Screening Device Research Articles

Investigation of cellulosic fines removal in dissolving pulp production with small-holed screen plates

This study investigates the influence of hole diameter and hole spacing on the fractionation performance using an industrial scale pressure screen. The objective is to increase the quality of the long fiber fraction during dissolving pulp production by separating cellulosic fines from unbleached softwood sulfite pulp containing 8% (w/w) primary fines (fibrous particles shorter than 0.200 mm fiber length). Different screen basket designs were applied, using the same hole spacing while varying hole diameter, and vice versa. This allowed a comparison of the separate influence of hole diameter and hole spacing on the separation efficiency. Production parameters of screening devices are always a compromise between separation efficiency, runnability/plugging, and throughput. High aperture velocity, high feed consistency and low reject rate were identified as the crucial operating parameters for high cellulosic fines removal efficiency, which turned out to be positive in terms of throughput. Considering the different hole diameters, the industrial trials showed that smaller holes yielded better fractionation results. Whereas reduced hole spacing resulted in a denser fiber network on the screen, reducing the amount of fines and short fibers passing, thereby leading to worse fractionation results. By choosing suitable screening conditions, we found that the weight-weighted fines content was reduced more than 50 percent using a one stage fiber fractionation screen set up under industrial conditions. The lowered fines content in the long fiber fraction is expected to allow a reduced purification effort and a lower chemical demand in the subsequent processes of dissolving pulp production. By reducing the fines fraction, consisting of short fibers, fiber fines, as well as mainly short-chain alkali-soluble carbohydrates (hemicelluloses), improvements in process efficiency and dissolving pulp quality can be achieved.

Samarium, nitrogen co-Doped carbon dots for detection of Epinephrine: Theoretical and experimental

In this study we have developed a highly sensitive optical sensor for the detection of epinephrine using carbon dots co-doped with samarium and nitrogen (Sm,N-CDs) with a very low detection limit of 28.1 nM and a broad linear dynamic range from (0–105 nM). Various techniques were employed to characterize the synthesized material, aiming to understand its morphological and physicochemical characteristics. The synergistic effect of the synthesized Sm,N-CDs demonstrated excellent optical performance, high selectivity and photostability. Additionally, good recovery findings were obtained when the sensor’s viability for Epinephrine detection in biological fluid samples that had been spiked was evaluated. In addition, we have developed an smartphones-based sensor to record the solution’s fluorescent color shift as it is being sensed. Using a mobile phone application to examine the green, red, and blue values from these photos, the comparable LOD was found to be 17.21 μM in a (0–90 μM) wide linear range of concentration. This straightforward, affordable, and quick screening device is highly demanding for the on-the-spot identification of the analytes at remote locations where advanced instrumentation is typically unavailable. Density functional theory was used to examine energy, stability, band gap, and how Ep interacted with the Sm,N-CDs nanoparticles.

“Jail isn’t the answer for these inmates”: how to respond to methamphetamine use in prisons

PurposeThe correctional system continues to face challenges with responding to and managing methamphetamine use among incarcerated individuals. This study aims to uncover what resources and policies could better help correctional workers deal with these challenges. The authors also examined methamphetamine’s impact on correctional work and staff well-being.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was distributed to correctional workers (n = 269) in Manitoba, Canada, featuring questions about their experiences related to methamphetamine use in populations under their care, what supports are needed to adequately address the concern, and the potential effects on self and their occupational responsibilities. Using NVivo software, survey responses were analysed using an emergent theme approach.FindingsCorrectional workers believed policies and protocols for managing methamphetamine use and withdrawal are currently inadequate. Correctional workers reported having monthly contact with incarcerated individuals experiencing methamphetamine withdrawal, posing safety concerns to them and other incarcerated individuals. Respondents proposed more education and training on managing incarcerated people withdrawing from methamphetamines, related to the symptoms of use and withdrawal and how to support persons detoxing. Increased human and material resources were reported as being needed (e.g. more nurses onsite and better screening devices). Respondents also desired more medical intervention, safe living spaces for methamphetamine users and programming to support addiction.Originality/valueThe current study unpacks correctional workers’ perspectives, support desires and their experiences managing methamphetamine use amongst incarcerated people. The authors discuss the required knowledge to respond to gaps in prison living, re-entry and related policy needs.

