Evaluation of a Rapid Diagnostic Test, Boson Biotech SARS CoV-2 Ag, for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Gabon

1) Background: Rapid and acurate diagnostic testing for case identification, quarantine, and contact tracing is essential for managing the COVID 19 pandemic. Rapid antigen detection tests are available, however, it is important to evaluate their performances before use. We tested a rapid antigen detection of SARS-CoV-2, based on the immunochromatography (Boson Biotech SARS-CoV-2 Ag Test (Xiamen Boson Biotech Co., Ltd., China)) and the results were compared with the real time reverse transcriptase-Polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) (Gold standard) results;2) Methods: From November 2021 to December 2021, samples were collected from symptomatic patients and asymptomatic individuals referred for testing in a hospital during the second pandemic wave in Gabon. All these participants attending “CTA Angondjé”, a field hospital set up as part of the management of COVID-19 in Gabon. Two nasopharyngeal swabs were collected in all the patients, one for Ag test and the other for RT-PCR;3) Results: A total of 300 samples were collected from 189 symptomatic and 111 asymptomatic individuals. The sensitivity and specificity of the antigen test were 82.5% [95%CI 73.8 - 89.3] and 97.9 % [95%CI 92.2 - 98.2] respectively, and the diagnostic accuracy was 84.4% (95% CI: 79.8 - 88.3%). The antigen test was more likely to be positive for samples with RT-PCR Ct values ≤ 32, with a sensitivity of 89.8%;4) Conclusions: The Boson Biotech SARS-CoV-2 Ag Test has good sensitivity and can detect SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially among symptomatic individuals with low viral load. This test could be incorporated into efficient testing algorithms as an alternative to PCR to decrease diagnostic delays and curb viral transmission.

Analysis of the Application of Bridge Rapid Inspection and Evaluation Technology

Rapid bridge inspection and evaluation mainly uses information technology to test the quality of bridge infrastructure and structures,integrates the test results with the existing management system,completes the bridge status assessment,establishes information management files to provide bridge disease problem inspection and analysis,and provides support for the application of disposal measures.This paper briefly discusses the necessity of applying rapid inspection and evaluation technology and analyzes the bridge’s rapid inspection and evaluation content,inspection system,and application process.We look forward to the future application prospects of this technology and supporting those in this field.

Rapid on-site evaluation of endoscopic-ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration diagnosis of pancreatic masses

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has become an essential tool for the study of pancreatic diseases. Specifically, EUS plays a pivotal role evaluating patients with a known or suspected pancreatic mass. In this setting, differential diagnosis remains a clinical challenge. EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and fine-needle biopsy (FNB) have been proven to be safe and useful tools in this setting. EUS-guided FNA and FNB, by obtaining cytological and/or histological samples, are able to diagnose pancreatic lesions with high sensitivity and specificity. In this context, several methodological features, trying to increase the diagnostic yield of EUS-guided FNA and FNB, have been evaluated. In this review, we focus on the role of rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE). From data reported in the literature, ROSE may increase diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA specimens by 10%-30%, and thus, diagnostic accuracy. However, we should point out that many recent studies have reported adequacy rates of > 90% without ROSE, indicating that, perhaps, at high-volume centers, ROSE may not be indispensable to achieve excellent results. The use of ROSE can be considered important during the learning curve of EUS-FNA, and also in hospital with diagnostic accuracy rates < 90%.

Site Quality Evaluation for Mixed, Uneven-aged, Natural Forest Dominatedby Korean Pine in Northeast China

Six site types of Korean pine(Pinus koraiensis) forest, Mongolian oak type, Yezo spruce type, Korean spruce type, Amur linden type, Ribbed birch type and Manchurian ash type, are easily found on the south slope of Xiaoxing’an Mountains. The analysis results of H-A and H-Dbh relationships by site type showed that height growth of Korean pine dominant or codominant stems in natural stands is not directly related to its age but is directly related to its diameter, which closely accords with the Chapman-Richards equation(Relativity coefficients more than 0:8668). A method for evaluating site quality using height and diameter of dominant or codominant tree independent of tree age is examined. There are signifi-cantly differences in site quality of Korcan pine among six site types above. The site index was highest on Manchurian ash type, and lowest on Mongolian oak type. Differences of site index with a reference dbh of 40 cm between highest and lowest sites can reach 11 m in maximum., 7 m in average, respectively. Other rationales of the H-D method were discussed.

