The aim of this study was to provide a simple, easy-to-use incubation system for small-scale rural poultry farmers far from the electricity grid. To this end, a naturally ventilated solar thermal incubator was built a...The aim of this study was to provide a simple, easy-to-use incubation system for small-scale rural poultry farmers far from the electricity grid. To this end, a naturally ventilated solar thermal incubator was built and experimentally tested. A U-shaped evacuated tube collector and a wooden crate holding 50 eggs were used to build the solar thermal incubator. Water was used as the heat transfer fluid, and an EPCM was integrated into the incubation chamber for operation at night or when the sun was hidden. The heat generated by the solar collector and stored in the heat transfer fluid is transported to the incubation chamber by thermosiphon to heat the chamber. Temperature and humidity probes powered by a solar panel were placed at various locations to monitor the thermo-hygrometric efficiency of the incubation system. The incubator, heated by natural convection, proved to function normally, and the incubation chamber was maintained throughout the incubation period within a temperature range of 35.53˚C to 39.53˚C and relative humidity averaging 49.4% to 68.5%. The experiment was carried out by introducing 30 eggs and the results of the experimental study showed that the incubator’s efficiency was 87%. The performance tests gave a fertility rate of 93% and a hatching rate of 93%, i.e. 28 fertile eggs and 26 hatched eggs, respectively.展开更多
This study suggests a theoretical component to the thus far proposed explanations of what makes a startup incubator successful in enabling entrepreneurial activity. Departing from a traditional focus on industry- and ...This study suggests a theoretical component to the thus far proposed explanations of what makes a startup incubator successful in enabling entrepreneurial activity. Departing from a traditional focus on industry- and nation-wide resources, we develop a framework of the critical success factors for a startup incubator and a scoring mechanism to evaluate the success of existing startup incubators using these factors. We score a selection of American and European incubators using the developed scoring mechanism and comparatively benchmark the European incubators against the American ones to identify areas for improvement. Our findings suggest that European incubators, while relatively strong overall, can look to and learn from their American counterparts in certain areas. Importantly, these improvement areas are not specific to characteristics of any individual European incubator, but to European incubators overall. Finally, we aim to expand this study to other entrepreneurship hubs worldwide and we outline a plan of action to enable this expansion.展开更多
In Burkina Faso, where livestock farming is widely practiced, particularly in rural areas without access to electricity, solar energy offers a viable alternative due to the country’s abundant sunshine. To support pou...In Burkina Faso, where livestock farming is widely practiced, particularly in rural areas without access to electricity, solar energy offers a viable alternative due to the country’s abundant sunshine. To support poultry farmers in increasing their production, we developed a solar-powered incubator equipped with a flat-plate collector, requiring no grid electricity. This is a new approach that we want to experiment with because the incubators on the global market operate either with the electricity grid, photovoltaic, gas or oil and not a solar thermal concentrator. This solar concentrator represents the heat source of the device during the day. We plan to look for rocks with high thermal inertia in order to heat them during the day using another flat solar concentrator and then introduce them into the incubator at night to continue the incubation process. In 2022, we conducted a simulation to study temperature variation inside the incubator. In this work, we built a prototype to experimentally evaluate key hydrothermal properties such as air temperature and humidity. Furthermore, we will not introduce rocks into the incubator overnight but will let the system run overnight to see how the hygrothermal properties vary. The findings revealed temperature fluctuations from 25˚C to 65˚C, instead of the desired 36˚C to 38˚C, and humidity levels ranging from 15% to 57%, instead of the target 55% to 75%. Solutions have been proposed to enhance the system’s performance.展开更多
