scholarly journals Collecting Quality Infrared Spectra from Microscopic Samples of Suspicious Powders in a Sealed Cell

2016 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 438-445
Author(s):  
Brooke W. Kammrath ◽  
Pauline E. Leary ◽  
John A. Reffner
Keyword(s):  
Barium Fluoride ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Minimal Sample ◽  
Dispersion Effects ◽  
Toxic Agents ◽  
Sample Spectrum ◽  
Dispersive Nature ◽  
Absorption Measurements ◽  
Absorption Mode

The infrared (IR) microspectroscopical analysis of samples within a sealed-cell containing barium fluoride is a critical need when identifying toxic agents or suspicious powders of unidentified composition. The dispersive nature of barium fluoride is well understood and experimental conditions can be easily adjusted during reflection–absorption measurements to account for differences in focus between the visible and IR regions of the spectrum. In most instances, the ability to collect a viable spectrum is possible when using the sealed cell regardless of whether visible or IR focus is optimized. However, when IR focus is optimized, it is possible to collect useful data from even smaller samples. This is important when a minimal sample is available for analysis or the desire to minimize risk of sample exposure is important. While the use of barium fluoride introduces dispersion effects that are unavoidable, it is possible to adjust instrument settings when collecting IR spectra in the reflection–absorption mode to compensate for dispersion and minimize impact on the quality of the sample spectrum.

A Critical Review of Morphologic Findings and Data From 14 Toxicological Studies Involving Fish Exposures to Diclofenac

2021 ◽  
pp. 019262332198965
Author(s):  
Jeffrey C. Wolf
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Errors ◽  
Data Interpretation ◽  
Included Study ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Regulatory Decision ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Toxicological Studies ◽  
Morphologic Data ◽  
Ambiguous Data

A number of studies have investigated the potential toxicity of the analgesic agent diclofenac (DCF) in various fish species under a diverse array of experimental conditions. Reported evidence of toxicity in these investigations is often strongly reliant on morphologic end points such as histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy. However, it may be challenging for scientists who perform environmental hazard or risk determination to fully appreciate the intricacies of these specialized endpoints. Therefore, the purpose of the current review was to critically assess the quality of morphologic data in 14 papers that described the experimental exposure of fish to DCF. Areas of focus during this review included study design, diagnostic accuracy, magnitude of reported changes, data interpretation and presentation, and the credibility of individual reported findings. Positive attributes of some studies included robust experimental designs, accurate diagnoses, and straightforward and transparent data reporting. Issues identified in certain articles included diagnostic errors, failure to account for sampling and/or observer bias, failure to evaluate findings according to sex, exaggeration of lesion severity, interstudy inconsistencies, unexplained phenomena, and incomplete or ambiguous data presentation. It is hoped that the outcome of this review will be of value for personnel involved in regulatory decision-making.

An Examination of Language Samples Obtained under Three Experimental Conditions

1982 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise D. Stalnaker ◽  
Nancy A. Creaghead
Keyword(s):  
Preschool Children ◽  
Head Start ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Semantic Relationships ◽  
Three Samples ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mean Length Of Utterance ◽  
Language Sample

Language samples were obtained from 12 Head Start preschool children under the following three experimental conditions: Condition I, Retelling a Story with Toys; Condition II, Playing with Toys; Condition III, Toys with Questions. The quantity and quality of the three samples gathered from each child were compared by analyzing the total number of utterances, the proportion of the total utterances which were sentence fragments, the number of transformations and adverbial expansions, the number of different semantic relationships, and the mean length of utterance (MLU). Results indicated that retelling a story produced the largest MLU, but toys and questions produced more utterances. These findings indicated that questioning children does not inhibit their language and asking them to retell a story may be a fruitful approach to use when gathering a language sample.

Using the CL-770 Spectrophotometer to Quantify Serum Immunoglobulins

1993 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 232-233
Author(s):  
E. E. Krasnoshchekova ◽  
K. T. Valeeva
Keyword(s):  
Calibration Graph ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Serum Immunoglobulins ◽  
Monospecific Antiserum ◽  
Agar Layer

Serum immunoglobulins (A, G, M) are usually quantified by radial gel immunodiffusion (RID). It is based on measuring the diameter of the precipitation ring formed when the serum is added to the wells cut out in the agar layer in which the monospecific antiserum is preliminarily dispersed. The gel plates are placed in a humid chamber for 24-48 hours. At the end of the incubation, the diameter of the precipitation ring is measured. Under standard experimental conditions, the diameter of the precipitation ring is directly proportional to the concentration of the studied immunoglobulin. The amount of immunoglobulins is determined by constructing a calibration graph. The results of determining the concentration of serum immunoglobulins by the RID method are issued only on the 3rd day of the study. Clinicians are not always satisfied with the timing of the results and the quality of the study, since the latter depends on many factors - thoroughness (conducting the experiment, the quality and thickness of the gel, the scale of the schedule, etc.)

scholarly journals Towards a neuroscientific understanding of play: A neuropsychological coding framework for analysing infant-adult play patterns

