Total Loss Research Articles

Hug Flap and Hamdi Hammock: Two Innovative Techniques for Enhancing Aesthetic Outcomes in Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Breast Reconstruction.

Achieving optimal aesthetic outcomes in deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction remains a challenge, often necessitating additional procedures for refinement. This study presents two innovative techniques (the hug flap and Hamdi hammock) aimed at enhancing breast projection and inframammary fold (IMF) definition in DIEP flap reconstruction. The hug flap technique uses de-epithelialized caudal mastectomy skin to augment breast projection, whereas the Hamdi hammock uses a percutaneous purse-string suture to define the IMF. A retrospective review of 782 patients who underwent DIEP flap breast reconstruction between 2007 and 2023 was conducted. The hug flap group required significantly less additional fat grafting compared to other techniques (11% versus 27% and 22%). No total flap losses occurred in the hug flap group, and fat necrosis rates were low. The Hamdi hammock was used in 405 patients with a mean of two lipofilling sessions. Complications were minor and no stitches required removal. The hug flap and Hamdi hammock techniques offer effective and safe methods for enhancing breast projection and IMF definition in DIEP flap reconstruction. These techniques may reduce the need for additional procedures and improve aesthetic outcomes.

Classification of RTV-coated porcelain insulator condition under different profiles and levels of pollution

Due to the limited hydrophobic properties of porcelain insulators, applying anti-pollution flashover coatings is crucial to enhance their functionality. This research outlines a classification system for assessing contamination levels on 22 kV porcelain insulators, both with and without coatings. It synthesizes six classification criteria derived through both numerical simulations and experimental studies to effectively gauge contamination severity. The study examined insulators treated with Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV) silicone under three different conditions: uncoated, partially coated, and fully coated. Additionally, the research assessed the effects of humidity on these polluted insulators to understand environmental impacts on their performance. The criteria, which are the flashover voltage (x1), fifth to third harmonics of leakage current (x2), maximum electric field (x3), total harmonic index (x4), insulation resistance (x5) and dielectric loss (x6), were proposed for evaluating the insulator’s string condition. The finite element method (FEM) was used to simulate an electric field. Then, based on the proposed criteria, the performances of the Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), and Multi-layer Perceptron (MLP) have been trained and compared to classify polluted insulator conditions with and without coating. The established criteria facilitate precise monitoring of the condition of high-voltage insulators, ensuring quick and effective responses that support the stability of the electrical power system.

Solving Optimal Power Flow Using New Efficient Hybrid Jellyfish Search and Moth Flame Optimization Algorithms

This paper presents a new optimization technique based on the hybridization of two meta-heuristic methods, Jellyfish Search (JS) and Moth Flame Optimizer (MFO), to solve the Optimal Power Flow (OPF) problem. The JS algorithm offers good exploration capacity but lacks performance in its exploitation mechanism. To improve its efficiency, we combined it with the Moth Flame Optimizer, which has proven its ability to exploit good solutions in the search area. This hybrid algorithm combines the advantages of both algorithms. The performance and precision of the hybrid optimization approach (JS-MFO) were investigated by minimizing well-known mathematical benchmark functions and by solving the complex OPF problem. The OPF problem was solved by optimizing non-convex objective functions such as total fuel cost, total active transmission losses, total gas emission, total voltage deviation, and the voltage stability index. Two test systems, the IEEE 30-bus network and the Mauritanian RIM 27-bus transmission network, were considered for implementing the JS-MFO approach. Experimental tests of the JS, MFO, and JS-MFO algorithms on eight well-known benchmark functions, the IEEE 30-bus, and the Mauritanian RIM 27-bus system were conducted. For the IEEE 30-bus test system, the proposed hybrid approach provides a percent cost saving of 11.4028%, a percent gas emission reduction of 14.38%, and a percent loss saving of 50.60% with respect to the base case. For the RIM 27-bus system, JS-MFO achieved a loss percent saving of 50.67% and percent voltage reduction of 62.44% with reference to the base case. The simulation results using JS-MFO and obtained with the MATLAB 2009b software were compared with those of JS, MFO, and other well-known meta-heuristics cited in the literature. The comparison report proves the superiority of the JS-MFO method over JS, MFO, and other competing meta-heuristics in solving difficult OPF problems.