A high-throughput system for drug screening based on the movement analysis of zebrafish

Zebrafish is a highly advantageous model animal for drug screening and toxicity evaluation thanks to its amenability to optical imaging (i.e., transparency), possession of organ structures similar to humans, and the ease with which disease models can be established. However, current zebrafish drug screening technologies and devices suffer from limitations such as low level of automation and throughput, and low accuracy caused by the heterogeneity among individual zebrafish specimens. To address these issues, we herein develop a high-throughput zebrafish drug screening system. This system is capable of maintaining optimal culturing conditions and simultaneously monitoring and analyzing the movement of 288 zebrafish larvae under various external conditions, such as drug combinations. Moreover, to eliminate the effect of heterogeneity, locomotion of participating zebrafish is assessed and grouped before experiments. It is demonstrated that in contrast to the experimental results without pre-selection, which shows ∼20 % damaged motor function (i.e., degree of attenuation), the drug-induced variations among zebrafish with equivalent mobility reaches ∼80 %. Overall, our high-throughput zebrafish drug screening system overcomes current limitations by improving automation, throughput, and accuracy, resulting in enhanced detection of drug-induced variations in zebrafish motor function.

Connecticut Implements a Team-Based Approach to Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Using Community Health Workers and Mobile Medical Devices.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health's Early Detection and Prevention Program uses an integrated approach to deliver breast and cervical cancer screening services, cardiovascular disease risk assessment, health coaching, and the identification of social determinants of health to women from economically disadvantaged and minority communities. Statewide contracted providers who represent twenty hospitals and their fee-for-service providers employ community health workers (CHWs) to conduct outreach, screening assessments using mobile medical devices, and risk reduction counseling in community settings to reduce service access barriers, while also engaging eligible women who may not typically frequent clinical services. Mobile medical screening devices enhance healthcare accessibility by enabling screenings to be conducted in a participants preferred setting, whether it is a clinic or within the community, with the added benefit of delivering rapid screening results. Utilizing these results, CHWs provide risk reduction counseling to develop individualized health action plans at the outreach session.

From Chips-in-Lab to Point-of-Care Live Cell Device: Development of a Microfluidic Device for On-Site Cell Culture and High-Throughput Drug Screening.

Live cell assays provide real-time data of cellular responses. In combination with microfluidics, applications such as automated and high-throughput drug screening on live cells can be accomplished in small devices. However, their application in point-of-care testing (POCT) is limited by the requirement for bulky equipment to maintain optimal cell culture conditions. In this study, we propose a POCT device that allows on-site cell culture and high-throughput drug screening on live cells. We first observe that cell viabilities are substantially affected by liquid evaporation within the microfluidic device, which is intrinsic to the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) material due to its hydrophobic nature and nanopatterned surface. The unwanted PDMS-liquid-air interface in the cell culture environment can be eliminated by maintaining a persistent humidity of 95-100% or submerging the whole microfluidic device under water. Our results demonstrate that in the POCT device equipped with a water tank, both primary cells and cell lines can be maintained for up to 1 week without the need for external cell culture equipment. Moreover, this device is powered by a standard alkali battery and can automatically screen over 5000 combinatorial drug conditions for regulating neural stem cell differentiation. By monitoring dynamic variations in fluorescent markers, we determine the optimal doses of platelet-derived growth factor and epidermal growth factor to suppress proinflammatory S100A9-induced neuronal toxicities. Overall, this study presents an opportunity to transform lab-on-a-chip technology from a laboratory-based approach to actual point-of-care devices capable of performing complex experimental procedures on-site and offers significant advancements in the fields of personalized medicine and rapid clinical diagnostics.

