Single Strip Research Articles

A Wideband High-Gain All-Metal Antenna under Quad Resonances Realized by Folding a Simple Patch

This paper presents a novel wideband antenna with a simple structure comprising an integrated microstrip patch antenna (MPA) and three shorted microstrip patch antennas (SMPAs). These four radiators constitute an antenna that operates under quad resonances and achieves a wide frequency bandwidth. Since all units are electrically connected, the antenna can be easily fabricated by folding a single metallic strip to realize an all-metal antenna structure, leading to enhanced resistance to extreme environmental conditions and lower power loss. An antenna prototype was used to validate the proposed concept. The measurement results indicated that the proposed handmade structure, which employed probe excitation with overall electrical dimensions of 0.29λ × 0.27λ × 0.11λ, can acquire an impedance frequency bandwidth of 67% for <i>S</i><sub>11</sub> ≤ -10 dB from 1.6–3.2 GHz and achieve a maximum boresight gain of up to 10 dB. The wide frequency bandwidth, high gain, and simple structure make this antenna a promising candidate for wideband mobile systems.

Rapid and non-invasive analysis of paracetamol overdose using paper arrow-mass spectrometry: a prospective observational study

BackgroundParacetamol is the most consumed medicine globally. Its accessibility contributes to common overdose. Paracetamol overdose is responsible for > 50% of acute liver failure cases, making it the second most common reason for a liver transplant. Rapid quantitation of paracetamol is crucial to guide treatment of paracetamol overdose. Current tests require invasive sampling and relatively long turnaround times. Paper arrow-mass spectrometry (PA-MS) combines sample collection, extraction, separation, enrichment and ionisation onto a single paper strip, achieving rapid, accurate, cost-effective and eco-friendly analysis direct from raw human saliva.MethodsTo validate PA-MS against an established test, 17 healthy adults were recruited. Samples were collected before and at 15, 30, 60, 120 and 240 min after ingesting 1 g of paracetamol. Plasma measured with an established clinical test served as the reference standard to validate PA-MS with three biofluids—plasma, resting saliva (RS) and stimulated saliva (SS). Participants’ views of blood, RS and SS sampling procedures were assessed qualitatively. Cross-validation was assessed using Lin’s concordance correlation coefficients (CCC), Bland–Altman difference plots, and ratios of PA-MS to the reference standard test.ResultsPA-MS using stimulated saliva offers a reliable alternative to intravenous blood sampling. The CCC is 0.93, the mean difference with the reference test is − 0.14 mg/L, and the ratios compared to the reference test are 0.84–1.27 from correlated samples collected at 5 intervals over 4 h for each participant.ConclusionsParacetamol detection from SS with PA-MS provides a reliable result that can aid timely treatment decisions. Differences between paracetamol concentration in resting and stimulated saliva were also identified for the first time, highlighting the importance of standardising saliva collection methods in general. This study marks a major milestone towards rapid and convenient saliva analysis.

Exploring anomalous muscular architecture: a case of the dorsoepitrochlearis muscle

Anatomic variations in the upper limb are of great significance as they pose implications on surgical techniques and raise the risk of intraoperative injury.The presence of dorsoepitrochlearis muscle was discovered during routine dissection of a male cadaver at the Department of Human Anatomy. This variant muscle was found in the right axillary region, originating as a single strip from latissimus dorsi and attaching onto the medial epicondyle of the humerus. Dorsoepitrochlearis is a rare anatomical variation whose spectrum of clinical manifestation may extend from asymptomatic to muscular paresthesia and atrophy as well as motion restriction. A rich basis of knowledge of anatomical variations is crucial in diagnosis and management.

