scholarly journals Deployable Telescopic Tubular Mechanisms With a Steerable Tongue Depressor Towards Self-Administered Oral Swab

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirthika Senthil Kumar ◽  
Tuan Dung Nguyen ◽  
Manivannan Sivaperuman Kalairaj ◽  
Vishnu Mani Hema ◽  
Catherine Jiayi Cai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Performance Monitoring ◽  
Kinematic Chain ◽  
Developable Surface ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Oral Swab ◽  
Suitable Material ◽  
Tongue Depressor ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Protective Cover ◽  
Stretchable Sensors

Swabbing tests have proved to be an effective method of diagnosis for a wide range of diseases. Potential occupational health hazards and reliance on healthcare workers during traditional swabbing procedures can be mitigated by self-administered swabs. Hence, we report possible methods to apply closed kinematic chain theory to develop a self-administered viral swab to collect respiratory specimens. The proposed sensorized swab models utilizing hollow polypropylene tubes possess mechanical compliance, simple construction, and inexpensive components. In detail, the adaptation of the slider-crank mechanism combined with concepts of a deployable telescopic tubular mechanical system is explored through four different oral swab designs. A closed kinematic chain on suitable material to create a developable surface allows the translation of simple two-dimensional motion into more complex multi-dimensional motion. These foldable telescopic straws with multiple kirigami cuts minimize components involved in the system as the characteristics are built directly into the material. Further, it offers a possibility to include soft stretchable sensors for realtime performance monitoring. A variety of features were constructed and tested using the concepts above, including 1) tongue depressor and cough/gag reflex deflector; 2) changing the position and orientation of the oral swab when sample collection is in the process; 3) protective cover for the swabbing bud; 4) a combination of the features mentioned above.

scholarly journals Bio-Based Alternatives to Phenol and Formaldehyde for the Production of Resins

Polymers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 2237 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. R. Sarika ◽  
Paul Nancarrow ◽  
Abdulrahman Khansaheb ◽  
Taleb Ibrahim
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Phenol Formaldehyde ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Wood Industry ◽  
Suitable Material ◽  
The Past ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Sustainable Materials ◽  
Materials Used

Phenol–formaldehyde (PF) resin continues to dominate the resin industry more than 100 years after its first synthesis. Its versatile properties such as thermal stability, chemical resistance, fire resistance, and dimensional stability make it a suitable material for a wide range of applications. PF resins have been used in the wood industry as adhesives, in paints and coatings, and in the aerospace, construction, and building industries as composites and foams. Currently, petroleum is the key source of raw materials used in manufacturing PF resin. However, increasing environmental pollution and fossil fuel depletion have driven industries to seek sustainable alternatives to petroleum based raw materials. Over the past decade, researchers have replaced phenol and formaldehyde with sustainable materials such as lignin, tannin, cardanol, hydroxymethylfurfural, and glyoxal to produce bio-based PF resin. Several synthesis modifications are currently under investigation towards improving the properties of bio-based phenolic resin. This review discusses recent developments in the synthesis of PF resins, particularly those created from sustainable raw material substitutes, and modifications applied to the synthetic route in order to improve the mechanical properties.

scholarly journals A Review of Detection and Removal of Raindrops in Automotive Vision Systems

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 52
Author(s):  
Yazan Hamzeh ◽  
Samir A. Rawashdeh
Keyword(s):  
Detrimental Effect ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Traffic Sign ◽  
Survey Paper ◽  
Sign Recognition ◽  
Adverse Weather Conditions ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Adverse Weather ◽  
Protective Cover

Research on the effect of adverse weather conditions on the performance of vision-based algorithms for automotive tasks has had significant interest. It is generally accepted that adverse weather conditions reduce the quality of captured images and have a detrimental effect on the performance of algorithms that rely on these images. Rain is a common and significant source of image quality degradation. Adherent rain on a vehicle’s windshield in the camera’s field of view causes distortion that affects a wide range of essential automotive perception tasks, such as object recognition, traffic sign recognition, localization, mapping, and other advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) and self-driving features. As rain is a common occurrence and as these systems are safety-critical, algorithm reliability in the presence of rain and potential countermeasures must be well understood. This survey paper describes the main techniques for detecting and removing adherent raindrops from images that accumulate on the protective cover of cameras.

scholarly journals Sesquiterpene emissions from vegetation: a review

2008 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 761-777 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. R. Duhl ◽  
D. Helmig ◽  
A. Guenther
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Emission Rates ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Ambient Temperatures ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
Environmental Controls ◽  
Weather Events ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Experimental Protocols ◽  
Selection Of Species