Background: The thermal environment surrounding neonates in closed incubators can be regulated via two different modes: skin servocontrol mode (SSC) and air temperature control mode (ATC). These produce different patt...Background: The thermal environment surrounding neonates in closed incubators can be regulated via two different modes: skin servocontrol mode (SSC) and air temperature control mode (ATC). These produce different patterns of incubator air and infant body temperatures. Objective: To assess the effects of incubator control mode on clinical outcomes of low-birth-weight-infants during the first days of life and at hospital discharge. Methods: 52 low-birth-weight neonates were nursed over ten days in closed incubators functioning either with SSC mode (n = 29), or with ATC mode (n = 23). Results: The anthropomorphic characteristics of the two groups of neonates were homogenous (gestational age = 29.4 ± 1.4 vs. 29.9 ± 1.2 weeks and birthweight = 1214 ± 347 vs. 1263 ±292 gin the SSC-group and the ATC-group, respectively) and the caregiving (energy and fluid intakes, ventilator assistance and drug administration) did not differ statistically. Daily means of incubator air temperature were similar in the SSC and the ATC-group, however, the SSC mode resulted in more variable incubator air temperature but more stable skin abdominal temperature whereas the reverse was found when using the ATC mode. Those differences had no impact on the body weight of the neonates or their clinical outcomes at hospital discharge which were not statistically different. Conclusion: The clinical outcomes do not differ depending on the incubator control mode after the first ten days of life and at hospital discharge.展开更多
In order to obtain larger,clinical-scale and practical-scale bone grafts,we have designed both tailored scaffolds and tailored bio incubator with optimal bio-production characteristics.Using DIC files to Simpleware Sc...In order to obtain larger,clinical-scale and practical-scale bone grafts,we have designed both tailored scaffolds and tailored bio incubator with optimal bio-production characteristics.Using DIC files to Simpleware Scan-IP(Simple-ware-exeter United Kingdom),we have digitally reconstructed segmental additive bone-tissue in order to perform images processing.Both hydroxyapatite and tannin composites have been used in order to get the final bone modules combined for retexturing of segmental bone defect.We have found that sectioning of bone segment deficiency reorganizations into well disk-shaped design permits one to standardize the cell culture and seeding protocol,to get better products.The present study concludes that some techniques with cultured cell in segmental bone grafts in the laboratory can be transferred and clinically used.展开更多
In view of the problems of the traditional cell incubator,such as the small range of cell culture types,the inability to adjust the internal space of the incubator according to needs,and the inconvenient sampling,this...In view of the problems of the traditional cell incubator,such as the small range of cell culture types,the inability to adjust the internal space of the incubator according to needs,and the inconvenient sampling,this study innovatively designed a cell incubator structure.It proposed a new design concept that can solve the above-mentioned shortcomings.The cell incubator after the new structural modification can adjust the internal space structure of cell culture by setting the bolt-fixed connection between the fixed plate and the vessel divider.It realizes the cultivation of various cells through refrigeration modules and heating modules.Through setting a sampling hole in the glass inner door,it is favorable for operators to take samples,making cell culture more convenient and efficient.展开更多
The project has as its aim the design and implementation of the control of temperature in the cockpit of the prototype of neonatal life support equipment ESVIN based on the international standard IEC 60601-2-19 concer...The project has as its aim the design and implementation of the control of temperature in the cockpit of the prototype of neonatal life support equipment ESVIN based on the international standard IEC 60601-2-19 concerning the basic security and operation of the neonatal incubators. The prototype has been developed and is important because the cockpit is a new concept of medical equipment of neonatal life support. There was a modeling of the system of heating of the incubator using the concepts of system identification with the purpose of finding a mathematical model that describes the dynamic behavior of the system. Then, design and implement the strategy of feedback control with digital PID (proportional-integral-derivative) algorithm. The model allowed the design and implementation of a digital PID controller that meets in a satisfactory manner with the requirements, in accordance with the international standard. The control system implemented in the neonatal incubator ESVIN improved the effectiveness of the neonatal life support equipment in regard to temperature controller of the cockpit.展开更多
We are announcing the second group of na- tional human rights education and training bases, which is a significant as well as pleasant event in China's human rights development. On behalf of the State Council Informa...We are announcing the second group of na- tional human rights education and training bases, which is a significant as well as pleasant event in China's human rights development. On behalf of the State Council Information Office, I would like to express my warm con- gratulations to Renmin University of China, Fudan University, Wuhan University, Shandong University and the Southwest University of Political Science and Law. I would also like to express my sincere re- spect to the experts and scholars who have made excellent contribu- tions to China's human rights cause over the past decades.展开更多