Novel time-resolved fluorescent-based multiplex immunochromatography test strip for simultaneous detection of pesticides in vegetables

The presence of multiple pesticide residues in vegetables has become an increasingly critical concern. Immunochromatography has garnered significant interest for its convenience, sensitivity and speed. However, conventional immunochromatography was typically limited to single-target detection, exhibiting restricted efficiency and high costs in on-site large-scale detection scenarios. Dual-channel time-resolved fluorescent immunochromatography test strip (TRFITS) was developed for the simultaneous rapid detection of imidacloprid (IMI) and tolfenpyrad (TOL) in 15 min. Utilizing the excellent optical properties of time-resolved fluorescent microspheres, this TRFITS enabled better detection sensitivity (0.22 ng/mL for IMI, 11.85 ng/mL for TOL), which was approximately 20 times more sensitive than that of conventional immunochromatography, under optimal conditions. In addition, the TRFITS successfully detected IMI and TOL in vegetables samples with acceptable accuracy. The ability to simultaneously quantify multiple pesticide residues using a single test strip reduces material consumption and lowers operational costs, offering a practical solution for rapid on-site pesticide screening.

The use of second foil stripping in tandem accelerators

The 10 MV FN Tandem at the University of Notre Dame’s Nuclear Science Laboratory has the option for a second foil stripper halfway down its high energy column. With its utilization, users are able to produce beams with higher energies and/or transmission than single foil stripping alone would be capable of achieving. A discussion of the Schiwietz–Grande, Nikolaev–Dmitriev, and Baudinet-Robinet semi-empirical models used to determine the resulting charge state abundances, as well as how they compare to measured charge state distributions is presented. The advantages of a second foil stripper are discussed alongside measurements of the charge state abundances produced. The potential for more interfering beam species of similar magnetic rigidity is also discussed. It was found that for most of the beams tested, second foil stripping allowed higher energies with higher yields than the single terminal foil stripping alone could achieve which can enhance the capabilities of other laboratories using similar accelerator systems.

Runoff and sediment reduction effects of different Paspalum wettsteinii‐planting measures on the slopes of Masson pine plantation in the red soil region of southern China

AbstractGrass‐planting measure is a crucial vegetation approach to mitigate understory soil erosion and improve ecological environment in the red soil region of southern China. This study aimed to quantify the effects of grass (Paspalum wettsteinii Hackel.)‐planting measures on runoff and sediment reduction on slopes of Masson pine plantations under rainstorm conditions. We conducted a rainfall simulation experiment at a rainfall intensity of 2.0 mm/min, comparing single strip (MT1, strip spacing: 145 cm), double strips (MT2, strip spacing: 70 cm), and triple strips (MT3, strip spacing: 45 cm) grass‐planting measures on slope surface runoff generation and soil erosion processes of the young Masson pine (MT0, no grass strip) plantation, and the bare slope (CK) was selected as the control. Results revealed that grass‐planting measures significantly decreased slope erosion parameters compared to CK and MT0. As the average grass coverage increased (MT1 from 10% to 25%, MT2 from 7.5% to 22.5%, MT3 from 7.3% to 25%), the slope surface erosion parameters under the grass‐planting measures decreased, resulting in significantly improved runoff and sediment reduction benefits. The runoff reduction effect could reach 32%, while the sediment reduction effect could reach 88%. Moreover, MT3 demonstrated superior performance over MT2 and MT1, with minimal runoff and sediment reduction effects observed for the MT0. Overall, this study suggests that grass‐planting measures, coupled with the increasing of grass coverage rates, significantly improve runoff and sediment reduction benefits on slopes in regions experiencing heavy rainfall. Among the tested configurations, MT3 emerged as most effective measure for controlling understory soil erosion in Masson pine plantations, especially when its average grass coverage rate reached 25%. These findings provide valuable insights for selecting appropriate grass‐planting strategies, as well as for understanding the underlying mechanisms of how these measures mitigate soil erosion. This scientific reference will aid in the design and implementation of soil and water conservation measures in the region.

Deep negative T-waves in a patient with three different QRS morphologies in a single electrocardiographic strip: What is going on?

Deep negative T-waves in a patient with three different QRS morphologies in a single electrocardiographic strip: What is going on?

Optimizing the methodology for the assessment of bulbar conjunctival lissamine green staining.