Abstract. This literature review summarizes the environmental controls governing biogenic sesquiterpene (SQT) emissions and presents a compendium of numerous SQT-emitting plant species as well as the quantities and ratios of SQT species they have been observed to emit. The results of many enclosure-based studies indicate that temporal SQT emission variations appear to be dominated mainly by ambient temperatures although other factors contribute (e.g., seasonal variations). This implies that SQT emissions have increased significance at certain times of the year, especially in late spring to mid-summer. The strong temperature dependency of SQT emissions also creates the distinct possibility of increasing SQT emissions in a warmer climate. Disturbances to vegetation (from herbivores and possibly violent weather events) are clearly also important in controlling short-term SQT emissions bursts, though the relative contribution of disturbance-induced emissions is not known. Based on the biogenic SQT emissions studies reviewed here, SQT emission rates among numerous species have been observed to cover a wide range of values, and exhibit substantial variability between individuals and across species, as well as at different environmental and phenological states. These emission rates span several orders of magnitude (10s–1000s of ng gDW-1 h−1). Many of the higher rates were reported by early SQT studies, which may have included artificially-elevated SQT emission rates due to higher-than-ambient enclosure temperatures and disturbances to enclosed vegetation prior to and during sample collection. When predicting landscape-level SQT fluxes, modelers must consider the numerous sources of variability driving observed SQT emissions. Characterizations of landscape and global SQT fluxes are highly uncertain given differences and uncertainties in experimental protocols and measurements, the high variability in observed emission rates from different species, the selection of species that have been studied so far, and ambiguities regarding controls over emissions. This underscores the need for standardized experimental protocols, better characterization of disturbance-induced emissions, screening of dominant plant species, and the collection of multiple replicates from several individuals within a given species or genus as well as a better understanding of seasonal dependencies of SQT emissions in order to improve the representation of SQT emission rates.

scholarly journals ASSESSMENT OF ECOLOGICAL STATE OF THE VELIKAYA RIVER DELTA BASED ON HYDROCHEMICAL INDICATORS AND STRUCTURE OF PHYTOPLANKTON

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 82
Author(s):  
Tatiana Drozdenko ◽  
Sergei Mikhalap ◽  
Larisa Nikolskaya ◽  
Anna Chernova
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Shannon Index ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
River Delta ◽  
Ecosystem Dynamics ◽  
Polluted Water ◽  
Ecological State ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Wide Range

The basis of the existence of freshwater ecosystems is phytoplankton, which produces most of the primary biological production, participates in repair processes and provides a wide range of ecosystem services. The short life cycle and high speed metabolism of microalgae make them ideal objects for ecological monitoring. The aim of the present study is to research the ecological state of the Velikaya river delta based on the species composition of phytoplankton community and some hydrochemical parameters. The sample collection for phytoplankton study and physicochemical measurements was carried out in summer 2016 at five stations representing different ecological locations of the Velikaya river delta. One hundred sixty five species taxa of microalgae belonging to 8 phylums were identified during the research: Bacillariophyta (37%), Chlorophyta (33.9%), Cyanophyta/Cyanobacteria (9.7%), Chrysophyta (6.1%), Euglenophyta (6.1%), Cryptophyta (3%), Dinophyta (3%), Xanthophyta (1.2%). The values of Shannon index indicate the average complexity of the microalgae communities structure. Values of Margalef index characterize the Velikaya river delta as an area of high species richness. Compared to the previous studies, a significant increase in the level of information diversity is observed, indicating an increase in the number of possible flows of substance and energy in the ecosystem. Dynamics of biogen substances in the water shows a slight increase of their concentrations. Ecological and geographical analysis proves that absolute dominance of cosmopolitan freshwater forms is typical for the algoflora of the Velikaya river delta. In relation to the pH-reaction inhabitants of neutral and slightly alkaline water dominate. Pantle–Buck saprobity index is applied for water quality assessment, which shows beta-mesosaprobic water quality in the ecosystem. Thus, the water of the Velikaya river delta could be referred to the category of moderately polluted water (class II of water quality). This is confirmed by the data of hydrochemical analysis.