A high adherence level to nutritional recommendations minimizes protein and minerals loss while maximizes visceral fat loss in bariatric surgery patients

BackgroundMetabolic bariatric surgeries are considered the finest and most appropriate treatment option for patients with severe obesity. Besides the surgical procedure, many factors appear to be associated with improved postoperative outcomes such as compliance to the postoperative diet and supplementation, regular physical activity, medical and nutritional follow-up, and modifications in dietary habits. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of adherence to post-operative recommendations on anthropometric measurements and body composition and assess the percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) and excess weight loss (%EWL) 3 months post-operative. Material and MethodsFifty-two participants who underwent a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy were included. Participants have filled out a pre-operative questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were obtained pre-operative and 3 months post-operative using a Body Impedance Analyzer (Inbody 270). The adherence to post-operative recommendations was assessed by the Bariatric Surgery Self-management Questionnaire 3 months post-operative and classified to three adherence levels. ResultsMost anthropometric measurements decreased 3 months post-operative in the three adherence groups (p≤0.05). No significant differences were observed between groups in anthropometric measurements and body composition, except for minerals and visceral fat levels. The mineral loss has decreased in both the high and intermediate adherence groups (-0.09 ± 0.22 kg, and -0.09 ± 0.18 kg, respectively). Also, the high adherence group showed less loss in protein amount post-operatively (p=0.06). Visceral fat level decreased in the high adherence group (p≤ 0.05). ConclusionAdherence to post-operative behavioral and nutritional recommendations was associated with less protein and mineral loss and enhanced visceral fat reduction post-operatively.

Thermal Degradation Behavior of Thermally‐Oxidized Hydroxyl‐Terminated Polybutadiene (HTPB): An Assessment of Thermal Stability

AbstractThermal analysis was performed on different thermally oxidized hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) samples, varying in molecular weights, polydispersities, and viscosities. The HTPB sample was subjected to thermal ageing at 65 °C for 10 weeks and periodically withdrawn for thermal analysis. During thermal ageing, HTPB undergoes chain rearrangements that may include scission and subsequent crosslinking, leading to a higher average molecular weight and viscosity. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermogravimetric analyses were performed on thermally oxidized HTPB samples under inert heating conditions to investigate their degradation behavior. The DSC results revealed no significant correlations between the glass transition (Tg) and the samples' molecular weight, viscosity, and polydispersity. In TGA, all HTPB samples showed a two‐step thermal decomposition process characterized by two distinct mass loss stages. Notably, the first stage exhibited a lower total mass loss and a considerably lower peak rate of mass loss than the second stage. The thermal stability of HTPB is significantly compromised by thermal‐oxidative degradation, leading to a pronounced decrease in the initial degradation temperature (TIDT) values, from 372 °C (pristine or 0 week) to 228 °C (10 weeks). Furthermore, we measured the energy of activation (Ea) and the pre‐exponential factor (A) from TGA data using the Coats–Redfern integral equation. Notably, we observed a slight but systematic increase in both Ea and A as the molecular weight of the aged samples increased.

Comprehensive analysis of thermal performance and low-grade energy charging efficiency of pipe-embedded building envelopes enhanced with single-level tree-shaped fin structures

Pipe-embedded walls (CnPWs) are structural and energy composite building components that can resist external disturbances by forming stealth thermal shielding layers. To tackle the mismatch between the heat charging rate and heat diffusion rate during energy charging processes, as well as the unsatisfactory robustness of stealth thermal shielding layers, the single-level tree-shaped metal finnd pipe-embedded walls (TfPWs) are proposed. To verify the effectiveness of TfPWs and obtain dynamic performances, a simulation study is conducted on 8 risk variables in 4 pairs through the validated numerical model. Results showed that the improved design was effective in obtaining more robust thermal shielding layers in auxiliary energy supply mode, the effect gained prominence as both the injection temperature and pipe spacing were augmented. In room heat load reduction mode, favorable benefits arise when pipe spacing exceeds 400 mm. The maximum increase rate of total injected energy under different reduction ratios of external insulation layer was 11.83%–31.91 %, while the maximum extra total heat loss was 5.33 %. Secondly, the trunk fins and branch fins played different roles in minimizing the excessive heat accumulation surrounding pipes, and the vertical and horizontal sizes of heat accumulation region mainly increased with the increase in trunk fin size and branch fin size respectively. Meanwhile, the utilization efficiency of fin material was higher when trunk fin size was smaller, and parameter combinations with trunk fin size of 0.2b and branch fin size of 0.4a/0.6a could achieve a better balance between material input and performance increase. Thirdly, the improvement effect of single left branch fin schemes was close to that of double branch fin schemes and significantly better than that of single right branch fin schemes. It was recommended to use single left branch fin schemes with an inclination angle of 60°. Finally, even if the reduction ratio of external insulation layer in different cities increased to 80 %, the inside surface temperature of TfPWs was still greater than room air. Taking CnPWs with standard external insulation layer as references, the TfPWs applied in Harbin, Beijing, and Shanghai could achieve similar or better results even when the reduction ratio of external insulation layer increased to 60 %, while TfPWs applied in Guangzhou could exhibit better performance even when the reduction ratio of external insulation layer increases to 80 %.

