of using the Panbio SARS-CoV-2 assay with conditions falling outside manufacturer recommendations. Using Panbio, various water and food products, laboratory buffers, and SARS-CoV-2-negative clinical specimens were tested with and without manufacturer buffer. Additional experiments were conducted to assess the role of each Panbio buffer component (tricine, NaCl, pH, and Tween 20) as well as the impact of temperature (4°C, 20°C, and 45°C) and humidity (90%) on assay performance. Direct sample testing (without the kit buffer) resulted in false-positive signals resembling those obtained with SARS-CoV-2 positive controls tested under proper conditions. The likely explanation of these artifacts is nonspecific interactions between the SARS-CoV-2-specific conjugated and capture antibodies, as proteinase K treatment abrogated this phenomenon, and thermal shift assays showed pH-induced conformational changes under conditions promoting artifact formation. Omitting, altering, and reverse engineering the kit buffer all supported the importance of maintaining buffering capacity, ionic strength, and pH for accurate kit function. Interestingly, the Panbio assay could tolerate some extremes of temperature and humidity outside manufacturer claims. Our data support strict adherence to manufacturer instructions to avoid false-positive SARS-CoV-2 Ag-RDT reactions, otherwise resulting in anxiety, overuse of public health resources, and dissemination of misinformation.IMPORTANCE With the Panbio severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antigen test being deployed in over 120 countries worldwide, understanding conditions required for its ideal performance is critical. Recently on social media, this kit was shown to generate false positives when manufacturer recommendations were not followed. While erroneous results from improper use of a test may not be surprising to some health care professionals, understanding why false positives occur can help reduce the propagation of misinformation and provide a scientific rebuttal for these aberrant findings. This study demonstrated that the kit buffer’s pH, ionic strength, and buffering capacity were critical components to ensure proper kit function and avoid generation of false-positive results. Typically, false positives arise from cross-reacting or interfering substances; however, this study demonstrated a mechanism where false positives were generated under conditions favoring nonspecific interactions between the two antibodies designed for SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection. Following the manufacturer instructions is critical for accurate test results.

Stress analysis and fracture simulation of aluminosilicate glass plates under Ring-On-Ring loading

Ring-On-Ring (ROR) tests have been widely applied to evaluate the biaxial flexural strength of brittle materials. Properly designed geometry of specimens and loading configurations are essential for accurate test results. In this paper, the stress distribution of round glass plates subjected to loading between concentric rings was investigated via finite element analysis. In particular, the effects of the ratio of the ring diameter, overhang and thickness of plates were studied and discussed. ROR tests on aluminosilicate glass were then conducted together with numerical simulations based on the smeared fixed crack method. The out-of-plane deformation of glass plates can be reproduced well by the numerical model. In order to mimic the observed fracture modes, numerical models with different mesh geometries were utilized and compared. Unstructured quadrilateral mesh and triangular mesh types were proven to be efficient in reproducing the fracture and failure morphology of glass specimens.

Linear friction tester design and validation

Due to the complexity of friction phenomena, empirical analysis is the best way to predict the friction coefficient. To accomplish this, laboratory test rigs are needed. Although a rotary dynamic friction test bed was available to the authors, it had its limitations, such as low speed, inducement of lateral force, and the limitation of testing samples with different shapes. This paper will explain the process of designing and manufacturing a novel test setup for measuring friction and wear of the tire. The newly designed test rig can apply dynamic loading during the tests, and it can automatically measure the wear rate and temperature between cycles. In addition, it can be used for measuring the wear rate of rubber samples sliding on different types of surfaces. Therefore, experiments can be run under more controlled conditions. The designed linear friction tester can slide flat and round rubber samples approximately three meters across a large flat surface. The frictional force of rubber samples can be measured for various normal loads, velocities, and surface conditions. The new setup can automatically control the applied normal load on the sample using proportional–integral–derivative controller control. The important difference between this novel design and the existing testers used by other researchers is implementing the ball screw technology and the servo motor with high accuracy encoder to achieve highly accurate test results. In this design, the new mechanism for the ball screw is designed to increase the speed limit and eliminating vibrations while keeping the precision. In addition, in this design, the sample's mass can be measured automatically after each test cycle, thus providing a measure of the rate of wear of the rubber. In this study, the data collected by the linear friction tester is validated by comparing the data to the data collected by the dynamic friction tester (a validated rotary friction tester that exists in CenTiRe Lab). The data collected by the new setup was later used to benchmark the Persson analytical friction model.