WHEN China's biggest online commerce company Alibaba rang the bell at the New York Stock Exchange on September 19 and its CEO Ma Yun became the wealthiest man in China. Yang Yong, a graduate from Peking University, w...WHEN China's biggest online commerce company Alibaba rang the bell at the New York Stock Exchange on September 19 and its CEO Ma Yun became the wealthiest man in China. Yang Yong, a graduate from Peking University, was also in the United States, sharing his experience of Chinese-style group funding.展开更多
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains and the weaponization of rare bacterial strains pose a potential threat of pandemic disease. Those involved in the treatment and control of infectious diseases h...The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains and the weaponization of rare bacterial strains pose a potential threat of pandemic disease. Those involved in the treatment and control of infectious diseases have called for the development of a device capable of rapidly, simultaneously, and safely investigate a myriad of culture conditions. In response to this need, a microliter incubator array system is described and results from a proof-of-concept study using yeast cells to determine optimal growth conditions is presented.展开更多
Background Although not universal,active care is being offered to infants weighing<500 g at birth,referred to as ultra-low birth weight(ULBW)infants appropriate for gestational age.These infants have the greatest r...Background Although not universal,active care is being offered to infants weighing<500 g at birth,referred to as ultra-low birth weight(ULBW)infants appropriate for gestational age.These infants have the greatest risk of dying or developing major morbidities.ULBW infants face challenges related to fluid and heat loss as well as skin injury in the initial days of life from extreme anatomical and physiological immaturity of the skin.Although there is an emerging literature on the outcomes of ULBW infants,there is a paucity of evidence to inform practice guidelines for delivering optimal care to this cohort of infants.Data sources A comprehensive review of the literature was performed using the PubMed and Embase databases.Searched keywords included“thermoregulation or body temperature regulation”,“incubator humidity”,“skin care”,“infant,extremely low birth weight”and“ultra-low birth weight infants”.Results Evidences for thermoregulation,incubator humidity,and skincare practices are available for preterm infants weighing<1500 g at birth but not specifically for ULBW infants.Studies on thermoregulation,incubator humidity,or skincare practices had a small sample size and did not include a sub-group analysis for ULBW infants.Current practice recommendations in ULBW infants are adopted from research in very and/or extremely low birth weight infants.Conclusions This narrative review focuses on challenges in thermoregulation,incubator humidity,and skincare practices in ULBW infants,highlights current research gaps and suggests potential developments for informing practices for improving health outcomes in ULBW infants.展开更多
Fluorescent reporters have revolutionized modern applications in the fields of molecular and synthetic biology,enabling applications ranging from education to point-of-care diagnostics.Past advancements in these field...Fluorescent reporters have revolutionized modern applications in the fields of molecular and synthetic biology,enabling applications ranging from education to point-of-care diagnostics.Past advancements in these fields have primarily focused on improving reaction conditions,the development of new applications,and the broad dissemination of these technologies.However,field and classroom-based applications have remained limited in part due to the nature of fluorescent signal detection,which often requires the use of costly lab equipment to observe and quantify fluorescence readouts.Users without access to laboratory equipment rely on qualitative assessments of fluorescence,a process that remains highly variable from user-to-user even within the same classroom.To overcome this challenge,we have developed a foldable illuminator and incubator device to support field-applications of synthetic biology-based biosensors for education and diagnostics.The Fold-Illuminator is an affordable,portable,and recyclable device that allows for the visible detection of fluorescent biomolecules.The Fold-Illuminator’s design allows for assembly in under 10 min,a user can then utilize the optional heating element to incubate biochemical reactions and visualize fluorescence outputs in a defined and light-controlled environment.Interchangeable LED strips and light-filtering screens provide modularity to pair with the fluorescence wavelengths of interest.The user can then unfold the device for convenient storage,transport,or even recycling.The cost for the Fold-Illuminator is$5.58 USD and is compatible with an optional heating element for an additional$3.98 cost,with potential for further reductions in cost for larger quantities.Open-source templates for cutting device parts from paper stock are provided for both printing and cutting by hand;cutting can also be achieved with consumer-grade smart cutting machines such as the Cricut®.Combined with the broad applications of fluorescent reporters,the Fold-Illuminator has the potential to improve access to fluorescence visualization and quantification for new users as well as emerging field applications.展开更多