Failure evaluation and control factor analysis of slope block instability along traffic corridor in Southeastern Tibet

The instability of slope blocks occurred frequently along traffic corridor in Southeastern Tibet(TCST),which was primarily controlled by the rock mass structures.A rapid method evaluating the control effects of rock mass structures was proposed through field statistics of the slopes and rock mass structures along TCST,which combined the stereographic projection method,modified M-JCS model,and limit equilibrium theory.The instabilities of slope blocks along TCST were then evaluated rapidly,and the different control factors of instability were analyzed.Results showed that the probabilities of toppling(5.31%),planar(16.15%),and wedge(35.37%)failure of slope blocks along TCST increased sequentially.These instability modes were respectively controlled by the anti-dip joint,the joint parallel to slope surface with a dip angle smaller than the slope angle(singlejoint),and two groups of joints inclined out of the slope(double-joints).Regarding the control effects on slope block instability,the stabilization ability of doublejoints(72.7%),anti-dip joint(67.4%),and single-joint(57.6%)decreased sequentially,resulting in different probabilities of slope block instability.Additionally,nearby regional faults significantly influenced the joints,leading to spatial heterogeneity and segmental clustering in the stabilization ability provided by joints to the slope blocks.Consequently,the stability of slope blocks gradually weakened as they approached the fault zones.This paper can provide guidance and assistance for investigating the development characteristics of rock mass structures and the stability of slope blocks.

How to Develop a Realist Evaluation to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Integrated Management of Childhood Illness Strategy in Community Care Sites in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, the DRC ranks among countries with high infant mortality. To solve this problem, the Health Ministry has set up a programme: the use of integrated management childhood illness (IMCI) in community care sites (CCSs) managed by non-health professional persons known as community health workers (CHW). This approach has not yet been integrated into the health pyramid. This is why we chose the Realist Evaluation Approach to evaluate the effectiveness of this programme on Universal Access to care for children under 5 years of age in the DRC. Methods/design: To conduct this exploratory study which is essentially a descriptive case study, we applied the principles of a realist evaluation by context—mechanisms—effects explained in the conceptual framework. The preliminary theory of the programme was elaborated by data collection through a literature review coupled with semi-structured interviews with key informants who were managers of the government programme and technical and financial partners of the programme. Results: IMCI has been evaluated and shown its positive contribution in the reduction of global children mortality. In the DRC, summaries of data collection through a literature review coupled with semi-structured interviews showed the same result. However, under criticism, based on the data collected during this exploratory study, it is promisingly apparent that this programme will achieve the objectives assigned to it through the preliminary theory of the programme. Conclusion: The literature review corroborated the effectiveness of the IMCI programme. The application of this programme in CCS with non-health professionals who are Community Health Workers has been shown to be effective in the DRC. Based on this reality, it was possible to define the basis for a realist evaluation of the effectiveness of the programme in CCS.

THE STUDY ON SITE QUALITY EVALUATION FOR DAHURIAN LARCH(LARIX GMELINII RUPR.)

Site quality of larch(Larix gmelinii Rupr.)in Da Xingan Mountain in InnerMongolia was studied systematically with about 1000 temporary plots and computersoftware.The nature of site class and site index curve was discussed in view of generalmathematical model of height growth.The height growth of dominant tree of four divisionsof forest stands were studied and site index tables were constructed respectively.In orderto unify the comparing standard and convenience for management in this region,site indextable was constucted too.Based on discussing the action and accuracy of forest type,aseries of site quality evaluation(forest type-site index class-site index)was suggested.

EVALUATION OF SITE QUALITY FOR DAHURIAN LARCH FORESTS

The site index table, site class table and quantizing model ofdahurian larch forests were formed based on 418 temporary plots and 179 dominant stem analysis trees. By testing raw data which were not used to form the site index table, the site index table of plantations was validated. The site index table or site class table can be used in timber stands according to the intensive degrees of forest management. The quantizing model can be used in cutover, deforested and nonforested areas.

Rapid digitalization and panoramic evaluation of weld X-ray film

The computer evaluation of weld X-ray film is an attractive technique for weld seam NDT （ nondestructive testing）. To achieve this target, digitalization of film is the first step and automatic defect identification is another key technique. In this paper, a weld X-ray film digitalizing system has been established with linear array CCD and highlight LED light source. Its space resolution can reach 0. 04 mm/pixel and scanning speed can reach 100 mm/s for an industrial film. The transfer function curves of the system have been measured and the results indicate that its image gray resolution can reach 88 G/D at 4. 5D, and its dynamic range can be wider than 2. OD. In order to facilitate the evaluation of large welded structure, a panoramic evaluation algorithm is developed also. The algorithm includes image matching, image fusion and panoramic evaluation of the long linked film image.