Contracting when enforcement is weak: evidence from an audit study

Abstract How are contracts structured in the presence of relationship-specific investments when legal enforcement is weak? Using a new audit methodology, we show that simple financial contracts in combination with social norms and reputation concerns can sustain relationship-specific transactions. Wholesalers in the market for pens in India use upfront payments rather than increased risk premiums to mitigate risks arising from relationship-specific investments. Upfront payments for printed pens cover only 40 percent of the production costs, highlighting the importance of upfront payments as a screening device. Ex-post, renegotiation is more likely for printed pens, but in a substantial fraction of cases, renegotiation fails.

A Longitudinal Study of CogEvo's Prediction of Cognitive Decline in Older Adults.

The predictive abilities of computer-based screening devices for early cognitive decline (CD) in older adults have rarely been longitudinally examined. Therefore, this study examined the ability of CogEvo, a short-duration, computer-based cognitive screening device requiring little professional involvement, to predict CD among community-dwelling older adults. We determined whether 119 individuals aged ≥ 65 years living in Japanese rural communities who scored ≥ 24 on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) at baseline developed CD by annually administering the MMSE to them. CD was defined as an MMSE score of ≤23. At baseline, the overall CogEvo judgment grade, with lower grades indicating better cognitive function, was calculated from the results of various cognitive tasks. Over 2 years, 10 participants developed CD. Participants with grades of 4 had a higher percentage of CD cases than those with grades of ≤3 (p < 0.01). This relationship remained significant after controlling for possible confounders, including the MMSE score at baseline. The sensitivity and specificity of the CogEvo grade cutoff of 4 were 50.0% and 93.6%, respectively. In conclusion, CogEvo may be an efficient tool for identifying individuals at a high risk for dementia. The possibility of missing CD cases should be considered when using CogEvo for screening.

The association between screen time exposure and myopia in children and adolescents: a meta-analysis

ObjectiveThis study aimed to systematically review epidemiological evidence on associations between screen time exposure and myopia in children and adolescents, and to quantitatively evaluate summary effect estimates from existing literature.MethodThere were three online databases including PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, for epidemiological studies on screen time exposure and myopia published before June 1, 2023. The risk of bias was assessed by the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) checklist. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the correlation between screen time exposure and myopia using random or fixed-effect models by exposure type (categorical/continuous). We also performed subgroup analysis by screen device type, study quality, geographic region, and research period.ResultsWe searched 7,571 records from three databases and identified 19 eligible studies, including 14 high-quality studies and 5 moderate-quality studies. Meta-analyses suggested that there was a statistically significant correlation between screen time (high vs. low) and myopia. The pooled ORs with 95%CIs were respectively 2.24 (1.47–3.42) for cross-sectional studies, and 2.39 (2.07–2.76) for cohort studies. We also found a significant association between continuous exposure to screen time (per 1 h/d increase) and myopia in cohort studies. The pooled ORs with 95%CIs were 1.07 (1.01–1.13). In subgroup analysis stratified by screen device type in cross-sectional studies, screen time exposures from computers (categorical: OR = 8.19, 95%CI: 4.78–14.04; continuous: OR = 1.22, 95%CI: 1.10–1.35) and televisions (categorical: OR = 1.46, 95%CI: 1.02–2.10) were associated with myopia, while smartphones were not. Although publication bias was detected, the pooled results did not show significant changes after adjustment using the trim and fill method.ConclusionOur findings support that screen time exposure was significantly associated with myopia in children and adolescents. Notably, screen time exposure from computers may have the most significant impact on myopia.

The relationship between parental attitudes and the assessment of the benefits and risks of screen devices use among children in early primary school years