Dissolved organic matter(DOM)is ubiquitous in the environment and plays an important role in global ecosystems.However,our understanding of the evolution and molecular diversity of DOM from different biomass materials...Dissolved organic matter(DOM)is ubiquitous in the environment and plays an important role in global ecosystems.However,our understanding of the evolution and molecular diversity of DOM from different biomass materials and biochar is not enough.Herein,we investigated the changes in DOM from seven biomass and biochar samples over a bio-incubation of 28 days,and explored their contents,and optical,chemical,and molecular characteristics.The results indicated that dissolved organic carbon(DOC)from different sources all exhibited a gradually decreasing trends during the incubation,while the absorbance and aromaticity gradually increased.Biomass DOM was characterized by higher DOC concentrations and a higher degradation rate,whereas biochar DOM had high aromaticity and little variability.Parallel factor analysis results showed that the protein-like fluorescent groups were as only detected in biomass DOM,while the dominant humic-like components were identified in biochar DOM.Additionally,the molecular composition of DOM from different sources was different,and biomass DOM contained more carbohydrate-like and saturated compounds.More sulfur-containing compounds were detected in Ceratophyllum demersum(CD)DOM,which may indicate that the leaching of CD litter was an important source of sulfur-containing species in aquatic environments.Furthermore,biochar DOM had greater aromaticity and a higher degree of oxidation than the corresponding biomass DOM.This study provided a detailed understanding of the molecular diversity of DOM by considering its various sources,and the results are helpful for further understanding their chemical properties and structures.展开更多
Avian incubation is characterised by the contact between the eggs and the bird's skin to transfer heat to increase egg temperature above ambient conditions. Birds can be attentive to the clutch all of the time or,...Avian incubation is characterised by the contact between the eggs and the bird's skin to transfer heat to increase egg temperature above ambient conditions. Birds can be attentive to the clutch all of the time or, particularly if only one parent incubates, attentiveness may be quite low. Attentiveness is related to egg size with large eggs having high attentiveness, whereas small eggs (<10 g) can have attentiveness ranging from 50% to 100%. Previous studies have suggested that incubation duration is a function of attentiveness albeit for small birds. This study tested the hypothesis that, after controlling for egg size and phylogeny, incubation duration would be a function of attentiveness. Data for 444 bird species representing 24 orders were analysed. Whilst egg mass had a significant relationship with incubation duration, there was no relationship with attentiveness for all of the species or a subset of the passerines. Despite egg temperature drops during an incubation recess, average day-time and night-time temperatures are similar in a range of species. Re-examination of previously reported temperature profiles recorded by dummy eggs over a 24-h period shows that after an incubation recess there seems to be an additional heat flux that raises egg temperature above that seen during night-time periods of constant incubation. The reasons why eggs under intermittent incubation are not considerably cooler than eggs during constant incubation are discussed.展开更多
The brood-parasitic brown-headed cowbird(Molothrus ater)has one of the shortest incubation periods of any bird.Brown-headed cowbird eggs,and those of other avian brood parasites,tend to be more spherical due to their ...The brood-parasitic brown-headed cowbird(Molothrus ater)has one of the shortest incubation periods of any bird.Brown-headed cowbird eggs,and those of other avian brood parasites,tend to be more spherical due to their greater relative width.The traditional explanation for this egg shape is that it,combined with the thicker eggshells,resists host puncture-ejection.However,very few North American hosts of the brownheaded cowbird actually engage in puncture-ejection and therefore wider eggs may instead provide greater contact with a host’s brood patch during incubation,especially in large host nests.We tested whether greater egg width increased mean temperature and reduced temperature variation in brown-headed cowbirds by inserting temperature probes into brown-headed cowbird and house sparrow(Passer domesticus)eggs and placing them into red-winged blackbird(Agelaius phoeniceus)nests.House sparrow eggs are similar in appearance and in length to cowbird eggs,but are not as wide.We found no signifcant relationship between brown-headed cowbird egg width and mean incubation temperature.However,brown-headed cowbird eggs experienced less temperature variation than house sparrow eggs,and within brown-headed cowbird eggs,more spherical eggs experienced less temperature variation when accounting for differences in width.These results suggest that brownheaded cowbirds may have short incubation periods in part because their eggs exhibit less temperature variation over the course of incubation.The brown-headed cowbird’s egg shape may contribute to its accelerated embryonic development rate relative to host eggs of similar size,which explains its ability to hatch in a variety of host nests.展开更多
