scholarly journals EXPRESS: Determination and Monitoring of Quality Parameters: A Detailed Study of Optical Elements of a Lens-Based Raman Spectrometer

2021 ◽  
pp. 000370282110551
Author(s):  
Ashutosh Mukherjee ◽  
Anita Lorenz ◽  
Marc Brecht
Keyword(s):  
Quality Factor ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Optical Elements ◽  
Raman Spectrometer ◽  
All Optical ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Diffraction Effects ◽  
Quality Factor Q ◽  
Insight Into

A lens-based Raman spectrometer is characterized by studying the optical elements in the optical path and we study the measure of aberration/diffraction effects. This is achieved by measuring the spectral resolution (SR) thus encompassing almost all optical elements of a spectrometer that are mostly responsible for such effects. An equation for SR is used to determine the quality factor Q which measures aberration/diffraction effects occurring in a spectrometer. We show how the quality factor changes with different spectrometer parameters such as grating groove density, the wavelength of excitation, pinhole width, CCD pixel density, etc. This work provides an insight into the quality of a spectrometer and helps to monitor the performance of the spectrometer over a certain period. Commercially available spectrometers or home-built spectrometers are prone to misalignment in optical elements and can benefit from this work that allows maintaining the overall quality of the setup. Performing such experiments over a period helps to minimize the aberration/diffraction effects occurring as a result of time and maintaining the quality of measurements.

scholarly journals Improving Seed Quality of Soybean Suitable for Growing in Europe

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Sudarić ◽  
Maja Matoša Kočar ◽  
Tomislav Duvnjak ◽  
Zvonimir Zdunić ◽  
Antonela Markulj Kulundžić
Keyword(s):  
Acid Composition ◽  
Seed Quality ◽  
Soluble Sugars ◽  
Soybean Seed ◽  
Trade Deficit ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Future Production ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Insight Into

The potential of soybean for food, feed, and pharmaceutical industry arises from the composition of its seed. Since European countries import 95% of the annual demand for soybean grains, meal, and oil, causing an enormous trade deficit, the governments in Europe had started to introduce additional incentives to stimulate soybean cropping. To rebalance the sources of soybean supply in the future, production must be followed by continuous research to create varieties that would make European soybean more appealing to the processing industry and profitable enough to satisfy European farmers. This chapter is giving an overview of the European soybean seed quality research and an insight into soybean seed quality progress made at the Agricultural Institute Osijek, Croatia. The studies presented are mainly considering maturity groups suitable for growing in almost all European regions. The most important traits of soybean seed quality discussed are protein content and amino acid composition, oil content and fatty acid composition, soluble sugars, and isoflavones. Defining quality traits facilitates the parental selection in breeding programs aiming to improve the added value properties of final soybean products and enables the exchange of materials between different breeding and research institutions to introduce diversity, which is a prerequisite for genetic advance.

Alignment of the aberration-free XUV Raman spectrometer at FLASH

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mykola Biednov ◽  
Günter Brenner ◽  
Benjamin Dicke ◽  
Holger Weigelt ◽  
Barbara Keitel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extreme Ultraviolet ◽  
Laser Interferometry ◽  
Grazing Incidence ◽  
Stray Light ◽  
Optical Scheme ◽  
Optical Elements ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Raman Spectrometer ◽  
Optical Alignment

An extreme-ultraviolet (XUV) double-stage Raman spectrometer is permanently installed as an experimental end-station at the PG1 beamline of the soft X-ray/XUV free-electron laser in Hamburg, FLASH. The monochromator stages are designed according to the Czerny–Turner optical scheme, adapted for the XUV photon energy range, with optical elements installed at grazing-incidence angles. Such an optical scheme along with the usage of off-axis parabolic mirrors for light collimation and focusing allows for aberration-free spectral imaging on the optical axis. Combining the two monochromators in additive dispersion mode allows for reaching high resolution and superior stray light rejection, but puts high demands on the quality of the optical alignment. In order to align the instrument with the highest precision and to quantitatively characterize the instrument performance and thus the quality of the alignment, optical laser interferometry, Hartmann–Shack wavefront-sensing measurements as well as off-line soft X-ray measurements and extensive optical simulations were conducted. In this paper the concept of the alignment scheme and the procedure of the internal optical alignment are presented. Furthermore, results on the imaging quality and resolution of the first monochromator stage are shown.