Nowadays, children increasingly choose screen devices as a form of communication and spending free time, which raises concerns about the potential harmfulness of excessive use of them. Therefore, it seems important to look at the issue of using screen devices from the perspective of parents and their attitudes towards children themselves, as well as in relation to the use of screen devices in everyday life. The aim of the presented study was to demonstrate the relationship between parental attitudes, parent’s gender and the assessment of the benefits and risks associated with children’s screen devices use. The research tools used in the study included The Parental Attitudes Scale (SPR) by Mieczyslaw Plopa (2008), covering six parental attitudes, and original The Screen Usage Questionnaire (KKE) to measure the attitude towards screen use by children. The article discusses theoretical aspects of parental attitudes towards children and screen use, as well as the benefits and risks of children’s screen devices use in the early primary school years. The operationalization of variables in research tools was presented. The study involved 173 participants aged 29-44 years (M = 36.56; SD = 3.16; Me = 37), including 127 mothers and 47 fathers of children aged 7-10 from the Podkarpackie. No correlation was found between parental attitudes and their assessment of the benefits and risks associated with screen devices use. However, the differences were observed between mothers and fathers in the assessment of benefits and risks. The research results indicate the need for education on digital parenting. Mothers assessed the use of screens neutrally or negatively, while fathers assessed it neutrally or positively, hence the conclusion regarding preventive activities is to direct various educational interventions towards fathers and mothers. These findings indicate the need to support parents introducing children to the digital world in effective education regarding the use of screen devices.

Non-invasive hemoglobin screening device: a promising digital method for reducing anemia prevalence through routine screening and timely intervention

ABSTRACT Background Several non-invasive technologies are nowadays available in the market which claim to determine the hemoglobin levels instantly without the requirement of the blood sample. But no study has shown the significance of such non-invasive devices on a routine basis for determining their impact on anemia reduction programs. This study is conducted to determine the impact of regular hemoglobin screening on the women population to determine its potential in reducing anemia, using a digitalized non-invasive device. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted on 203 women of reproductive age group, residing in the Moradabad district. Repetitive readings were taken after a time interval of a minimum of 1 month for determining the impact of regular screening. The entire data collection process was carried out using the EzeCheck mobile app. Results It was observed that the prevalence of anemia was reduced upon the second time screening and was accepted by the women population. Repetitive testing has a significant impact on reducing anemia prevalence. Also, the simplified non-invasive technology for estimating the hemoglobin values, makes the user more comfortable to take the test. Conclusion Non-invasive devices should be used regularly to keep track of hemoglobin levels which will help in the effective treatment of anemia. The mobile app-based testing could help to easily evaluate the reports of the patients from any remote location with instant result interpretation and health assistance.

Efficient and Low-Loss Cleaning Method for Non-Uniform Distribution of Threshed Materials Based on Multi-Wing Curved Combination Air Screen in Computational Fluid Dynamics/Discrete Element Method Simulations

During the operation of the longitudinal axis flow threshing device of a combine harvester, the threshed materials form accumulations and blockages on both sides of the screen surface, severely affecting the harvesting process. To evenly distribute the materials on the screen and solve the blockage issue, a multi-wing curved combination centrifugal fan is designed to match the mass distribution of the threshed materials. The movement mechanism of rice threshed materials in the cleaning shoe of a longitudinal axis flow combine harvester is investigated using the coupled CFD-DEM simulation method. The cleaning efficiency and performance of the traditional straight-blade fan screen device and the newly designed cleaning device are compared and analyzed, and field tests are conducted. The results show that the trajectory of the threshed materials cleaned by the device equipped with the multi-wing curved combination centrifugal fan is consistent with the mass distribution of the materials separated by the longitudinal axis flow threshing device. The absolute value of the centroid velocity of the material group in the X/Y direction is greater than that of the traditional fan, indicating that the movement speed of the particle group in the optimized fan is greater than that of the traditional fan. Therefore, in the actual cleaning process, the optimized fan’s air flow distribution more effectively accelerates the movement speed of the threshed materials, increasing the amount of materials cleaned per unit time, thereby improving the cleaning efficiency. Field comparative tests show that the designed cleaning device reduced the cleaning loss rate by up to 25.00% and the impurity content rate by 32.20%, achieving efficient and low-damage cleaning of the combine harvester. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method for evenly distributing the materials and provides important reference for the study of other piled particle distribution systems.