When using lissamine green for bulbar conjunctival evaluation, the most staining was observed with two applications of the same strip in the same eye, wetted with a drop of saline. The first application was 5 seconds after wetting the strip, and the second was 1 minute later, followed by immediate viewing. This suggests that bulbar staining should be viewed before the lid wiper region. This study aimed to optimize the assessment of lissamine green staining of the bulbar conjunctiva by investigating the application technique and subsequent observation period. Twenty-two participants with dry eye (as defined by the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society Dry Eye Workshop II) were recruited to trial five application methods in randomized order: (1) application immediately after wetting a single strip, (2) application 5 seconds after wetting a single strip, (3) application 10 seconds after wetting a single strip, (4) consecutive single application of sodium fluorescein followed by lissamine green 5 seconds after wetting, and (5) two applications using the same lissamine green strip 5 seconds after wetting, 1 minute apart. Slit-lamp photography of the conjunctiva was performed immediately following application and at 30, 60, 90, and 300 seconds after application. Three experienced (masked) practitioners independently quantified the visible punctate spots and graded the staining intensity within the images in a random order. Values for punctate spot count ( F = 6.29, p<0.0001) and lissamine green staining intensity ( F = 6.29, p<0.0001) varied significantly between the different application methods. Using two applications of the same lissamine green strip, 1 minute apart, in the same eye resulted in the greatest values for both punctate spot count and lissamine green staining intensity. Lissamine green staining decreased with time for both spot count ( F = 18.87, p<0.0001) and lissamine green staining intensity ( F = 11.33, p<0.0001), with the most staining found immediately after application followed by a gradual decline. There was no evidence of any interaction effect between time and application method for either measure (p>0.05 for both). The optimal approach for assessing bulbar conjunctival lissamine green staining involves two applications of a whole infused drop resting on the same strip for 5 seconds, applied 1 minute apart. The ocular surface should be viewed immediately after application to maximize the conjunctival staining observed.

Multi-dimensional signals coupling of simultaneous acquisition stripping current with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for accurate analysis of Cd(II) in coexisting Cu(II)

BackgroundDespite significant advancements in detecting Cd(II) using nanomaterials-modified sensitive interfaces, most detection methods rely solely on a single electrochemical stripping current to indicate concentration. This approach often overlooks potential inaccuracies caused by interference from coexisting ions. Therefore, establishing multi-dimensional signals that accurately reflect Cd(II) concentration in solution is crucial. ResultsIn this study, we developed a system integrating concentration, electrochemical stripping current, and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) characteristic peak intensity through in-situ laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and electrochemical integrated devices. By simultaneously acquiring multi-dimensional signals to dynamically track the electrochemical deposition and stripping processes, we observed that replacement reactions occur between Cu(II) and Cd(II) on the surface of Ru-doped MoS2 modified carbon paper electrodes (Ru-MoS2/CP). These reactions facilitate the oxidation of Cd(0) to Cd(II) during the stripping process, significantly increasing the currents of Cd(II). Remarkably, the ingenious design of the Ru-MoS2 sensitive interface allowed for the undisturbed deposition of Cu(II) and Cd(II) during the electrochemical deposition process. Consequently, our in-situ integrated device achieved accurate detection of Cd(II) in complex environments, boasting a detection sensitivity of 8606.5 counts μM⁻1. SignificanceBy coupling multi-dimensional signals from stripping current and LIBS spectra, we revealed the interference process between Cu(II) and Cd(II), providing valuable insights for accurate electrochemical analysis of heavy metal ions in complex water environments.