scholarly journals In vitro Comparative Quality Evaluation of Different Brands of Marketed Paracetamol Tablets Available in Bangladesh

2021 ◽  
pp. 26-32
Author(s):  
Mahfuza Rahman ◽  
Khurshida Akter ◽  
Md. Shahin Sarker ◽  
Jinat Fatema Sharna ◽  
Mir Imam Ibne Wahed
Keyword(s):  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Dissolution Time ◽  
Disintegration Time ◽  
Hardness Tester ◽  
Weight Variation ◽  
Retail Outlets ◽  
General Quality ◽  
Almost All

Aim: This study was performed to evaluate the quality of five brands of Paracetamol 500mg tablets from different manufacturers. Methods: The general quality parameters of these tablets like weight variation, hardness, thickness, diameter, friability, disintegration time and also dissolution time were evaluated according to the established protocols. For measuring weight variation, an electric analytical balance was used. The hardness, thickness and diameter were determined by an automated hardness tester. Friability was measured by a friabilator. Disintegration time and dissolution time were analyzed by disintegration apparatus and dissolution tester respectively. Results: In this study, all the five brands of the tablets passed the BP or USP standards for in vitro evaluation tests with a very slight deviation. All brands complied with the standards for weight variation (550.1±5.88 mg to 631.1±4.71 mg), hardness (121.60±6.6 N to 220.20±7.6), disintegration time (3 minutes 15 seconds to 5 minutes 30 seconds). However, in case of friability, although brand A showed slight deviation, the remaining had shown the satisfactory results with the standard. In addition, the drug release rate of different brands of paracetamol was satisfactory within 30 minutes and ranged from 90.88% to 103.75%. Conclusion: It can be concluded that almost all the tablets of paracetamol purchased from retail outlets in Bangladesh are manufactured and marketed according to GMP. Further work is recommended on bioequivalence of these tablets.

scholarly journals Postpartum women’s perception of antenatal breastfeeding education: a descriptive survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
May Loong Tan ◽  
Siew Cheng Foong ◽  
Jacqueline J. Ho ◽  
Wai Cheng Foong ◽  
Rokiah Mohd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Milk Supply ◽  
Breastfeeding Education ◽  
Multiparous Women ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Descriptive Survey ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire ◽  
Insight Into

Abstract Background Antenatal breastfeeding education (ANBE) is provided to all pregnant women attending Ministry of Health (MOH) clinics and some private health facilities in Malaysia, in line with the WHO/UNICEF Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI). However, the 6 month exclusive breastfeeding prevalence remains relatively low in Malaysia, suggesting that there may be a gap between what is currently taught and what is received by the women. Objectives To determine how women perceived their ANBE experience in the first 8 weeks postpartum including what was useful and what they would like to have been included, sources of ANBE and infant feeding practices at the time of survey. Methods Women during their first 8 weeks postpartum who attended MOH clinics in Penang State, Malaysia were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire in April and May 2015. Categorical responses were presented as numbers and proportions while free text responses were compiled verbatim and categorised into themes. The perceptions of primiparous and multiparous women were compared. Multivariate logistic regression adjusted to known confounders was used to determine if ANBE was associated with exclusive breastfeeding at the time of survey. Results A total of 421 women completed the 15-item questionnaire (84% response rate) of which 282 were complete and available for analysis. Of these, 95% had received ANBE, majority (88%) from MOH clinics. Almost all women found it useful. However, there were areas both in the delivery (e.g. too short) and the content (e.g. nothing new) that were described as not useful; and areas they would like more coverage (e.g. milk expression, storage and overcoming low milk supply). The exclusive breastfeeding prevalence at the time of survey was 61%. ANBE was significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding even after adjusting for confounders (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 8.1, 95% confidence interval 1.7, 38.3). Conclusions ANBE is widely implemented and perceived as useful and may be associated with exclusive breastfeeding. Our findings give insight into content that women would like more of and how delivery of ANBE could be improved, including individualized sessions and communicating at a suitable level and language. Future studies could focus on the quality of ANBE delivery.