A quantum sensing metrology for magnetic memories

Magnetic random access memory (MRAM) is a leading emergent memory technology that is poised to replace current non-volatile memory technologies such as eFlash. However, controlling and improving distributions of device properties becomes a key enabler of new applications at this stage of technology development. Here, we introduce a non-contact metrology technique deploying scanning NV magnetometry (SNVM) to investigate MRAM performance at the individual bit level. We demonstrate magnetic reversal characterization in individual, <60 nm-sized bits, to extract key magnetic properties, thermal stability, and switching statistics, and thereby gauge bit-to-bit uniformity. We showcase the performance of our method by benchmarking two distinct bit etching processes immediately after pattern formation. In contrast to ensemble averaging methods such as perpendicular magneto-optical Kerr effect, we show that it is possible to identify out of distribution (tail-bits) bits that seem associated to the edges of the array, enabling failure analysis of tail bits. Our findings highlight the potential of nanoscale quantum sensing of MRAM devices for early-stage screening in the processing line, paving the way for future incorporation of this nanoscale characterization tool in the semiconductor industry.

The Utility of Expert-Rated and Self-Report Assessments of Youth Psychopathic Traits for Predicting Felony Recidivism Among Formerly Incarcerated Youth

Psychopathic traits assessed with expert-rated instruments are well-established predictors for both general and violent felony recidivism outcomes in adjudicated youth. However, it is not clear whether self-report assessments of psychopathic traits show similar predictive value. The current study evaluated both expert-rated (i.e., the Hare Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version [PCL:YV]) and self-report measures (i.e., the Childhood Psychopathy Scale, Inventory of Callous Unemotional Traits, Antisocial Process Screening Device, and the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory) assessing youth psychopathic traits for predicting general and violent felony recidivism among formerly incarcerated high-risk male adolescents ( n = 275). Scores on both expert-rated and self-report instruments were significantly associated with a shorter time to felony rearrest into early adulthood (with an average follow-up window of 11 years). However, the expert-rated PCL:YV, but not self-report measures, provided significant utility for predicting violent felony arrest. These results suggest that in general, youth psychopathic traits, regardless of the specific instrument used, are predictors of general felony rearrest outcomes, while the expert-rated PCL:YV alone provides utility for predicting the most severe crimes (i.e., violent felonies). The strengths and limitations of the assessment modalities are discussed.

Using a Portable Ventilatory Airway Screening (PVAS) Device to Evaluate the Difference Between Upper Airway Breathing Pressure and Respiratory Flow in Skeletal Class I and Class II Growing Individuals With Retrognathic Mandible.

Background Upper airway obstruction (UAO) is a significant clinical concern due to its potential to lead to serious health issues, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cardiovascular diseases. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as spirometry, are often invasive and complex. This study aims to validate a portable ventilatory airway screening (PVAS) device as a non-invasive, cost-effective alternative for measuring upper airway breathing pressure and respiratory flow. Objectives To validate the accuracy of the PVAS device in measuring upper airway breathing pressure and respiratory flow by comparing its readings with those obtained from standard spirometry tests. Methods This cross-sectional analytical study involved 40 growing individuals aged 10-14 years, divided into two groups based on cephalometric analysis: Skeletal Class I (20 patients) and Skeletal Class II with retrognathic mandible (20 patients). Breathing pressure, volume, and velocity measurements were recorded using both the PVAS device and spirometry, and their accuracy was compared. Results The PVAS device showed high concordance with spirometry results, demonstrating significant accuracy in measuring breathing pressure, volume, and velocity. Skeletal Class II individuals exhibited significantly higher breathing pressure and reduced respiratory flow compared to Class I individuals, as measured by the PVAS device. Conclusion The PVAS device is a valid and accurate tool for non-invasive measurement of upper airway breathing pressure and respiratory flow. Its ease of use and reliability make it a valuable tool for clinical practice, particularly in the early diagnosis and management of airway obstructions.

Neonatal jaundice detection in low-resource Mexican settings: possibilities and barriers for innovation with mobile health