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dave Neale ◽  
Kaili Clackson ◽  
Stanimira Georgieva ◽  
Hatice Dedetas ◽  
Sam Wass ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Interaction ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Common Definition ◽  
Play Interactions ◽  
Emotional Dimensions ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
Adult Play ◽  
Level Analysis

ABSTRACTDuring early life, play is a ubiquitous activity, and an individual’s propensity for play is positively related to cognitive development and emotional well-being. Play behaviour is diverse and multi-faceted. A challenge for current research is to converge on a common definition and measurement system for play ‒ whether examined at a behavioural, cognitive or neurological level. Combining these different approaches in a multi-level analysis could yield significant advances in understanding the neurocognitive mechanisms of play, and provide the basis for developing biologically-grounded play models. However, there is currently no integrated framework for conducting a multi-level analysis of play that spans brain, cognition and behaviour. The proposed neuropsychological coding framework uses grounded and observable behaviours along three neuropsychological dimensions (sensorimotor, cognitive and socio-emotional), to compute inferences about playful behaviour and related social interactional states. Here, we illustrate the sensitivity and utility of the proposed coding framework using two contrasting dyadic corpora (N=5) of mother-infant object-oriented interactions during experimental conditions that were either conducive (Condition 1) or non-conducive (Condition 2) to the emergence of playful behaviour. We find that the framework accurately identifies the modal form of social interaction as being either playful (Condition 1) or non-playful (Condition 2), and further provides useful insights about differences in the quality of social interaction and temporal synchronicity within the dyad. In conclusion, here, we present a novel neuropsychological framework for analysing the continuous time-evolution of adult-infant play patterns, underpinned by biologically informed state coding along sensorimotor, cognitive and socio-emotional dimensions. We expect that the proposed framework will have wide utility amongst researchers wishing to employ an integrated, multi-level approach to the study of play, and lead towards a greater understanding of the neuroscientific basis of play and may yield insights into a new biologically-grounded taxonomy of play interactions.

Effectiveness of Directional Microphones and Noise Reduction Schemes in Hearing Aids: A Systematic Review of the Evidence

2005 ◽  
Vol 16 (07) ◽  
pp. 473-484 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth A. Bentler
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Noise Reduction ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Directional Microphones ◽  
Directional Microphone

A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to find evidence of real-world effectiveness of directional microphone and digital noise reduction features in current hearing aids. The evidence was drawn from randomized controlled trials, nonrandomized intervention studies, and descriptive studies. The quality of each study was evaluated for factors such as blinding, power of statistical analyses, and use of psychometrically strong outcome measures. Weaknesses in the identified studies included small sample size, resultant poor power to detect potentially worthwhile differences, and overlapping experimental conditions. Nine studies were identified for directional microphones, and the evidence (albeit weak) supports effectiveness. Two studies were identified for the noise reduction feature, and the evidence was equivocal. For the researcher, such a systematic review should encourage the careful consideration of appropriate methodologies for assessing feature effectiveness. For the clinician, the outcomes reported herein should encourage use of such a systematic review to drive clinical practice.

scholarly journals Investigation of the hepatoprotective properties of “Phytovenol” capsules on the model of medicamentous hepatitis in rats

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 240-242
Author(s):  
Oleg Gerush ◽  
Olena Lenytska ◽  
Larysa Yakovleva ◽  
Liudmyla Gladkova ◽  
Igor Gerush
Keyword(s):  
Pharmacological Activity ◽  
Medical Practice ◽  
Liver Diseases ◽  
Scientific Paper ◽  
Hepatoprotective Effect ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Medical Preparation ◽  
Quality Of Treatment ◽  
First Time

Abstract This scientific paper is an investigation of the pharmacological activity of the new medical preparation “Phytovenol” (capsules in the dose of 150 mg/kg) on the pattern of hepatitis in rats induced by paracetamol administration. The authors of the article, for the first time under experimental conditions, detected a hepatoprotective effect that was brought about by “Phytovenol” capsule administration. This is realized due to the antioxidant, antitoxic and anticytolytic activity of the examined medicine. The study found that its efficacy is not lower than the classical hepatoprotector - “Silibor” tablets. The results obtained suggest that it is possible to extend the range of available hepatoprotectors and improve the quality of treatment for liver diseases, by introducing “Phytovenol” capsules into medical practice.