Preoperative chewing gum versus pericardial p6 point acupressure for attenuation of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy – A comparative evaluation

: Preoperative use of non-pharmacological agents like chewing gum and acupressure at Pericardial p6 point in prevention on postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients posted for laparascopic cholecystectomy under general anaesthesia. The primary objective of the study was to compare the efficacy of preoperative chewing gum and pericardial P6 acupressure point application in reduction of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Secondary objective was to assess the anxiety and satisfaction scores of the patients in the study. In this Quasi experimental study,3 groups of 62 patients each, with intact mental status in the age group of 18-60 years of either gender posted for laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anaesthesia, after obtaining written informed consent were included in the study.Group 1 patients received standard treatment, group 2 patients received standard treatment plus Wrigley’s extra sugar free chewing gum, group 3 patients received standard treatment plus bilateral p6 point acupressure by pressure right drug free single use pressure sensitive wrist strip." Patients were assessed for anxiety in preoperative period, before and after the intervention. In postoperative period patients were assessed for nausea and vomiting, requirement of rescue antiemetic and patient satisfaction.The Chi-square test or Fischer’s exact test, as applicable was employed to compare the postoperative incidence of nausea and vomiting.Highly significant decrease in Amsterdam anxiety score in chewing gum group (p&amp;#60;0.001), followed by significant decrease in acupressure group (p=0.005). No significant change in nausea in all the groups, but in context of vomiting, both chewing gum and acupressure showed significant decrease in number of episodes in first 6 hrs (p=0.013). For rescue antiemetics in nausea, there was no significant variance in usage among the groups. However, for vomiting, a substantial decrease was found. Group 2 required significantly less (p=0.001) amount of antiemetics followed by group 3.The patients in the chewing gum group scored more in the satisfaction scoring index and this was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.010). Bothchewing gum and acupressure reduced nausea and vomiting and the need for rescue antiemetics. However, chewing gum proved to be better among the two.

Intraoperative Neuromonitoring for the Lower-Extremity Region Using Motor-Evoked Potential With Direct Cortical Stimulation in Brain Tumor Surgeries.

To evaluate the motor function of the lower extremity (LE), we used direct cortical stimulation motor-evoked potential (D-MEP) monitoring with a single six-contact subdural strip electrode placed in the interhemispheric fissure. Intraoperative neuromonitoring using D-MEPs in the LE was performed in 18 cases (16 patients) for brain tumor surgery from December 2018 to April 2023 with a follow-up period of at least 3 months. After dural opening, a single six-contact subdural strip electrode was placed inside the interhemispheric fissure. To identify the central sulcus, phase reversal was recorded using somatosensory evoked potentials. Next, direct cortical stimulation was applied to the primary motor cortex. The baseline waveform was defined as a reproducible waveform of 30 µV or higher, and a significant decrease of ≥50% in the amplitude resulted in a warning during surgery. The success rate of central sulcus identification in the LE was 66.7% (12/18 cases). Direct cortical stimulation motor-evoked potential monitoring could record stable contralateral motor-evoked potentials of the tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, and abductor hallucis in 16 of 18 cases (88.9%). The mean intensity of stimulation for D-MEPs was 20.5 ± 9.9 mA, and the 16 cases showed no significant reduction in amplitude. Seventeen cases showed no deterioration of motor function of the LE at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. In the remaining case with unsuccessful D-MEP, paralysis of the LE worsened at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. The placement of electrodes in the interhemispheric fissure on the primary motor cortex of the LE enabled motor-function monitoring in the LE with D-MEPs, suggesting that D-MEP-based monitoring may be a reliable approach.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymers for smartphone-based luminescent hemoglobin one-pot detection

This work introduces a novel strategy to selectively and sensitively determine Hemoglobin (Hb) using a microwave-synthesized molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) and chemiluminescence (CL) as the detection method. Studies conducted on both MIP and non-imprinted polymer (NIP) evidenced that the MIP material exhibits a high adsorption capacity (48 µg/mg) and an imprinted factor of about 3, in addition to a selective adsorption property towards Hb in the presence of other proteins, whose structures are very similar to that of Hb. The high selectivity and sensitivity of the proposed biosensor were also assured by the CL detection, whose mechanism is based on Hb's ability to enhance luminol oxidation in an alkaline medium in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, emitting a blue light whose intensity is related to the Hb concentration. The emitted light intensities from the CL reaction, directly proportional to Hb concentration, were captured and analyzed using a smartphone and RGB Color application, avoiding the use of sophisticated equipment and facilitating the measurement process. In order to streamline and speed up the detection process, all the experimental steps including Hb adsorption on MIPHb, supernatant removal, CL reaction, and smartphone readout occur in a single 8-well strip. Therefore, the proposed approach offers one-pot detection for the sensitive (LOD = 0.03 µg.mL−1, equivalent to 1.5 nmol.L−1) and selective determination of Hb in blood samples, for biomedical or forensic applications, through a rapid, low-cost, simple, and affordable approach.