Objective:To assess the biological characteristics of human spermatozoa at room temperature(RT,25℃)and 37℃at different time intervals(0,0.5,2,and 24 h)post liquefaction.Methods:Twenty oligoasthenoteratozoospermic sa...Objective:To assess the biological characteristics of human spermatozoa at room temperature(RT,25℃)and 37℃at different time intervals(0,0.5,2,and 24 h)post liquefaction.Methods:Twenty oligoasthenoteratozoospermic samples after liquefaction were incubated at 37℃or RT.Incubation was performed at 4 interval times of 0(after liquefaction),0.5,2,and 24 h.The samples were evaluated for sperm parameters,DNA fragmentation,acrosome reaction,mitochondrial integrity,and lipid peroxidation,at each time interval.Results:After 0.5 h of incubation at RT and 37℃,there were slight variations in sperm viability,normal morphology and DNA fragmentation.Similarly,mitochondrial integrity,acrosome reaction and lipid peroxidation exhibited slight differences following incubation at 0.5 h at both RT and 37℃.In addition,the assessed parameters were mostly damaged at 24 h of incubation.The results confirmed that incubation at 37℃was better than RT in terms of parameters and sperm functional tests,but the difference was not significant.Conclusions:Incubation of oligoasthenoteratozoospermic samples should be done within 0.5 h to minimize the destructive effects of prolonged incubation time(e.g.24 h)on general and specific sperm parameters.The findings declared that incubation temperature of 37℃is safer than RT on the biological characteristics of oligoasthenoteratozoospermic processed spermatozoa.展开更多
The geogenic enrichment of arsenic(As)extensively occurred in the riverine systems from the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau under active geothermal discharge and chemical weathering conditions,while little is known about how ...The geogenic enrichment of arsenic(As)extensively occurred in the riverine systems from the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau under active geothermal discharge and chemical weathering conditions,while little is known about how dissolved organic matter(DOM)transformation regulates the aquatic As concentrations.The present study revealed that the DOM components from the Singe Tsangpo River(STR)basin primarily consisted of protein-like components(81.30%±6.48%),with the microbially-endogenous production being a predominant source under the control of temperature and glacier-runoff recharge along the river flow path.Notably,the chemical weathering processes have significantly facilitated the enhancement of humic-like components in the river water.Besides,the groundwater DOM characteristics were predominantly influenced by the mobilization of sedimentary organic matter and the introduction of allochthonous DOM resulting from surface-water recharge.Interestingly,humic-like components facilitated As enrichment through complexation and competitive adsorption effects in both surface water and groundwater under oxidizing conditions,whichwas supported by the significant positive correlations between As and humiclike component(R^(2)=0.31/0.65,P<0.05/0.01)and the concurrent mobilization of As and humic-like components from sediment incubation experiments.Moreover,the Structural Equation Modeling analysis revealed a stronger contribution of humic-like components to the As enrichment in the groundwater compared with surface water,possibly due to the relatively strongermicrobial activity and enhanced mobilization of humic-like components in alluvial aquifers.The present study thus provided new insights into the transformation of DOM and its important role in facilitating As enrichment in the aquatic environment from alpine river basins.展开更多
文摘The aim of this study was to provide a simple, easy-to-use incubation system for small-scale rural poultry farmers far from the electricity grid. To this end, a naturally ventilated solar thermal incubator was built and experimentally tested. A U-shaped evacuated tube collector and a wooden crate holding 50 eggs were used to build the solar thermal incubator. Water was used as the heat transfer fluid, and an EPCM was integrated into the incubation chamber for operation at night or when the sun was hidden. The heat generated by the solar collector and stored in the heat transfer fluid is transported to the incubation chamber by thermosiphon to heat the chamber. Temperature and humidity probes powered by a solar panel were placed at various locations to monitor the thermo-hygrometric efficiency of the incubation system. The incubator, heated by natural convection, proved to function normally, and the incubation chamber was maintained throughout the incubation period within a temperature range of 35.53˚C to 39.53˚C and relative humidity averaging 49.4% to 68.5%. The experiment was carried out by introducing 30 eggs and the results of the experimental study showed that the incubator’s efficiency was 87%. The performance tests gave a fertility rate of 93% and a hatching rate of 93%, i.e. 28 fertile eggs and 26 hatched eggs, respectively.