scholarly journals Influence of Cutting Date and Nitrogen Fertilizer Levels on Growth, Forage Yield, and Quality of Sudan Grass in a Semiarid Environment

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
S. J. L. Ziki ◽  
E. M. I. Zeidan ◽  
A. Y. A. El-Banna ◽  
A. E. A. Omar
Keyword(s):  
Water Shortage ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Forage Crop ◽  
Sudan Grass ◽  
Yield And Quality ◽  
Cut Quality ◽  
Almost All

Sudan grass is less sensitive to water shortage and produces large amounts of biomass. For these reasons, it is a promising summer forage crop for arid and semiarid regions where natural pastures are rare and water scarcity limits summer forage production. The aim of the present work was to investigate the influence of cutting date (early and late, for three cuts) and three nitrogen (N) fertilizer levels (35, 70, and 105 kg N/ha/cut) on Sudan grass (Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf.). The study was carried out in the experimental farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Egypt, during 2016 and 2017 summer seasons using a split-plot design. The results obtained revealed significant differences between the two cutting dates on growth, forage yield, and quality of Sudan grass. The late cutting date (56 days after sowing DAS and 42 days after the 1st cut) gave the highest values for almost all the growth characters, dry forage yield in addition to total dry yield (TDY) in both seasons. The highest number of shoots/plant (1.911), leaf area/plant (2841.6 cm2), and dry forage weight (g)/plant (76.65 g) were obtained by late cutting (56 DAS) with the application of 105 kg N/ha/cut. The lowest values of these characters were recorded with 35 kg N/ha/cut. Quality parameters were significantly affected by N levels during both seasons, while cutting date significantly affected the protein yield (kg/ha). The interaction result apparently indicated that the highest dry forage yield of Sudan grass (16.26 ton/ha) was achievable at the 1st cut with the application of the highest N level (105 kg N/ha/cut).

scholarly journals ASSESSMENT OF HYDROCHEMICAL QUALITY OF GROUND WATER UNDER SOME URBAN AREAS WITHIN SANA’A SECRETERIAT

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wadie S.T AL- Ariqi ◽  
Abduljalil A.D.S Ghaleb
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Ground Water ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Saturation Index ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Base Exchange ◽  
Groundwater Samples ◽  
Almost All

Groundwater from nine wells of three different districts, located at Sana’a  secretariat was analyzed for hydrochemical quality assessment. Measurements of water quality parameters including pH, EC, CO32-, HCO3-,Cl-,NO3-,SO4 2-,Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe3+, K+, and Na+ were carried out . Classification of the groundwater samples according to Cl, SO4 2-, CO32- and HCO3-, hardness(H), total dissolved solids (TDS), base-exchange, and meteoric genesis was demonstrated. Suitability of ground water samples for irrigation and industrial uses according to sodium adsorption ration (SAR), ratio of dissolved sodium (RDS), residual sodium carbonate (RSC) and saturation index (SI) was also investigated. The results of this study showed that almost all ground water samples were of good quality that makes them suitable for drinking and  domestic uses. Results also indicated that even though some of the ground water samples were suitable for irrigation purposes, almost all of them were found not be good for industrial uses. Despite all drawbacks of the sewerage system built around Sana’a secretariat at the beginning of the first decade of the third millennium, the results of this study indicate that there is scope of significant improvement in Sana’a secretariat ground water quality.

scholarly journals Silage fermentation characteristics of grass-legume mixtures harvested at two different maturity stages

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 303-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. Bijelic ◽  
Z. Tomic ◽  
D. Ruzic-Muslic ◽  
V. Krnjaja ◽  
V. Mandic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Matter Content ◽  
First Year ◽  
Dry Matter Content ◽  
Silage Fermentation ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Two Stages ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Early Harvest

The objective of our study was to investigate the diversity of individual parameters of quality of grass-legume mixture silages harvested in two stages of crop utilization and the impact of the interaction of studied factors on the quality. Legumes as an important source of protein are very difficult to ensilage. However, in mixture with grasses their fermentable characteristics are improved. During the growth and development of plants, their chemical composition changes, hence their ability and suitability for ensiling also changes. In regard to the studied factors, the phase of exploitation had a highly significant impact on almost all quality parameters in both years. By delaying the harvest period, dry matter content in silage has significantly increased and the level of crude protein and NH3-N decreased. In regard to the content of lactic acid, the studied silages fall into category of good quality silages. Its content in the first year ranged from 24.3-31.5 in the early harvest stage and from 27.9-36.2 g kg-1 DM at the late harvest stage, and in the second year from 27.4 to 31.4 in the early harvest stage and from 28.2- 31.9 g kg-1 DM at the stage of late harvest. According to the content of acetic and butyric acids, studied silages can also be considered as silages of good quality.