Detection of Fourth Generation Synthetic Halocarbons in the Upper Troposphere

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanja Schuck ◽  
Katharina Meixner ◽  
Peter van Velthoven ◽  
Simon O’Doherty ◽  
Martin Vollmer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Degradation Products ◽  
Stratospheric Ozone ◽  
Montreal Protocol ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Fourth Generation ◽  
Oh Radicals ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Upper Troposphere ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Air Sample

<p>Synthetic halocarbons are used for a wide range of applications, for example air conditioning or foam blowing. Many of them are long-lived greenhouse gases contributing to climate change and, in addition, may contribute to stratospheric ozone depletion if containing chlorine or bromine. Therefore, their production and use are regulated by the Montreal Protocol and its amendments. These long-lived halocarbons are increasingly replaced by a fourth generation of unsaturated short-lived halocarbons, the hydrochlorofluoroolefines (HCFOs) and hydrofluoroolefines (HFOs). The main removal process of these compounds in the atmosphere is reaction with OH radicals, and their average lifetimes are of the order of up to a few tens of days.</p><p>As part of the IAGOS-CARIBIC instrument package we operate an automated air sample collection system during regular flights in the upper troposphere and lowermost stratosphere. At altitudes around 10-12 km, samples are collected in stainless steel and glass flasks at predefined times. Post-flight laboratory analyses include gas chromatography - mass spectrometry measurements of a wide range of halocarbons. The short-lived compounds HFO-1234ze(E) and HCFO-1233zd(E) were detected in a small number of samples, indicating that these compounds are sufficiently long lived for transport into the upper troposphere. There were not found in stratospheric samples.</p><p>At this altitude, low abundance of OH and low temperatures may slow down chemical decay, and tracer lifetimes may increase significantly. Based on average temperatures and OH abundance, we estimate local lifetimes of HFO-1234ze(E) and HCFO-1233zd(E)  in the mid-latitudes of up to 75 days and 200 days, respectively. Short-lived H(C)FOs reaching the upper troposphere could thus be transported over large distances and their degradation products may be deposited  far from their emission sources.</p>

scholarly journals Wearable Potentiometric Sensors for Medical Applications

Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 363 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Cuartero ◽  
Marc Parrilla ◽  
Gaston Crespo
Keyword(s):  
Sport Performance ◽  
Medical Utilization ◽  
Potentiometric Sensors ◽  
Sensor Calibration ◽  
Medical Applications ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Medical Settings ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Individual

Wearable potentiometric sensors have received considerable attention owing to their great potential in a wide range of physiological and clinical applications, particularly involving ion detection in sweat. Despite the significant progress in the manner that potentiometric sensors are integrated in wearable devices, in terms of materials and fabrication approaches, there is yet plenty of room for improvement in the strategy adopted for the sample collection. Essentially, this involves a fluidic sampling cell for continuous sweat analysis during sport performance or sweat accumulation via iontophoresis induction for one-spot measurements in medical settings. Even though the majority of the reported papers from the last five years describe on-body tests of wearable potentiometric sensors while the individual is practicing a physical activity, the medical utilization of these devices has been demonstrated on very few occasions and only in the context of cystic fibrosis diagnosis. In this sense, it may be important to explore the implementation of wearable potentiometric sensors into the analysis of other biofluids, such as saliva, tears and urine, as herein discussed. While the fabrication and uses of wearable potentiometric sensors vary widely, there are many common issues related to the analytical characterization of such devices that must be consciously addressed, especially in terms of sensor calibration and the validation of on-body measurements. After the assessment of key wearable potentiometric sensors reported over the last five years, with particular attention paid to those for medical applications, the present review offers tentative guidance regarding the characterization of analytical performance as well as analytical and clinical validations, thereby aiming at generating debate in the scientific community to allow for the establishment of well-conceived protocols.

scholarly journals Developable mechanisms on developable surfaces

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (27) ◽  
pp. eaau5171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Todd G. Nelson ◽  
Trent K. Zimmerman ◽  
Spencer P. Magleby ◽  
Robert J. Lang ◽  
Larry L. Howell
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Systems ◽  
Relative Orientation ◽  
Developable Surface ◽  
Curved Surfaces ◽  
Surface Type ◽  
Complex Tasks ◽  
Rigid Link ◽  
Developable Surfaces ◽  
Flat Sheet ◽  
Wide Range