Study on the Transition Mechanism of Vibrating Low-Pressure Turbine Blades Based on Large Eddy Simulation

The low-pressure turbine blades are susceptible to vibration issues due to their thin profiles and large aspect ratios. Blade vibration will significantly affect the evolution of the boundary layer and the flow state. This paper utilizes large eddy simulation to predict the development of the boundary layer on the suction side of low-pressure turbine blades at low Reynolds numbers (Re = 25,000). It introduces different vibration cases to elucidate the mechanisms by which blade vibrations influence boundary layer separation and transition. The study demonstrates that the introduction of vibration cases significantly reduces both the size of the overall spanwise vortices and their roll-up height. A staggered distribution of spanwise vortices, characterized by alternating high and low regions, is observed near the trailing edge of the vibrating blades. The shorter spanwise vortices develop rapidly, nearly traversing the process of hairpin vortices (Λ vortex) generation and development, and directly breaking down into smaller-scale vortices. This accelerates the transition process. Blade vibration primarily promotes turbulence reattachment by facilitating the transition process dominated by the K-H instability mechanism within the separating shear layer. Consequently, it effectively restricts the growth of the separation bubble on the suction side of the blades, significantly reducing aerodynamic losses. Moreover, increasing the vibration frequency within a certain range can amplify these effects, achieving up to a 23% reduction in total pressure loss compared to stationary blades.

Numerical investigations of aerodynamic characteristics in highly loaded tandem cascades with end-bend

Tandem cascades and end-bend blades can reduce compressor losses and promote energy conservation. In this study, a vortex model tailored for tandem cascades is proposed. Numerical investigations are conducted to elucidate the influence of end-bend heights and angles on aerodynamic characteristics. A quantitative assessment of the loss contribution for each vortex is provided based on loss weight coefficients. The findings demonstrate that end-bend angles exert a more pronounced impact on aerodynamic characteristics than end-bend heights. Although the implementation of end-bend increases the loss of the front blade trailing edge shedding vortex, it reduces losses by weakening the passage vortex and the rear blade trailing edge shedding vortex, resulting in a net decrease of the total loss. The end-bend blade optimizes the loading profile near the endwall, characterized by an expanded low-pressure zone behind the gap. A comparative analysis is performed among four tandem cascades: straight, curved, end-bend, and combined curved-end-bend. The correlation between losses, vortices, and topological structures is established by using topological analysis together with the vortex model. It is a crucial research methodology for elucidating the mechanisms of loss generation and vortex dynamics in tandem cascades with end-bend.

Drifting vessel statistics and emergency towing cases

Abstract Recent climate studies forecast violent weather events with impact on the safety of maritime transportation. For example, harsh weather may result in system failures such as blackouts or loss of steering capability. Problems met when performing planned maintenance at sea may lead to adverse events if the weather cause delays or makes it impossible to complete the planned work. A drifting vessel in general is a liability for collisions with offshore structures, groundings, and total loss due to capsizing. The increasing use of ocean structures for energy production at sea (coastal and deepwater windfarms) and the transfer of fish farming structures to more exposed locations increase the probability of collisions between drifting ships and ocean structures. To mitigate risks, several incidents and their consequences have been analysed by national administrations. In some cases, these analyses have recommended the use of dedicated emergency towing resources. The willingness of the national governments to fund such resources is directly related to the time since the last major incident in their territorial waters. This paper reviews some recent cases of emergency towing operations in Norwegian waters and highlights challenges interlinked to setting up an emergency towing connection between a drifting ship and an emergency towing vessel in harsh weather.

Preventing Bleaching in Tropical Corals by Using Thermally Resilient Symbiont Zooxanthellae: All Hands‐On Deck!