Single-tube, single-strip lateral flow assays utilizing loop-mediated isothermal amplification for simultaneous hepatitis B and C viral detection.

Globally, hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects over 250 million people, whereas hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects approximately 70 million people, posing major public health challenges. Despite the availability of vaccines and treatments, a lack of comprehensive diagnostic coverage has left many cases undiagnosed and untreated. To address the need for sensitive, specific, and accessible diagnostics, this study introduced a multiplex loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay with lateral flow detection for simultaneous HBV and HCV testing. This assay achieved exceptional sensitivity and was capable of detecting HBV and HCV concurrently in a single tube and on a single strip within 25 min, achieving the required clinical sensitivity (10 and 103 genomic copies/reaction for HBV and HCV, respectively). The method was validated in clinical samples of various viral genotypes, achieving an equivalent limit of detection. Additionally, a custom portable heating device was developed for field use. The assay developed here, capable of direct viral detection on the strip, shows promise in supplanting current methods that solely identify antibodies and necessitate additional qPCR for viral activity assessment. This economical and rapid assay aligns with point-of-care testing needs, offering significant advancements in enhancing viral hepatitis diagnostics in settings with limited resources.

AN EVALUATION OF THE COOKING VESSELS UNEARTHED IN THE TOPAKLI HÖYÜK EXCAVATIONS (1967-1974)

Excavations were carried out in Topaklı Höyük by L. Polacco between 1967 and 1974. During these studies, pottery and teapots used in cooking from layer L to layer C were unearthed. Pots recovered from different layers stand out with their common shape features (rims protruding, having a neck, round body, flat bottom, and handle attached between the neck and body). The soot/burn marks observed on the pots support the idea that these pots were used for cooking. Topaklı Höyük pots have different capacities. Small-sized ones may be related to the number of people in the house or used for making sauce, while larger ones may be related to the number of people in the house or the cooked product (such as milk). A teapot used for cooking on the stove was also found in Topaklı Höyük. This vessel, like the pots, has a flared rim, a round body, a flat bottom, a spout, and a single strip handle attached between the rim and the body. The cooking pots found in the Topaklı Höyük settlement had been frequently used in the Kızılırmak Basin. Encountered in all settlements in the region, these pots continued to be used without any change in form over a wide period, from the 7th century BCE to the 1st century BCE. The form called the teapot is a continuation of the form known from the Hittite Imperial Period in the Kızılırmak Basin.

Nonuniformity in stress transfer across FRP width of FRP-concrete interface

The nonuniformity of stress and strain analysis is an important consideration that describes the bond behavior between concrete and externally bonded fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) laminates. The interfacial stress transfer between FRP and concrete generates a longitudinal strain gradient in the longitudinal (or FRP fiber) direction. Most of the available studies in this area have focused on nonuniformity in the longitudinal direction. In this paper, the nonuniformity in the FRP width direction is investigated by studying the strain distribution using digital image correlation (DIC) full-field optical techniques. In the direction along the FRP width, there is an area in the middle that has consistent strain and stress, while the edge regions have strain and stress gradients. During the complete debonding process, the width of the central area is found to be insignificantly affected by the concrete strength but significantly affected by the FRP stiffness. The fracture characteristics below the central region are purely Mode II fracture. However, the complex curved cracks and high in-plane shear strains at the interface near the FRP edge regions show a mixed mode with Modes II and III. This boundary effect results in a significant difference in the bond–slip characteristics of FRP along the width direction. The maximum bond stress of the central region is higher than that of the edge region. However, for FRP with higher stiffness, the inhomogeneity of the stress distribution is weakened. Moreover, it is reasonable to find that calculating the sum of the bearing capacity of the single FRP strips along the width direction is close to the experimental bond strength. Based on the research findings in this study, it is qualitatively recommended that the width factor model in calculating FRP-concrete bond strength should include the significant effect of FRP stiffness.