Donor's site evaluation after restoration with autografts or synthetic plugs in rabbits

AIM: To investigate donor site's area histological and immunohistochemical knee cartilage appearances after resurfacing iatrogenic defects with biosynthetic plugs orautografts. METHODS: Thirty New Zealand White rabbits were used in this study. A full-thickness cylindrical defect of 4.5 mm(diameter) × 7 mm(depth) was created with a hand drill in the femoral groove of every animal. In Group A(n = 10) the defect of the donor site was re-paired with a biosynthetic osteochondral plug, in Group B(n = 10) with an osteochondral autograft, while in Group C(control group of 10) rabbits were left untreated. RESULTS: Twenty-four weeks postoperatively, smooth articular cartilage was found macroscopically in some trocleas' surfaces; in all others, an articular surface with discontinuities was observed. Twenty-eight out of 30 animals were found with predominantly viable chondrocytes leaving the remaining two-which were found only in the control group- with partially viable chondrocytes. However, histology revealed many statistical differences between the groups as far as the International Cartilage Repair Society(ICRS) categories are concerned. Immunofluoresence also revealed the presence of collagen Ⅱ in all specimens of Group B, whereas in Group A collagen Ⅱ was found in less specimens. In Group C collagen Ⅱwas not found. CONCLUSION: The matrix, cell distribution, subchondral bone and cartilage mineralization ICRS categories showed statistically differences between the three groups. Group A was second, while group B received the best scores; the control group got the worst ICRS scores in these categories. So, the donor site area, when repairing osteochondral lesions with autografting systems, is better amended with osteochondral autograft rather than bone graft substitute implant.

The Evaluation of Municipal Landfill Sites in North of Iran through Comparing BC Guideline and Iran Legislation

Selection of landfill site is a complex process which demands many diverse criteria. The significance of the present study lies in the fact that it tends to evaluate the suitability of the existing municipal landfill sites in the west area of Mazandaran province, located in north of Iran, and the south coast of Caspian Sea. In order to carry out this evaluation, 3 guidelines are used. After reviewing all the specified criteria in each of the guidelines, the authenticity of each deposit site of the study area and the entire area also was examined;and eventually the appropriate areas were identified. As a result, 62.38 percent of the study area according to the guideline of British Columbia, 25 percent according to the Iran department of environment, and the 48.5 percent according to the management and planning organization of Iran are suitable for landfill siting.

Recent Advances in the Rapid Detection and Performance Evaluation Methods of Detergent Additives for Gasoline

Although detergent additives for gasoline have been widely commercialized,their formulas are often kept confidential and there is still no standardized method for quickly detecting the main active ingredients and evaluating their effectiveness,which makes their regulation difficult.An overview of the current state of the development and application of detergent additives for gasoline in China and other regions,as well as a review of the rapid detection and performance evaluation methods available for analyzing detergent additives are given herein.The review focuses on the convenience,cost,efficiency,and feasibility of on-site detection and the evaluation of various methods,and also looks into future research directions,such as detecting and evaluating detergent additives in ethanol gasoline and with advanced engine technologies.

Investigation and Evaluation of Site Contaminated Soil

The investigation and evaluation of site contaminated soil were mainly conducted.Firstly,investigation measures of site contaminated soil were proposed,including increasing attention to the production process of the original enterprise,investigating the types of pollutants on the site,clarifying the key points of different environmental investigations,and refining the initial record of site pollution investigation.Secondly,the key points of the risk assessment of site pollution were discussed.Finally,a specific case analysis was conducted,mainly covering the introduction of a contaminated site,investigation and evaluation methods,etc.,aiming to promote the smooth progress of the investigation and evaluation of site contaminated soil,and solve the problem of site pollution smoothly based on the in-depth perspective.

Site Suitability Evaluation for Sustainable Distribution of Hospital Using Spatial Information Technologies and AHP: A Case Study of Upper Egypt, Aswan City

Site selection for location of a hospital is one of the crucial policy-related decisions taken by the government. In upper Egypt, the cities suffer from a shortage and bad distribution of hospital site. The selection of the appropriate hospital site requires consideration of multiple alternative solutions and evaluation factor. We develop a Multi-Criteria Decision Support System (MCDSS) process that combines Geographical Information System (GIS) analysis with Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and use this process to determine the optimum site for a new hospital in the Aswan urban area. Based on actual conditions Aswan city, we used three main factors and seven sub-factors. The main factors are urban, environmental and economic factors. An application adopting AHP process was developed to calculate weights of every factor. Spatial analysis in GIS was used to overlay and generate factors maps and suitability evaluation map. All maps are classified from 1 (low suitable) to 5 (high suitable) using spatial information technologies. The candidate sites are divided by best, good and unsuitable hospital areas. Best hospital site represents optimal sites;good hospital site can be used as back-up candidate sites. The study was found that best area (S3) is about 30%, and most of these are located in the south part of the study area;good area (S2) is about 58%, and most of these are located in the central part of the study area;unsuitable area (S1) is about 12%, and most of these are located in the Eastern and Western parts of the study area. Finally, the study ends with an assessment of proposed sites.