文摘This study suggests a theoretical component to the thus far proposed explanations of what makes a startup incubator successful in enabling entrepreneurial activity. Departing from a traditional focus on industry- and nation-wide resources, we develop a framework of the critical success factors for a startup incubator and a scoring mechanism to evaluate the success of existing startup incubators using these factors. We score a selection of American and European incubators using the developed scoring mechanism and comparatively benchmark the European incubators against the American ones to identify areas for improvement. Our findings suggest that European incubators, while relatively strong overall, can look to and learn from their American counterparts in certain areas. Importantly, these improvement areas are not specific to characteristics of any individual European incubator, but to European incubators overall. Finally, we aim to expand this study to other entrepreneurship hubs worldwide and we outline a plan of action to enable this expansion.
文摘In Burkina Faso, where livestock farming is widely practiced, particularly in rural areas without access to electricity, solar energy offers a viable alternative due to the country’s abundant sunshine. To support poultry farmers in increasing their production, we developed a solar-powered incubator equipped with a flat-plate collector, requiring no grid electricity. This is a new approach that we want to experiment with because the incubators on the global market operate either with the electricity grid, photovoltaic, gas or oil and not a solar thermal concentrator. This solar concentrator represents the heat source of the device during the day. We plan to look for rocks with high thermal inertia in order to heat them during the day using another flat solar concentrator and then introduce them into the incubator at night to continue the incubation process. In 2022, we conducted a simulation to study temperature variation inside the incubator. In this work, we built a prototype to experimentally evaluate key hydrothermal properties such as air temperature and humidity. Furthermore, we will not introduce rocks into the incubator overnight but will let the system run overnight to see how the hygrothermal properties vary. The findings revealed temperature fluctuations from 25˚C to 65˚C, instead of the desired 36˚C to 38˚C, and humidity levels ranging from 15% to 57%, instead of the target 55% to 75%. Solutions have been proposed to enhance the system’s performance.
文摘Background: The thermal environment surrounding neonates in closed incubators can be regulated via two different modes: skin servocontrol mode (SSC) and air temperature control mode (ATC). These produce different patterns of incubator air and infant body temperatures. Objective: To assess the effects of incubator control mode on clinical outcomes of low-birth-weight-infants during the first days of life and at hospital discharge. Methods: 52 low-birth-weight neonates were nursed over ten days in closed incubators functioning either with SSC mode (n = 29), or with ATC mode (n = 23). Results: The anthropomorphic characteristics of the two groups of neonates were homogenous (gestational age = 29.4 ± 1.4 vs. 29.9 ± 1.2 weeks and birthweight = 1214 ± 347 vs. 1263 ±292 gin the SSC-group and the ATC-group, respectively) and the caregiving (energy and fluid intakes, ventilator assistance and drug administration) did not differ statistically. Daily means of incubator air temperature were similar in the SSC and the ATC-group, however, the SSC mode resulted in more variable incubator air temperature but more stable skin abdominal temperature whereas the reverse was found when using the ATC mode. Those differences had no impact on the body weight of the neonates or their clinical outcomes at hospital discharge which were not statistically different. Conclusion: The clinical outcomes do not differ depending on the incubator control mode after the first ten days of life and at hospital discharge.
文摘In order to obtain larger,clinical-scale and practical-scale bone grafts,we have designed both tailored scaffolds and tailored bio incubator with optimal bio-production characteristics.Using DIC files to Simpleware Scan-IP(Simple-ware-exeter United Kingdom),we have digitally reconstructed segmental additive bone-tissue in order to perform images processing.Both hydroxyapatite and tannin composites have been used in order to get the final bone modules combined for retexturing of segmental bone defect.We have found that sectioning of bone segment deficiency reorganizations into well disk-shaped design permits one to standardize the cell culture and seeding protocol,to get better products.The present study concludes that some techniques with cultured cell in segmental bone grafts in the laboratory can be transferred and clinically used.
基金Supported by Young and Middle-aged Teacher Education Research Project of Fujian Province(Science and Technology Category:JAT210477)College Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program of Xiamen Medical College(X202112631068)。
文摘In view of the problems of the traditional cell incubator,such as the small range of cell culture types,the inability to adjust the internal space of the incubator according to needs,and the inconvenient sampling,this study innovatively designed a cell incubator structure.It proposed a new design concept that can solve the above-mentioned shortcomings.The cell incubator after the new structural modification can adjust the internal space structure of cell culture by setting the bolt-fixed connection between the fixed plate and the vessel divider.It realizes the cultivation of various cells through refrigeration modules and heating modules.Through setting a sampling hole in the glass inner door,it is favorable for operators to take samples,making cell culture more convenient and efficient.