BackgroundNeonatal jaundice is a common condition that can lead to brain damage and disabilities when severe cases go undetected. Low- and middle-income countries often lack accurate methods for detecting neonatal jaundice and rely on visual assessment, resulting in a higher incidence of adverse consequences. Picterus Jaundice Pro (Picterus JP), an easy-to-use and affordable smartphone-based screening device for the condition, has demonstrated higher accuracy than visual assessment in Norwegian, Philippine and Mexican newborns. This study aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators to implementing Picterus JP in public health services in low-income settings in Mexico by exploring the current process of neonatal jaundice detection and stakeholders’ perspectives in that context.MethodsQualitative data collection techniques, including one focus group, 15 semi-structured interviews and four observations, were employed in urban and rural health facilities in Oaxaca, Mexico. The participants included medical doctors, nurses and health administrators. The data were analysed by thematic analysis guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.ResultsThe analysis yielded four main themes: (I) the current state of neonatal care and NNJ detection, (II) the needs and desires for enhancing NNJ detection, (III) the barriers and facilitators to implementing Picterus JP in the health system and (IV) HCWs’ expectations of Picterus JP. The findings identify deficiencies in the current neonatal jaundice detection process and the participants’ desire for a more accurate method. Picterus JP was perceived as easy to use, useful and compatible with the work routine, but barriers to adoption were identified, including internet deficiencies and costs.ConclusionsThe introduction of Picterus JP as a supporting tool to screen for neonatal jaundice is promising but contextual barriers in the setting must be addressed for successful implementation. There is also an opportunity to optimise visual assessment to improve detection of neonatal jaundice.

Patient preference and acceptability of self-sampling for cervical screening in colposcopy clinic attenders: A cross-sectional semi-structured survey.

Low vaginal self-sampling has been pioneered as an important development to improve uptake of cervical screening globally. Limited research is available in specific patient groups in the UK exploring views around self-sampling to detect high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) DNA. Therefore, we explored patient views to support development of a novel point-of-care self-sampling cervical cancer screening device, by undertaking a cross-sectional semi-structured questionnaire survey to explore preferences, acceptability, barriers and facilitators around self-sampling. Patients attending a colposcopy clinic, 25-64 years old, were invited to participate after having carried out a low vaginal self-sample using a regular flocked swab. Participants self-completed an anonymous 12-point questionnaire. Quantitative data were analysed in MS Excel and Graphpad Prism, and qualitative data with Nvivo. We recruited 274 patients with a questionnaire response rate of 76%. Acceptability of self-sampling was high (95%, n = 187/197; Cronbachs-α = 0.778). Participants were asked their choice of future screening method: a) low vaginal self-sampling, b) healthcare professional collected vaginal swab, c) cervical brush sample with healthcare professional speculum examination, or d) no preference. Preferences were: a) 37% (n = 74/198), b) 19% (n = 37/198); c) 9% (n = 17/198), and d) 35% (n = 70/198), showing no single option as a strong preference. Key motivators were: Test simplicity (90%, n = 170/190), speed (81%, n = 153/190) and less pain (65%, n = 123/190). Barriers included lack of confidence taking the sample (53%, n = 10/19), resulting in preference for a healthcare professional sample (47%, n = 9/19). Whilst self-sampling showed high acceptability, lack of strong preference for screening method may reflect that respondents attending colposcopy are already engaged with screening and have differing perception of cervical cancer risk. This group appear less likely to 'switch' to self-sampling, and it may be better targeted within primary and community care, focusing on under-screened populations. Any shift in this paradigm in the UK requires comprehensive education and support for patients and providers.

Inadequacy of a 12.5 cm MUAC as a cutoff for malnutrition for children aged three to five years