Evaluation of the Protection and Utilization of Great Sites:A Case Study of Zhengzhou City

The protection and utilization of great sites not only are related to the inheritance of historical and cultural heritage and academic research,but also directly affect local economic development and social and cultural dissemination.In this paper,five major great sites in Zhengzhou City(Dahe Village Site,Zhengzhou Shangcheng Site,Xiaoshuangqiao Site,the Capital of Zheng and Han States,and Mausoleum of Song Dynasty Tombs of Song Emperors)are taken as research objects,and a set of index system for evaluating the protection and utilization of great sites is constructed.A comprehensive evaluation is conducted from seven aspects:protection management,research value,site utilization,cultural value dissemination,socio-economic benefits,utilization effects,and regional development coordination.This paper provides a comprehensive and scientific evaluation perspective for the protection and utilization of great sites,which helps to better grasp the direction of site protection and utilization,and develop more practical and effective strategies for site protection and utilization.

A Computerized Evaluation of Sensory Memory and Short-term Memory Impairment After Rapid Ascent to 4280 m

To evaluate the effect of acute high-altitude exposure on sensory and short-term memory using interactive software,we transported 30 volunteers in a sport utility vehicle to a 4280 m plateau within3 h.We measured their memory performance on the plain（initial arrival）and 3 h after arrival on the plateau using six measures.

Active Tectonic Research for Seismic Safety Evaluation of Long-Line Engineering Sites in China

Long-line engineering sites usually have to pass through active tectonics, so the research of active tectonics is of great importance to seismic safety evaluation of this sort of site. In the paper, basing on the summarization and analysis of the requirements for seismic safety evaluation of long-line engineering site and the status quo of active tectonics research, we propose the focal points of active tectonics research for seismic safety evaluation of long-line engineering sites, including the research contents, technical targets and routes, and the submission of the achievements, etc. Finally, we make a preliminary analysis and discussion about the problems existing in the present-day active tectonics research for seismic safety evaluation of long-line engineering sites.

Development of a Fuzzy Fire Risk Evaluation Model for Building Construction Sites in Hong Kong

Earlier research works on fire risk evaluation indicated that an objective,reliable,comprehensive,and practical fire risk evaluation model is essential for mitigating fire occurrence in building construction sites.Nevertheless,real empirical studies in this research area are quite limited.This journal paper gives an account of the second stage of a research study aiming at developing a fuzzy fire risk evaluation model for building construction sites in Hong Kong.The empirical research findings showed that the overall fire risk level of building construction sites is 3.6427,which can be interpreted as“moderate risk”.Also,the survey respondents perceived that“Restrictions for On-Site Personnel”is the most vital fire risk factor;with“Storage of Flammable Liquids or Dangerous Goods”being the second;and“Attitude of Main Contractor”the third.The proposed fuzzy fire risk evaluation model for building construction sites can be used to assess the overall fire risk level for a building construction site,and to identify improvement areas needed.Although the fuzzy fire risk evaluation model was developed domestically in Hong Kong,the research could be reproduced in other nations to develop similar models for international comparisons.Such an extension would provide a deeper understanding of the fire risk management on building construction sites.

Site Selection of Land Consolidation Project Based on Farmland Quality Evaluation in Yanjin County of Henan Province

In order to explore the effects of farmland quality evaluation on site selection of land consolidation projects,the methods of agricultural land use classification were used. Taking several project areas in Yanjin County of Henan Province as examples,the farmland quality before and after land consolidation projects was evaluated. The results indicate that under the conditions of reasonable site selection,the implementation of land consolidation projects can effectively improve the farmland quality and increase the grain productivity. Therefore,before the site selection for land consolidation projects,it is recommended to carry out pre-evaluation of farmland quality,and guide the project implementation according to the evaluation results. Besides,it is recommended to focus on medium and low level farmland with large centralized area,excellent original production conditions,but low level of development and use.

Use of a Land Surface Model to Evaluate the Observed Soil Moisture of Grassland at the Tongyu Reference Site

A land surface model driven by the continuous three-year observed meteorological data with a time interval of 30 minutes at the Tongyu station, a reference site of the Coordinated Enhanced Observing Period （CEOP）, was used to evaluate the observation bias of soil moisture （SM） data and analyze the variation of SM at different time scales. The saline-alkaline soil of the grassland at the Tongyu site makes the measured SM too high, especially in boreal summer of 2003-05. The simulated annual mean SM has the lowest value in 2004 and its three-year variation corresponds to the change of precipitation, whereas the observation shows the increasing trend from 2003 to 2005. Compared to the variation range between -60% and 40% for the anomaly percentage of the simulated daily mean SM during May-October of 2004, the measured data show the higher values more than 40%. The magnitude of the variation trend of the observed daily mean SM in 2003 and 2005 is generally consistent with the simulation. The largest deficiency for the soil moisture observation of the grassland is the overestimated value in the drought year with less precipitation. The simulated monthly mean SM has the lowest value in March due to the large contribution of evaporation relative to precipitation and this phenomenon can not be reproduced in the observation.