文摘The project has as its aim the design and implementation of the control of temperature in the cockpit of the prototype of neonatal life support equipment ESVIN based on the international standard IEC 60601-2-19 concerning the basic security and operation of the neonatal incubators. The prototype has been developed and is important because the cockpit is a new concept of medical equipment of neonatal life support. There was a modeling of the system of heating of the incubator using the concepts of system identification with the purpose of finding a mathematical model that describes the dynamic behavior of the system. Then, design and implement the strategy of feedback control with digital PID (proportional-integral-derivative) algorithm. The model allowed the design and implementation of a digital PID controller that meets in a satisfactory manner with the requirements, in accordance with the international standard. The control system implemented in the neonatal incubator ESVIN improved the effectiveness of the neonatal life support equipment in regard to temperature controller of the cockpit.
文摘We are announcing the second group of na- tional human rights education and training bases, which is a significant as well as pleasant event in China's human rights development. On behalf of the State Council Information Office, I would like to express my warm con- gratulations to Renmin University of China, Fudan University, Wuhan University, Shandong University and the Southwest University of Political Science and Law. I would also like to express my sincere re- spect to the experts and scholars who have made excellent contribu- tions to China's human rights cause over the past decades.
文摘WHEN China's biggest online commerce company Alibaba rang the bell at the New York Stock Exchange on September 19 and its CEO Ma Yun became the wealthiest man in China. Yang Yong, a graduate from Peking University, was also in the United States, sharing his experience of Chinese-style group funding.
文摘The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains and the weaponization of rare bacterial strains pose a potential threat of pandemic disease. Those involved in the treatment and control of infectious diseases have called for the development of a device capable of rapidly, simultaneously, and safely investigate a myriad of culture conditions. In response to this need, a microliter incubator array system is described and results from a proof-of-concept study using yeast cells to determine optimal growth conditions is presented.
基金Open Access funding enabled and organized by CAUL and its Member Institutions.
文摘Background Although not universal,active care is being offered to infants weighing<500 g at birth,referred to as ultra-low birth weight(ULBW)infants appropriate for gestational age.These infants have the greatest risk of dying or developing major morbidities.ULBW infants face challenges related to fluid and heat loss as well as skin injury in the initial days of life from extreme anatomical and physiological immaturity of the skin.Although there is an emerging literature on the outcomes of ULBW infants,there is a paucity of evidence to inform practice guidelines for delivering optimal care to this cohort of infants.Data sources A comprehensive review of the literature was performed using the PubMed and Embase databases.Searched keywords included“thermoregulation or body temperature regulation”,“incubator humidity”,“skin care”,“infant,extremely low birth weight”and“ultra-low birth weight infants”.Results Evidences for thermoregulation,incubator humidity,and skincare practices are available for preterm infants weighing<1500 g at birth but not specifically for ULBW infants.Studies on thermoregulation,incubator humidity,or skincare practices had a small sample size and did not include a sub-group analysis for ULBW infants.Current practice recommendations in ULBW infants are adopted from research in very and/or extremely low birth weight infants.Conclusions This narrative review focuses on challenges in thermoregulation,incubator humidity,and skincare practices in ULBW infants,highlights current research gaps and suggests potential developments for informing practices for improving health outcomes in ULBW infants.