Automated Alert System for River Water Level and Water Quality Assessment using Telegram Bot API

Technology has advanced to the point that it can assist people in their daily lives. Human beings may benefit from this development in a variety of ways. Progress in river water monitoring is also one of them. There are many advantages in improving the river water monitoring system. The objective of this project is to develop an automated system for monitoring river water levels and quality with push notification features. Internet of Things (IoT) was implemented in this research by using NodeMCU as a microcontroller to connect both ultrasonic sensors and pH sensors to the Internet. An ultrasonic sensor is used to read the water level, and a pH sensor is used to read the water pH values. The results show the successful output from all of 10 time attempts to obtain more accurate test results. The results will be averaged to be analysed and concluded from the test. All the tests include testing for the accuracy of the ultrasonic sensor, the accuracy of the pH sensor, and the performance of the internet connection using integrated Wi-Fi module in NodeMCU microcontroller. The system test also shows that it performs perfectly with the requirement needed to send the real-time status of the water level, water quality and an alert to the user using the Telegram Bot API. This research can help to increase the level of awareness of the river water monitoring system. This research was done by looking at people's problems in the vicinity of the river area by producing a system tool that helps to monitor the river water in real-time status.

Is My Cough a Cold or Covid? A Qualitative Study of COVID-19 Symptom Recognition and Attitudes Toward Testing in the UK.

Objective: Key to reducing the spread of COVID-19 in the UK is increased use of the NHS Test and Trace (NHSTT) system. This study explored one of the main issues that determine whether people engage with NHSTT, how people understand symptoms that may indicate the presence of COVID-19 and that should trigger a request for a test.Methods: In this qualitative study, a series of semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 40 people (21 members of the general population, 19 students). There was nearly an equal split between male and female participants in both samples. Data were collected between 30 November and 11 December 2020 and explored using thematic analysis. There was substantial similarity in responses for both populations so we combined our results and highlighted where differences were present.Results: Participants generally had good knowledge of the main symptoms of COVID-19 (high temperature, new, persistent cough, anosmia) but had low confidence in their ability to differentiate them from symptoms of other illnesses. Attribution of symptoms to COVID-19 was most likely where the symptoms were severe, many symptoms were present, symptoms had lasted for some time and when perceived risk of exposure to infection was high due to previous contact with others. Participants felt encouraged to engage in testing where symptoms were present and had persisted for several days, though, many had concerns about the safety of testing centres and the accuracy of test results. Students had mixed feelings about mass asymptomatic testing, seeing it as a way to access a more normal student experience, but also a potential waste of resources.Conclusions: This study offers novel insights into how people attribute symptoms to COVID-19 and barriers and facilitators to engaging with NHSTT. Participants had positive views of testing, but there is a need to improve not just recognition of each main symptom, but also understanding that even single, mild symptoms may necessitate a test rather than a “wait and see” approach, and to address concerns around test accuracy to increase testing uptake.

P–009 A modified sperm chromatin dispersion test, LensHooke® R10, for quick and accurate determination of human sperm DNA fragmentation

Abstract Study question The performance and efficiency of the LensHooke® R10 test kit were evaluated by the clinical examination for precision, accuracy, and time. Summary answer The LensHooke® R10 based on sperm chromatin dispersion test offers not only quick testing for sperm DNA fragmentation but also reliable and accurate test results. What is known already Sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test, one of the most commonly used testing for sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), can be conducted promptly and without the need for expensive laboratory instruments. However, the main disadvantage of the SCD test is inter-observer variability in categorizing the size of characteristics halos surrounding the core of sperm. Moreover, it takes more than one hour to accomplish whole assay procedures making this testing an inefficient diagnostic tool. These may hinder its broad availability among andrology laboratories or prevent it from being routinely used for the evaluation of male infertility. Study design, size, duration A total of 108 participants was included in this prospective study. Data was collected from the reproductive medicine center between June and December 2020. Participants/materials, setting, methods This study included 108 consecutive male partners of couples attending for assisted reproductive treatment. SDF was simultaneously tested by using LensHooke® R10 (R10) and Halosperm® G2 (G2) respectively. We evaluated the correlation and agreement between two SCD-based test kits. The repeatability and reproducibility of the SCD kits were assessed by intra-and inter-observer agreement experiments. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value for the R10 was determined by receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve analysis. Main results and the role of chance The R10 produced more clear sperm core and dispersed chromatin, therefore highly recognizable images can be easily and accurately categorized when scoring of SDF. It took 50% less time for SDF testing by the R10 compared to the G2 (38.26 ± 9.85 minutes vs. 76.52 ± 19.7 minutes, P &amp;lt; 0.0001). The SDF% results showed a strong correlation for the R10 and G2 with Spearman’s coefficients of rank correlation (rho) above 0.8 (P &amp;lt; 0.0001, N = 108). The R10 showed 89.8% accuracy with 87.9% sensitivity, 90.8% specificity, 82.9% PPV, and 93.7% NPV on the measurement of SDF% at the threshold value of 22%. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) &amp;gt;0.9 showed a strong agreement between two observers on the testing of SDF using the R10. ICC &amp;gt;0.9 showed a high intra-observer agreement within 4 repeated testing on SDF using the R10. The R10 showed an intra-observer’s precision of coefficient variation, CV &amp;lt; 10% for SDF%. In addition, SDF% test results obtained by the R10 for asthenospermic (31.8% ± 16.7%), teratospermic (22.9% ± 14.4%), and oligoasthenoteratozoospermic samples (36.6% ± 14.4%) were significantly higher than that observed in normozoospermic samples (15.3% ± 10.2%, p &amp;lt; 0.05), was comparable with the G2. Limitations, reasons for caution The sample size of 4 semen specimens used to evaluate the intra-and inter-observer agreement was a limitation. Besides, evaluating the relationship between the SDF and clinical outcome of ART is necessary for further study. Wider implications of the findings: The new in vitro diagnostics reagent, LensHooke® R10, is a simple and quick test kit that offers reliable and accurate test results of sperm DNA fragmentation, can be routinely used in male infertility evaluation. Trial registration number CS2–20012