ABSTRACTThe current rapid climate warming is expected to cause an ocean temperature increase of 3°C–5°C by 2100, leading to deoxygenated and acidified tropical seas. Without mitigation measures, the total loss of tropical corals is inevitable. Already, one‐third of tropical reefs are considered permanently lost. Coral bleaching initiated by the loss of symbionts, the photosynthetic zooxanthellae, is the main process whereby corals respond to thermal stress, followed by recovery. However, increased thermal stress and frequency of bleaching have caused widespread coral recovery failure. Zooxantheallae of the genus Symbiodinium are considered the thermally vulnerable part of the coral symbiosis. In recent decades, warming has displaced genotypes of lower thermal resilience to subtropical latitudes; few genotypes of higher temperature tolerance remain abundant in tropical seas, but these will not withstand warming predictions either. Interestingly, high temperatures in the Red Sea have selected for exceptionally heat‐resistant coral genotypes and for the highest known thermal resilience in endemic zooxanthellae at the same time. Actions to overcome the coral bleaching crisis have been proposed by combining coral ecophysiology and mass culturing of thermally resilient Red Sea symbionts for naturalisation to the global tropical ocean, including restoration of collapsed reefs using corals with thermally resilient symbiont genotypes.

Urban flooding damage prediction in matrix scenarios of extreme rainfall using a convolutional neural network

The pivotal role of quantitative risk assessment in managing urban stormwater is underscored by the high spatial heterogeneity and complex non-stationarity complex of urban flooding. Conventional methods, reliant on measurable data, often fall short in accurately mapping spatial variations and gauging the full impacts of urban flooding. Addressing this gap, this study proposed a robust convolutional neural networks (CNN)-based tool, specifically designed for urban flooding risk and economic losses estimation under extreme design rainfall scenarios. Furthermore, the study validates the transferability of CNN models trained in data-abundant regions to similar but data-scarce regions, using Guangzhou as a case study for urban flooding damage prediction. The findings reveal that the most affected areas, particularly the old, densely built-up urban areas in the south-central Guangzhou, are susceptible to significant economic losses during extreme rainfall events. Notably, under the most severe scenario (Scenario 5), estimated economic losses amount to approximately $6359.91 million, with industrial and residential sectors bearing the brunt, accounting for 28.29 % and 39.94 % of the total losses, respectively. These insights are crucial for prioritizing mitigation efforts and formulating effective evacuation strategies in high-risk areas, ultimately aiding in the reduction of economic losses.

The challenge of harvesting common sole (Solea solea) in highly selective trawl fisheries

Common sole (Solea solea) is an economically important species in several European trawl fisheries, yet little is known about the size selective properties of codends used in bottom trawl fisheries targeting sole. This study presents results from a sea trial conducted in the inner Danish waters where common sole is fished in a seasonal trawl fishery using a 90 mm diamond mesh codend with a mandatory large mesh escape panel. To improve understanding of the selectivity in this gear, we in addition tested a plain 90 mm diamond mesh codend without an escape panel. This combination of codend mesh size and large mesh escape panel is part of an ambitious management plan aimed at eliminating bycatch of cod (Gadus morhua) in trawl fisheries in the inner Danish waters. In the fishery for common sole, we found a severe mismatch between gear regulations and minimum conservation reference size of the target species. The outcome is a highly inefficient fishery in which only 22 % (CI: 18–27 %) by weight of the marketable sole is retained in the 90 mm diamond mesh codend. Further, we estimated that 25 % (CI: 16–35 %) of the sole entering the codend would contact the mandatory escape panel and escape, resulting in a total loss of 83 % (CI: 79–87 %) of marketable sole through the mandatory gear. The inefficiency in this fishery demonstrates the need for other means than gear specifications to regulate this type of fishery.

The long-term functional outcome of the mangled upper extremity intricate management. A single center experience

PurposeSevere injury of multiple anatomical structures of the upper extremity can be caused by an extremely violent mechanism during labor and motor vehicle accidents, gunshots and explosions. The mangled upper extremity consists of trauma of at least 3 of 4 tissue types: connective tissue (skin, subcutaneous tissue, tendons, muscles), vessels, nerves, and bones. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the medium and long-term results of the limb salvage management of those injuries in our department. MethodsSixty-seven patients with multi-injured upper limb were operated in our department between 2014 and 2022 and evaluated with clinical examination and questionnaires (PROMs) on an outpatient basis at a mean follow up of 7.4 years. Patients’ demographics, the injured anatomic structures and the surgical interventions needed, were recorded. ResultsThe overall outcome, configured by functional scores was quite acceptable concerning injuries’ severity. Nineteen patients (29 %) underwent more than one operation, 2-point discrimination test was impaired in 30 % of the patients who had an injured nerve and total loss of regional sensation was diagnosed in 2 patients. Primary amputation was necessary in 8 % of the patients. ConclusionsEven though the mangled upper extremity refers to a severe injury with often poor postoperative results and high rates of amputations, a thorough evaluation and management by expert hand surgeons is essential for maximizing the possible outcomes.