scholarly journals Understanding Cybersecurity Threat Trends Through Dynamic Topic Modeling

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Sleeman ◽  
Tim Finin ◽  
Milton Halem
Keyword(s):  
Topic Modeling ◽  
Semantic Knowledge ◽  
Knowledge Graph ◽  
Modeling Process ◽  
Document Collection ◽  
Critical Insight ◽  
Modeling Data ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Insight Into

Cybersecurity threats continue to increase and are impacting almost all aspects of modern life. Being aware of how vulnerabilities and their exploits are changing gives helpful insights into combating new threats. Applying dynamic topic modeling to a time-stamped cybersecurity document collection shows how the significance and details of concepts found in them are evolving. We correlate two different temporal corpora, one with reports about specific exploits and the other with research-oriented papers on cybersecurity vulnerabilities and threats. We represent the documents, concepts, and dynamic topic modeling data in a semantic knowledge graph to support integration, inference, and discovery. A critical insight into discovering knowledge through topic modeling is seeding the knowledge graph with domain concepts to guide the modeling process. We use Wikipedia concepts to provide a basis for performing concept phrase extraction and show how using those phrases improves the quality of the topic models. Researchers can query the resulting knowledge graph to reveal important relations and trends. This work is novel because it uses topics as a bridge to relate documents across corpora over time.

NÉEL LINES STRUCTURES IN UNIAXIAL FERROMAGNETS WITH QUALITY FACTOR Q > 1

1988 ◽  
Vol 49 (C8) ◽  
pp. C8-1947-C8-1948
Author(s):  
J. Miltat ◽  
P. Trouilloud
Keyword(s):  
Quality Factor ◽  
Quality Factor Q

Quality of ram spermatozoa separated with modified swim up method

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 62-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Hossain ◽  
MM Islam ◽  
F Naznin ◽  
RN Ferdousi ◽  
FY Bari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Semen Quality ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Fluid Medium ◽  
Normal Morphology ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mass Activity ◽  
Fresh Semen ◽  
Artificial Vagina

Semen was collected from four rams, using artificial vagina and viability%, motility% and plasma membrane integrity% were measured. Fresh ejaculates (n = 32) were separated by modified swim-up separation using modified human tubal fluid medium. Four fractions of supernatant were collected at 15-minute intervals. The mean volume, mass activity, concentration, motility%, viability%, normal morphology and membrane integrity% (HOST +ve) of fresh semen were 1.0 ± 0.14, 4.1 ± 0.1 × 109 spermatozoa/ml, 85.0 ± 1.3, 89.4 ± 1.0, 85.5 ± 0.7, 84.7 ± 0.5 respectively. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference in fresh semen quality parameters between rams. The motility%, viability% and HOST +ve % of first, second, third and fourth fractions were 53.4 ± 0.5, 68.2 ± 0.3, 74.8 ± 0.3 and 65.5 ± 0.4; 55.5 ± 0.4, 66.2 ± 0.4, 74.5 ± 0.3 and 73.6 ± 0.3 and 66.7 ± 0.5, 66.8 ± 0.5, 65.2 ± 0.4 and 74.7 ± 0.5 respectively. The motility%, viability% and membrane integrity% of separated semen samples differed significantly (P<0.05) between four fractions. The mean motility% and viability% were significantly higher (P<0.05) in third fraction (74.8 ± 0.3%), whereas the mean HOST +ve% was significantly higher (P<0.05) in fourth fraction (74.7 ± 0.5). All quality parameters of separated spermatozoa were significantly (P<0.05) lower than that of fresh semen. The pregnancy rates were higher with fresh semen (71%) in comparison to that of separated sample (57%).Bangl. vet. 2016. Vol. 33, No. 2, 62-70

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