Species‐specific COI primers for rapid identification of Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean (MED) species

AbstractBemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is a rapidly evolving species complex, and is small in size and difficult to identify quickly and accurately. For the accurate identification and effective prevention of this species, the specific PCR method based on the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase subunit I (mt DNA COI) gene was used in the present study to evaluate rapid molecular detection technological applications for Mediterranean (MED) species. The MED was targeted and whitefly species from different regions were used as references. Fragments of the mt DNA COI gene of the MED and other closely related species were amplified with universal primers. Species‐specific mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase subunit I (SS‐COI) primers BQLF/BQLR and BQJF/BQJR were designed from variable sites of MED and other whitefly species partial COI gene sequences. Subsequently, the lengths of target fragments were amplified by two pairs of SS‐COI primers. Meanwhile, the accuracy, specificity and sensitivity of SS‐COI primers were determined using various life stages of the MED and other related species collected from different locations. The primer pairs BQLF/BQLR and BQJF/BQJR generated 334 bp and 483 bp amplified fragment length respectively. Accuracy test results showed that primers can detect the MED single‐head adults and also accurately detect single‐egg and first instar, second instar and third instar nymphs, MED pupae, etc. Specific detection results demonstrated that the primers were able to amplify the MED but not the following species/populations: Middle East‐Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1), Asia I, Asia II 1, Asia II 6 and Asia II 7, Aleurocanthus spiniferus (Quaintanca), A. camelliae, Siphoninus phillyreae, Aleuroclava rhododendri, A. thysanospermi, Aleurolobus taonabae, Dialeurodes citri and Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) in different areas. Sensitivity detection results showed that primers can detect the minimum threshold of 2,160 pg/μl and 1.38 pg/μl, respectively (equivalent to 1/1280 and 1/2000000 adult). This technique solves the problem that MED cannot be identified based on morphology. This method simultaneously adopted SS‐COI PCR technological applications that improved detection accuracy and saved detection time.

Local formability assessment of AHSS steels with shear cut tensile tests

As an alternative to the ISO16630 hole expansion test, the punched tensile test is increasingly popular for edge crack characterization of AHSS advanced high strength steels. In this investigation the reduction of area as well as thickness reduction at fracture in the vicinity of left/right sample edge fracture sides has been determined by means of light optical microscopy according to the Hance local formability test methodology for 10% to 40% cutting clearance in (both sided) sheared cut vs. spark eroded or milled edge conditions. An edge crack index has been defined based on the tensile sample fracture shape. Local formability tensile properties based on area reduction or average thickness reduction are more sensitive to edge condition than Axx fracture elongation values. The determination of the reduction of area at fracture is however challenging due to projection issues. The % thickness reduction at minimum thickness as well as at left/right thickness in cut edge vicinity may offer some additional information about edge crack initiation and final fracture. The shear punch edge quality (punch and die tool wear, target vs. actual clearance) should be closely monitored for accurate reproducible testing results.