Effect of Trichoderma harzianum in the Protection of Wheat Grains from Infestation with Rhyzopertha dominica (Fab) During the Store

Abstract: Currently, the economic losses generated by the attack of pests on the storages constitute a severe problem. Conventional grain protection methods based on the application of chemical pesticides to control these undesirable insects have also formed to represent an annoyance since the excessive usage of these compounds is linked to contamination problems and serious harm to consumers' health. This research aims to possibility of creating a means to protect the grain stores from infestation with Rhyzopertha dominica through testing for the efficiency of Trichoderma harzianum with three concentrations (7x104, 7x106, 7x108 and spores /ml) in the protection of grains in jute sacks from infection by this pest after three months of storage period and the effect of T. harzianumon . The results showed that the high efficiency of T. harzianumon in protecting the grain stores from infestation by these insect sacks was measured when treated in the bags with the highest concentration of 7x108 spores/ml of fungi, and the total weight loss was 2.0269. while the control treatment gave 6.4012-gram weight losses. also shows the total weight loss was 4.054 when the grains were treated with the highest concentration of 7x108 spores/ml of fungus. in contrast to 8.0629-gram weight decreases with the control treatment. and treated the bags and grains with 7x108 spores/ml of fungi, the total percentage of weight losses was 1.7033 after three months from storage. while the control treatment gave 11.475 grams of weight loss.

OPTIMIZING THE AMOUNT OF FLAME RETARDANT USED FOR SPRUCE WOOD

The study investigated the effect of the amount of selected retardant coatings produced and used in the Slovak Republic on the fire resistance of spruce wood samples. Experiments were conducted for two different types of flame retardants: intumescent flame retardant (IFR) and inorganic salt-based flame retardant (IS). Based on different amounts of coating applied to spruce wood samples, the important parameters as mass loss, mass loss rate and fire spread rate were determined. The experiment consisted of applying a flame source to the samples at an angle of 45° and monitoring the mass of the samples during the experiment. The findings show that when IFR is used, the protection effect of the wooden samples increases linearly with the amount of coating. However, for the samples on which an IS flame retardant was applied, a higher amount of coating had no effect on increasing the fire resistance of the wood. In this case, the average total mass loss was the same regardless of the amount of coating, yet a significant retardation effect was observed compared to the untreated samples. Samples treated with IFR showed a lower total mass loss and also a significantly lower maximum mass loss rate compared to the samples with applied IS flame retardant.

Experimental study on aerodynamic performance of turbine blade squealer tip with different trailing edge designs under high-speed relative casing motion

Over-tip leakage (OTL) flow leads to great aerodynamic performance reduction in high-pressure turbine, reasonable blade tip design can effectively control the loss caused by OTL flow. The relative casing motion is one of the key boundary conditions that can significantly influence OTL flow. In this study, aerodynamical tests were conducted for a high-pressure squealer tip with different trailing edge designs of full cavity squealer tip, pressure-side cutback and suction-side cutback at both stationary and rotating conditions. Loss distribution and blade near tip loading of different trailing edge structures at high-speed rotating condition are firstly reported and evaluated. The result indicates that pressure-side cutback design significantly increases the aerodynamic loss compared with full cavity tip, while suction-side cutback design has close overall loss to full cavity tip. This conclusion was consistent with numerical simulation based on Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis, which reveals that pressure-side cutback design causes the cavity vortex leaks earlier compared with full cavity tip, a small vortex formed at cut region forms and results in higher total pressure loss. The effect of relative motion between blade tip and shroud reinforces this trend. The total pressure loss difference can reach 42 % compared with 8 % in stationary condition, which indicates that relative casing motion needs to be take into consideration when ranking different tip sealing designs.