Touch–based potentiometric sensors for simultaneous detection of urea and ammonium from fingertip sweat

Urea is a biomarker for diagnosis and management of multiple disorders. The measurement of urea could help in the diagnosis of patients with kidney dysfunction. Despite their attractive analytical performances, the existing urea measurement methods are still limited to sophisticated and time–consuming or require invasive blood sampling. Herein, a reliable noninvasive, simple, and disposable touch–based potentiometric sensor is fabricated for rapid monitoring of fingertip sweat urea. Novel touch–based urea detection relies on immobilized urease recognition and a solid–contact ammonium–ion–selective electrode, along with a screen–printed carbon working electrode modified carboxylated carbon nanotubes for enhancing sensor’s sensitivity. The fingertip sweat under sedentary rest conditions can be instantaneously collected on customized porous polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel transporting sweat to working electrode surface where the hydrolysis of urea is catalyzed, generating bicarbonate and ammonium. The resulting ammonium can be detected with ion–selective transducer, enabling indirect monitoring of sweat urea. Potential interference from co–existing ammonium in human sweat is addressed by developing a dual disposable potentiometric sensor, consisting of urea and ammonium sensors on a single strip platform allowing for simultaneous touch–based detection of sweat urea and ammonium. The resulting dual disposable sensing system offers rapid urea and ammonium monitoring within a group of healthy human subjects, along with a good correlation with R2 = 0.974 between the sweat urea and capillary blood urea levels. Additional confirmation among a broad sample of individuals along with the validation of sensor data through centralized laboratory tests will establish the practicality of simultaneously monitoring urea and ammonium levels.

A novel continuum dislocation density field-based crystal plasticity theory

In this work, a novel dislocation density field-based crystal plasticity formulation, that incorporates up-scaled continuum dislocation density fields to represent all possible characters of the dislocation density, is presented. The continuum dislocation field theory, formulated assuming large strain kinematics, is based on an all-dislocation concept, whereby individual dislocation density types are described as vector fields. The evolutionary behaviour of the dislocation density fields is defined in terms of a glide component derived from the classical general conservation law for dislocation density fields proposed originally by Kroner and Acharya, a rotation one given by the curl of the dislocation velocity vector as proposed originally by Ngan and co-workers, and a statistically stored dislocation source/sink component.The proposed formulation has been numerically implemented within the finite element method using a modified up-wind stabilisation approach, which results on eight extra independent nodal degrees of freedom per slip system, associated with the upscaled dislocation densities of pure edge and screw character. Furthermore, the required boundary conditions are simple: initial total dislocation density and dislocation flux or velocity, without the need for higher order boundary conditions. Full details of the numerical implementation of the crystal plasticity theory are given.The theory is then used to investigate classical boundary value problems involving 1D and 2D dislocation pile-ups, and the development of boundary layers in a deforming single crystal strip under constrained conditions. The main general understanding that emerges from the case studies is that, as either the dislocation pile-ups or the boundary layers develop with deformation, geometrically necessary dislocations are generated and lead to an overall behaviour that is size-dependent. Furthermore, it is shown that, in the absence of sources or sinks, which are statistically stored in nature, that total number of dislocations in the pile-up problems is preserved. The numerical predictions of the 1D pile-up and strip simple shear problems are in good agreement with published solutions.