Optimal management of cultivated land coupling remote sensing-based expected irrigation water forecasting

This study proposed a novel cultivated land planning approach coupling expected irrigation water prediction and crop planting structure optimization. Under the guidance of the expected irrigation water prediction, the development of agricultural planting strategies was proposed through the cultivated land planning method to improve the efficiency of water use and ensure agricultural production. This approach was consisted of two models: a combination forecasting model was developed for estimating expected irrigation water with help of remote sensing data (RSCM); and a bi-level multiobjective programming model for planning crop planting structure (BMPSOM) was formulated for crop planting structure programming. Then, the proposed approach applied to a real-world case in Northwest China for verifying its validity. Results show that: 1) the forecast accuracy of the combination forecast model has been greatly improved compared to the single forecast model, the accuracy test results are RMSE = 0.25 × 108 m3, MAPE = 0.78%; 2) the use of remote sensing data can reflect the soil moisture with spatial variability in the forecast; 3) BMPSOM model can well reflect the leader-follower relationship and make tradeoff among multiple objectives of each decision maker in tackling practical problem. Application has proved that the agricultural planting strategy formulated by this approach can not only ensure economic benefits but also increase food production under limited water resources. Therefore, this method has good application prospects in areas where water resources are scarce.

CRISPR/Cas12-Based Ultra-Sensitive and Specific Point-of-Care Detection of HBV.

Hepatitis B remains a major global public health challenge, with particularly high prevalence in medically disadvantaged western Pacific and African regions. Although clinically available technologies for the qPCR detection of HBV are well established, research on point-of-care testing has not progressed substantially. The development of a rapid, accurate point-of-care test is essential for the prevention and control of hepatitis B in medically disadvantaged rural areas. The development of the CRISPR/Cas system in nucleic acid detection has allowed for pathogen point-of-care detection. Here, we developed a rapid and accurate point-of-care assay for HBV based on LAMP-Cas12a. It innovatively solves the problem of point-of-care testing in 10 min, particularly the problem of sample nucleic acid extraction. Based on LAMP-Cas12a, visualization of the assay results is presented by both a fluorescent readout and by lateral flow test strips. The lateral flow test strip technology can achieve results visible to the naked eye, while fluorescence readout can achieve real-time high-sensitivity detection. The fluorescent readout-based Cas12a assay can achieve HBV detection with a limit of detection of 1 copy/μL within 13 min, while the lateral flow test strip technique only takes 20 min. In the evaluation of 73 clinical samples, the sensitivity and specificity of both the fluorescence readout and lateral flow test strip method were 100%, and the results of the assay were fully comparable to qPCR. The LAMP-Cas12a-based HBV assay relies on minimal equipment to provide rapid, accurate test results and low costs, providing significant practical value for point-of-care HBV detection.

Accuracy Enhancement in Early Detection of Breast Cancer on Mammogram Images with Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) Methods using Data Augmentation and Transfer Learning

The advancement of computer technology has made it possible for computers to imitate the work of the human brain to make decisions that can be used in the healthcare sector. One of the uses is detecting breast cancer by using Machine Learning to increase the sensitivity and or specificity of detection and diagnosis of the disease. Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is the most commonly used image analysis and classification method in machine learning. This study aims to improve the accuracy of early detection of breast cancer on mammogram images using the CNN method by adding the Data Augmentation and Transfer method. Learning. This study used a mammography image dataset taken from MIAS 2012. The dataset has seven classes with 322 image samples. The results of accuracy tests of early detection process of breast cancer using CNN by utilizing Data Augmentation and Transfer Learning show several findings: Model VGG-16, Model VGG-19, and ResNet-50 produced the same training accuracy rate of 86%, while for validation accuracy, Model ResNet-50 produced the highest level of accuracy (71%) compared to other models (VGG-16=64%, VGG-19=61%). The use of more image datasets may create better accuracy.

Design of Detection Module in Coagulometers Based on Dual-magnetic Circuit Beads Method

Coagulometer, known as blood coagulation analyzer, is a product that can provide accurate test results for medical diagnosis and treatment analysis by detecting a series of items closely related to thrombosis and hemostasis in coagulation reaction. On the basis of previous traditional methods, and with our deep understanding about the principles of hemagglutination detection, we propose a hemagglutination detection method by using the dual-magnetic circuit beads method. Then, the corresponding hemagglutination detection module is designed. The coagulation time of plasma can be measured by detecting the movement of the magnetic beads when the magnetic field intensity is appropriate. The activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT) of plasma is tested when the most suitable magnetic field intensity is found. The results preliminarily show that this blood coagulation test method is valid and the corresponding test module has a potential value in business.