Introduction: MUAC (mid-upper arm circumference) is a simple and easily taught screening tool for identifying malnutrition in children. South Sudan use a MUAC of 12.5 cm for children aged between six months and five years as a cut-off for moderate acute malnutrition. Currently, in South Sudan, children from six months to five years have the same MUAC cutoff for malnutrition. Method: This study evaluated the sensitivity of using a MUAC of 12.5 cm as a screening tool for children between 6 and 60 months applied to data obtained from children enrolled in urban and rural primary schools in Maridi County, South Sudan. We used the 12.5 cm cutoff which was 2 standard deviations from the median for boys at nine months and for girls at 20 months. We also used 14.0 cm as the cutoff and compared the number of children identified, and also the false positive rate, assuming -2 SD from the median to be the accepted norm for malnutrition. Finally, we considered two different standards, using 14.0 cm for children aged 3-5 years and 12.5 cm for children under three years. Results: Comparing the results obtained using the two different MUAC standards (12.5 cm versus 14.0 cm) against a single MUAC standard there is a dramatic difference in outcome. Using the current standard (12.5 cm), only 7.3% of the children were found to be malnourished. Using 14.0 cm, 33.8 % were found to be malnourished (Table 4). If we accept the norm of 2 SD below the median for age as an adequate definition of malnutrition, the false positive rate using 14.0 cm is 9.6 %, an acceptable figure for a screening device, but the false negative rate for 12.5 cm is 17.4 %, a clearly unacceptable rate for a screening device. If, however, instead of using one cut-off for children from six months to five years, a period characterized normally by rapid growth and changes in body composition, we used two different standards—12.5 cm for those under three years and 14 cm for those aged 3-5 years, the number of false positives drops down to 2.7% and false negatives to 0.9 % Conclusion: We suggest that the use of 12.5 cm for malnourished children is inappropriate above two years, that 14 cm would be a more appropriate screening measurement from 3-5 years of age.

Accelerometer-measured sleep behaviour and parent-child sleep guideline adherence and sleep quality in Czech families with children aged 3-8 years: the FAMIly Physical Activity, Sedentary behaviour and Sleep (FAMIPASS) study.

Assessing parent-child relationship in sleep behaviours is important for facilitating changes in the sleep guideline compliance in preschool age children. The aim of this study was to examine accelerometer-measured sleep quantity and quality in families with children aged 3-8 years and investigate the parents' influence on the child's sleep. The data were obtained from the Czech cross-sectional FAMIly Physical Activity, Sedentary behaviour and Sleep (FAMIPASS) study, with a final sample of 374 families. Families were recruited through the enrolment of their children in kindergartens/primary schools between March 2022 and May 2023. The sleep time window and total sleep time were assessed using a wrist-worn ActiGraph accelerometer. Participants wore this device continuously for 24 h/day over a period of 7 consecutive days. Demographic data and potential correlates were obtained via questionnaires completed by parents. Statistical analyses were completed using logistic regression and independent-samples Mann-Whitney U test. In all, 65.5% of children (60% boys, 70.9% girls) and 58.3% of parents (52.4% fathers, 64.3% mothers) achieved the recommended sleep duration. Greater sleep quantity and duration in good-quality sleep were significantly higher in girls/mothers, compared to boys/fathers. Preschoolers were more likely to comply with sleep guidelines if their mother (but not father) met the sleep recommendation and their mothers did not have a higher education level. Adhering to sleep guidelines in children was also associated with children's female gender, absence of screen device in the bedroom, and being more active. Given the high concurrence in mother-child sleep quantity, it is important to promote healthy sleep behaviours in the whole family.

Analysis of unknown (unlabeled/mislabeled) drug products for active pharmaceutical ingredients and related substances by an international mail facility satellite laboratory equipped with rapid screening devices.

Two chemists employed a three-device rapid screening "toolkit" consisting of a handheld Raman spectrometer, transportable mass spectrometer, and portable Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer at an international mail facility (IMF) satellite laboratory to examine unknown (unlabeled/mislabeled) products for the presence of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Phase I of this project previously demonstrated that this toolkit was the most effective collection of instruments for identifying APIs in product types collected at IMFs during a nationwide mail blitz and Phase II of this project previously demonstrated that results generated using the toolkit during a satellite laboratory pilot program were as reliable as those generated by a full-service library when two or more of these instruments identify an API. This study (Phase III) described the results of the satellite laboratory toolkit during production mode and encompassed the period ranging from June 2021 through December 2022. During this study, a total of 858 products were examined on-site at the IMF. The satellite laboratory yielded conclusive results for 726 (84.6%) products, which were used to support regulatory action, and identified 132 (15.4%) products that required additional full-service laboratory analyses due to inconclusive results. The satellite and full-service laboratory verified/confirmed at least one API/related substance in 617 (71.9%) products. A total of 709 APIs/related substances were found in the 617 products, and 202 of these 709 compounds were unique/different. Overall, during Phases I through III of this program, 350 different substances have been identified in products collected at IMFs.