Evolution of Laves phase related to tensile properties in cast ATI 718Plus under pulsed electric current

The Laves phase will seriously deteriorate the subsequent hot working and welding performance of cast ATI 718Plus. In traditional homogenization annealing, two-stage treatment is used to prevent the formation of harmful eutectic structures due to the initial melting of the low-melting point Laves phase. This has several obvious disadvantages including high processing temperature, long processing time and complicated operation. Electrical pulsed treatment, as a new efficient, feasible and energy-saving green means, has rapidly achieved the dissolution of Laves phase. The increase in diffusion rate of Nb element in Ni matrix by pulsed electric current is due to the enhancement of defect migration and vacancy defect density, leading to a significant enhancement in the diffusion kinetics and accelerating the dissolution of Laves phase. Laves phase dissolution process under the pulsed electric current is from the aggregated state accompanied by dense needle like η phase to the discrete state accompanied by sparse needle like η phase, finally forming a single long strip and being dissolved into an intermittent state until it disappears. In all, using pulsed electric current instead of traditional heat treatment for annealing cast ingots has the potential to achieve one-step homogenization, completely dissolving the Laves phase while eliminating element segregation.

Assessment of Unmanned Aerial System Flight Plans for Data Acquisition from Erosional Terrain

Accurate data mapping and visualization are of crucial importance for the detection and monitoring of slope morphodynamics, including erosion processes and studying small erosional landforms (rills and gullies). The purpose of the current research is to examine how the flight geometry of unmanned aerial systems (UASs) could affect the accuracy of photogrammetric processing products, concerning small erosion landforms that are a result of slope wash and temporary small streams formed by rain. In October 2021, three UAS flights with a different geometry were carried out in a hilly to a low-mountain area with an average altitude of about 650 m where erosion processes are observed. UAS imagery processing was carried out using structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetry. High-resolution products such as photogrammetric-based point clouds, digital surface models (DSMs) and orthophotos were generated. The obtained data were compared and evaluated by the root mean square error (RMSE), length measurement, cloud-to-cloud comparison, and 3D spatial GIS analysis of DSMs. The results show small differences between the considered photogrammetric products generated by nadir-viewing and oblique-viewing (45°—single strip and 60°—cross strips) geometry. The complex analysis of the obtained photogrammetric products gives an advantage to the 60°—cross strips imagery, in studying erosional terrains with slow slope morphodynamics.

Evaluation of a novel triplex immunochromatographic test for rapid simultaneous detection of norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus on a single strip test

BackgroundAcute gastroenteritis is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in young children worldwide. Among these, rotavirus, norovirus, and adenovirus have been reported as the primary viral pathogens associated with the disease. Rapid diagnosis of viral pathogens is crucial when diarrhea outbreaks occur to ensure the timely administration of appropriate treatment and control measures. MethodsWe evaluated three immunochromatographic test kits designed for the detection of norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus in 71 stool specimens collected from children with diarrhea who visited clinics in Japan. The first kit is a triplex immunochromatographic test kit designed for simultaneous detections of norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus on a single strip (this kit was referred to as IC-A). The other two immunochromatographic test kits are a dual detection kit for rotavirus and adenovirus, and a single detection kit for norovirus (IC-B). The RT-PCR/PCR was used as the gold standard method. ResultsThe results revealed that both IC-A and IC-B kits exhibited the same level of sensitivity of detection for rotavirus (72.7%) and adenovirus (22.7%), although the detection rate was lower than that of the RT-PCR/PCR method. However, there was a slight difference in the sensitivity of detection for norovirus between IC-A and IC-B, at 86.7% and 93.3%, respectively. The sensitivity of detection for adenovirus of both kits was relatively lower than those of RT-PCR method. This could be due to low viral load of adenovirus in clinical specimens below the detection limit of IC-A and IC-B kits. However, both immunochromatographic test kits (IC-A and IC-B) exhibited 100% specificity for norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus. ConclusionsThe triplex immunochromatographic test kit (IC-A) designed for simultaneous detection of norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus has been proved to be more practical and convenient than the use of single or dual detection kits with more or less the same sensitivity and specificity of detections.