Association of single bolus versus bolus followed by infusion of tranexamic acid with blood loss in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery

BackgroundAdolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) corrective surgery may involve significant blood loss and blood transfusion requirements. Antifibrinolytic agents such as tranexamic acid (TXA) have been used to reduce blood loss, but its optimal dose is uncertain. The objective of this study is to determine the estimated blood loss and rate of blood transfusion between two groups of AIS patients receiving TXA as a single bolus versus bolus followed by infusion in scoliosis surgery.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of a single bolus versus bolus followed by infusion of TXA in AIS surgery. AIS patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion (PSF) from December 2018 to September 2019 at a tertiary university hospital were identified. Inclusion criteria were patients aged between 10 and 21 years who received either a single bolus of 30 mg/kg TXA (Group A) or a single bolus of 30 mg/kg followed by continuous infusion of 10 mg/kg/h of TXA (Group B). Patient demographics, operative data, estimated blood loss, blood transfusion rate, and complications were recorded.ResultsA total of 129 AIS patients were included. All operative surgeries were performed by two senior consultants. The mean age was 14.8 ± 3.4 years old, and 89.1% were female. The Cobb angle, number of fusion levels, number of screws, length of skin incision, and duration of surgery were comparable between the two groups. There was no difference in the total estimated blood loss between the two groups: 723.3 ± 279.4 mL (range: 175.0–1607.0 mL) in Group A and 819.4 ± 302.6 mL (range: 330.0–1556.0 mL) in Group B (p = 0.065). There were no complications, and none received blood transfusion.ConclusionTXA when administered as a single bolus or bolus followed by infusion in AIS patients undergoing PSF surgery was associated with similar estimated total surgical blood loss and blood transfusion requirement.

A multi-criteria decision support framework for designing seismic and thermal resilient facades

Facades play a pivotal role in the performance of a building, serving various environmental, structural and operational functions. As climate-induced extreme events become more frequent, developing resilient facades is becoming crucial. Although facades can contribute significantly to the total post-disruption losses, their resilience is not sufficiently addressed in current design approaches. In response to this research gap, this study proposes a multi-criteria decision-making methodology to select optimal facade designs using resilience criteria: resilience loss and economic loss. The framework addresses the complexity of facade design, considering multiple hazards such as earthquakes and heatwaves. For seismic hazard, the facade’s resilience is defined as its ability to mitigate damage. In the case of heat hazard, resilience is assessed based on the ability to keep indoor conditions within a comfortable thermal range. To demonstrate the applicability of the proposed methodology, a case study of an 18-story office building in Izmir (Turkey) is used to compare alternative facade packages. These packages identify the facade design cases, each coupled with a dataset of seismic and thermal fragility curves. Numerical simulations are conducted to derive seismic and thermal resilience curves for each facade package, along with resilience criteria. These criteria are embedded into a practical decision-making process to enable the selection of the optimal design case based on project specifications.

Optimizing Magnetic Separation and Cleaning Module in Fully Automated Chemiluminescence Immunoassay Analyzer Using a Special Arrangement of Spliced Magnets and a Three-Stage Magnetic Bead Collection Method

The magnetic separation and cleaning module, as a core component of the fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) analyzer, encounters issues including high magnetic bead loss rate, long cleaning time, and poor cleaning effect. Based on a simulation analysis using COMSOL, we proposed a novel magnetic separation and cleaning module applied to a fully automated CLIA analyzer. The module adopted a method of arranging spliced rectangular magnets on opposite sides, where the same polarity faced each other, as well as a three-stage magnetic bead collection method. With the proposed method, the total cleaning process can be accomplished within 225 s; the total magnetic bead loss rate over three rounds of cleaning is 6.03%, whereas that of traditional instruments is 25.85%; the coefficient of variation (CV) of the magnetic bead loss rate is less than 0.5%; effective cleaning of free markers is achieved under various sample conditions. Compared with traditional CLIA instruments, this method comprehensively improves key performance indicators of the magnetic separation and cleaning module, providing a reference for similar modules in fully automated CLIA analyzers and positively impacting the accuracy of CLIA for the detection of disease biomarkers.

Effects of Different Types of Starches on Katjang Goat Meat Emulsion Characteristics

Katjang goat meat has the potential to be used for emulsified meat product production but the suitable starch type to be applied as the filler is unknown. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of various starches on the quality characteristic of Katjang goat meat emulsion. Katjang goat meat emulsion was prepared by incorporating various starches viz., tapioca starch (TS), sago starch (SS), and wheat starch (WS), as filler by replacing lean meat. The developed emulsion samples were evaluated for physiochemical, proximate, colour, texture, and gel strength. The addition of TS into meat emulsion results in the most stable emulsion as exhibited by the lowest total expressible fluid (%TEF), expressible fat (%EFAT), and cooking loss. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference for the pH, water holding capacity (WHC), texture profile analysis (TPA), and colour values of all the samples. The incorporation of SS in the formulation decreased (p<0.05) the shear force and work of shearing. In conclusion, the incorporation of TS was found optimum to formulate goat meat emulsion with better quality characteristics.