The trend toward smaller mechanism footprints and volumes, while maintaining the ability to perform complex tasks, presents the opportunity for exploration of hypercompact mechanical systems integrated with curved surfaces. Developable surfaces are shapes that a flat sheet can take without tearing or stretching, and they represent a wide range of manufactured surfaces. This work introduces “developable mechanisms” as devices that emerge from or conform to developable surfaces. They are made possible by aligning hinge axes with developable surface ruling lines to enable mobility. Because rigid-link motion depends on the relative orientation of hinge axes and not link geometry, links can take the shape of the corresponding developable surface. Mechanisms are classified by their associated surface type, and these relationships are defined and demonstrated by example. Developable mechanisms show promise for meeting unfilled needs using systems not previously envisioned.

scholarly journals Iodine concentrations in cow’s milk in Central and Northern Bohemia

2011 ◽  
Vol 51 (No. 5) ◽  
pp. 189-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Hejtmánková ◽  
L. Kuklík ◽  
E. Trnková ◽  
H. Dragounová
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Developmental Disorders ◽  
Winter Season ◽  
Iodine Content ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Rapeseed Cake ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Mean ◽  
On Farm

Iodine deficiency and related risks of medical and/or developmental disorders in humans are a worldwide problem. In the last years, Czech endocrinologists and paediatricians have observed a significant increase in the occurrence of goitre in children and adolescents caused by a low dietary intake of iodine. Given the low consumption of seafood, milk and dairy products are the main sources of iodine in theCzechRepublic. Iodine contents of milk of dairy cows of different breeds from seven farms located in Central andNorthern Bohemia were studied over a period of 17 months (April 2000 through August 2001). Iodine content was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD) based on IDF Standard 167 (1994), following alkaline mineralization of the sample. An analysis of the certified reference material CRM 063 was used to examine the accuracy of determination. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with and without replications, including Scheffe’s comparison at a 5% level of significance, was used for statistical evaluation of experimental data. The iodine content of milk ranged from 147 to 605 µg/kg (mean 251  110 µg/kg) during the winter season, and from 35 to 484 µg/kg (mean 212  104 µg/kg) during the summer season. The mean iodine concentration in all samples of milk during the studied period was 225  109 μg/kg.The wide range of iodine concentrations is connected with differences in iodine saturation of dairy cows and it is a result of multiple factors. Iodine reserves in the soil play an important role and influence the content of iodine in feeds for dairy cows and thereby the iodine levels in milk. The presence of goitrogenic substances in feed for dairy cows is another important factor. The iodine content was found to be statistically significantly lower in the milk from dairy cows fed a diet enriched with rapeseed cakes compared to that of dairy cows on a diet without rapeseed cake. Dairy cows on farm F6, which were fed maize silage without added rapeseed cake during winter, had a statistically higher iodine content in milk during the winter season compared to summer, when they were fed fresh fodder. Fresh fodder is supposed to contain goitrogenic substances which significantly reduce iodine levels in milk. This opinion is supported by experimental findings that the date of milk sample collection has no statistically significant influence on milk iodine levels if the dairy cows are fed a diet containing added rapeseed cake (farms F1, F2, F3, and F4) throughout the year. Compared to the other farms, statistically significantly higher milk iodine content was found on farm F5. The mean iodine content in milk from farm F5 was 425  74 μg/kg during the studied period. The main cause is probably that the diet contained no rapeseed cake.  

The State and Future of Blood-Based Biomarkers in the Health and Retirement Study

2011 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas McDade
Keyword(s):  
Survey Design ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Health And Retirement Study ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Methods Development ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Primary Focus ◽  
Retirement Study

The Health and Retirement Study (HRS) is an important national resource for policy makers and investigators across a wide range of disciplines, and it is critical that the study collects the best information possible on the health status of its participants within the constraints of the survey design, and without compromising the integrity of the sample. Potential directions for the collection and analysis of biomarker data in future waves of HRS are discussed, with a primary focus on blood-based biomarkers. Advantages and disadvantages of various methods for collecting blood in the home are considered, with particular attention given to the strengths and weaknesses of dried blood spot (DBS) sampling. DBS sampling has been widely applied in recent biosocial surveys due to the low cost and burden associated with sample collection, but these benefits need to be weighed against challenges associated with quantification in the laboratory. Attention is also given to additional biomarkers that may be of relevance to HRS, and that would expand the survey’s current focus on obesity and metabolic syndrome. Measures of inflammation, pathogen exposure, reproductive function, stress, and epigenetic modifications are suggested as potentially productive future directions for the study. In addition, the analysis concludes with the following recommendations for HRS: Continue to collect DBS samples, but consider alternatives; implement enhanced procedures for quality control; calibrate DBS results against plasma values, and invest in methods development.

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