Patents for the Physiological Quality in Seeds of Peach Rootstock Classified by Weight and Stored for Different Periods

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 124-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aline G. Souza ◽  
Oscar J. Smiderle ◽  
Renata D. Menegatti ◽  
Marcos Aurélio C. de Lima ◽  
Tainá R. das Neves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Conductivity ◽  
Experimental Design ◽  
Growth Analysis ◽  
Prunus Persica ◽  
Stone Fruit ◽  
Germination Test ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Physiological Quality

Background: Among stone fruit, the peach (Prunus persica (L) Batsch) is one of the most widely grown species in Brazil, in both area cultivated and in production. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological quality of heavy and light seeds of four cultivars of Prunus persica for two storage periods, from tests of electrical conductivity, germination, and an analysis of initial plantlets growth. Methods: The Electrical Conductivity test (EC) was conducted in a Completely Randomised Design (CRD), in a 4 x 2 x 5 factorial scheme with five replications. The germination test was carried out in CRD, in a 4 x 2 factorial scheme with eight replications. The physiological quality of the seeds was determined at zero and twelve month’s storage. For the growth analysis, the experimental design was in CRD, in a 4 x 2 factorial scheme with four replications. Results: Under the conditions of the present study, it was found that the tests of germination and electrical conductivity were complementary in evaluating physiological quality in seeds of Prunus persica rootstock, suggesting that independent of the weight of the seeds, in ‘Capdeboscq’, ‘Aldrighi’, ‘Okinawa’ and ‘Okinawa Roxo’, there is a loss of quality and viability when the seeds are stored for a period of 12 months. Conclusion: Under the experimental conditions of the present study, it was concluded that storage for a period of 12 months in Recent patents is not rather recommendable for maintaining quality and viability in seeds of Prunus persica of the Capdeboscq, Aldrighi, Okinawa and Okinawa Roxo cultivars.

Fabrication of Energy Materials by a Functional Electrochemical Mold

2018 ◽  
Vol 939 ◽  
pp. 120-126
Author(s):  
Chien Wan Hun ◽  
Chien Wen Yeh ◽  
Shao Fu Chang ◽  
Wern Dare Jheng ◽  
Chih Yuan Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Current Density ◽  
High Surface ◽  
High Surface Area ◽  
Chemical Deposition ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Energy Materials ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Electro Deposition ◽  
Group Water

The energy materials such as titania (TiO2) and alumina (Al2O3) are the environmental friendly materials. In this paper the nanostructure of high surface area titania and alumina are fabricated by anodization process and assistance in electrochemical mold. In general, academic or research institutes can simply control the required experimental conditions in a small sample; however, it’s difficult to control the stable parameters in a large surface and a large number of nanostructural products in the industry production. In order to solve the problems of unstable current density and temperature we have designed a cooling functional electrochemical mold which can improve the nanostructural quality of energy materials during a large number production. The electrochemical mold is used for a local surface treatment at an isothermal temperature controlling. The mold limits sample for a specific treated area and current density in the electrolyte. The mold can be used for the assistance of electrolysis, electro-polishing, electro-deposition, anodization, etching, chemical deposition, pickling, and caustic processes. The mold structure includes fixture group, water-cooling electrode group, and electrode conductive group.

Limitations of Procedures for Improving Group Problem Solving

1969 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 639-656 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norman R. F. Maier ◽  
James A. Thurber
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Experimental Manipulation ◽  
Group Problem ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Group Problem Solving ◽  
Limited Support ◽  
Idea Evaluation

These experiments were designed to test whether the quality of group problem solving could be improved by instructing groups to follow certain procedures. 192 groups of 2 male and 1 female S each solved Maier's Sewing Room Case under 4 different experimental conditions: I—no instructions regarding processes or procedures to follow; II—instructions for carrying out idea-evaluation in two separate stages; III—instructions requesting diagnosis and factual support for each solution generated; and IV—instructions requiring locating obstacles before generating solutions. The results show limited support for the value of such instructions. These marginally significant results were due to a relatively small number of groups conforming to the experimental manipulation rather than to the inadequacy of the principles on which the manipulations were based. Some directed training in use of problem-solving principles, rather than a mere knowledge of them, seems to be essential in achieving high qualiry solutions. Idea-evaluation seems to suffer in group problem solving. Brainstorming, which stresses idea-getting, has its limitations because it leaves the evaluation to outside judges.

scholarly journals Avoiding the Inherent Limitations in Datasets Used for Measuring Aesthetics When Using a Machine Learning Approach

Complexity ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian Carballal ◽  
Carlos Fernandez-Lozano ◽  
Nereida Rodriguez-Fernandez ◽  
Luz Castro ◽  
Antonino Santos
Keyword(s):  
State Of The Art ◽  
Learning Approach ◽  
Aesthetic Value ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Generative Art ◽  
Machine Learning Approach ◽  
Evolutionary Art ◽  
The Aesthetic ◽  
Psychological Experiments

An important topic in evolutionary art is the development of systems that can mimic the aesthetics decisions made by human begins, e.g., fitness evaluations made by humans using interactive evolution in generative art. This paper focuses on the analysis of several datasets used for aesthetic prediction based on ratings from photography websites and psychological experiments. Since these datasets present problems, we proposed a new dataset that is a subset of DPChallenge.com. Subsequently, three different evaluation methods were considered, one derived from the ratings available at DPChallenge.com and two obtained under experimental conditions related to the aesthetics and quality of images. We observed different criteria in the DPChallenge.com ratings, which had more to do with the photographic quality than with the aesthetic value. Finally, we explored learning systems other than state-of-the-art ones, in order to predict these three values. The obtained results were similar to those using state-of-the-art procedures.

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