文摘Fluorescent reporters have revolutionized modern applications in the fields of molecular and synthetic biology,enabling applications ranging from education to point-of-care diagnostics.Past advancements in these fields have primarily focused on improving reaction conditions,the development of new applications,and the broad dissemination of these technologies.However,field and classroom-based applications have remained limited in part due to the nature of fluorescent signal detection,which often requires the use of costly lab equipment to observe and quantify fluorescence readouts.Users without access to laboratory equipment rely on qualitative assessments of fluorescence,a process that remains highly variable from user-to-user even within the same classroom.To overcome this challenge,we have developed a foldable illuminator and incubator device to support field-applications of synthetic biology-based biosensors for education and diagnostics.The Fold-Illuminator is an affordable,portable,and recyclable device that allows for the visible detection of fluorescent biomolecules.The Fold-Illuminator’s design allows for assembly in under 10 min,a user can then utilize the optional heating element to incubate biochemical reactions and visualize fluorescence outputs in a defined and light-controlled environment.Interchangeable LED strips and light-filtering screens provide modularity to pair with the fluorescence wavelengths of interest.The user can then unfold the device for convenient storage,transport,or even recycling.The cost for the Fold-Illuminator is$5.58 USD and is compatible with an optional heating element for an additional$3.98 cost,with potential for further reductions in cost for larger quantities.Open-source templates for cutting device parts from paper stock are provided for both printing and cutting by hand;cutting can also be achieved with consumer-grade smart cutting machines such as the Cricut®.Combined with the broad applications of fluorescent reporters,the Fold-Illuminator has the potential to improve access to fluorescence visualization and quantification for new users as well as emerging field applications.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.42192514)Guangdong Major Project of Basic and Applied Basic Research(No.2023B0303000007)and Guangdong Foundation for Program of Science and Technology Research(No.2023B1212060049)。
文摘Dissolved organic matter(DOM)is ubiquitous in the environment and plays an important role in global ecosystems.However,our understanding of the evolution and molecular diversity of DOM from different biomass materials and biochar is not enough.Herein,we investigated the changes in DOM from seven biomass and biochar samples over a bio-incubation of 28 days,and explored their contents,and optical,chemical,and molecular characteristics.The results indicated that dissolved organic carbon(DOC)from different sources all exhibited a gradually decreasing trends during the incubation,while the absorbance and aromaticity gradually increased.Biomass DOM was characterized by higher DOC concentrations and a higher degradation rate,whereas biochar DOM had high aromaticity and little variability.Parallel factor analysis results showed that the protein-like fluorescent groups were as only detected in biomass DOM,while the dominant humic-like components were identified in biochar DOM.Additionally,the molecular composition of DOM from different sources was different,and biomass DOM contained more carbohydrate-like and saturated compounds.More sulfur-containing compounds were detected in Ceratophyllum demersum(CD)DOM,which may indicate that the leaching of CD litter was an important source of sulfur-containing species in aquatic environments.Furthermore,biochar DOM had greater aromaticity and a higher degree of oxidation than the corresponding biomass DOM.This study provided a detailed understanding of the molecular diversity of DOM by considering its various sources,and the results are helpful for further understanding their chemical properties and structures.
文摘Avian incubation is characterised by the contact between the eggs and the bird's skin to transfer heat to increase egg temperature above ambient conditions. Birds can be attentive to the clutch all of the time or, particularly if only one parent incubates, attentiveness may be quite low. Attentiveness is related to egg size with large eggs having high attentiveness, whereas small eggs (<10 g) can have attentiveness ranging from 50% to 100%. Previous studies have suggested that incubation duration is a function of attentiveness albeit for small birds. This study tested the hypothesis that, after controlling for egg size and phylogeny, incubation duration would be a function of attentiveness. Data for 444 bird species representing 24 orders were analysed. Whilst egg mass had a significant relationship with incubation duration, there was no relationship with attentiveness for all of the species or a subset of the passerines. Despite egg temperature drops during an incubation recess, average day-time and night-time temperatures are similar in a range of species. Re-examination of previously reported temperature profiles recorded by dummy eggs over a 24-h period shows that after an incubation recess there seems to be an additional heat flux that raises egg temperature above that seen during night-time periods of constant incubation. The reasons why eggs under intermittent incubation are not considerably cooler than eggs during constant incubation are discussed.
文摘The brood-parasitic brown-headed cowbird(Molothrus ater)has one of the shortest incubation periods of any bird.Brown-headed cowbird eggs,and those of other avian brood parasites,tend to be more spherical due to their greater relative width.The traditional explanation for this egg shape is that it,combined with the thicker eggshells,resists host puncture-ejection.However,very few North American hosts of the brownheaded cowbird actually engage in puncture-ejection and therefore wider eggs may instead provide greater contact with a host’s brood patch during incubation,especially in large host nests.We tested whether greater egg width increased mean temperature and reduced temperature variation in brown-headed cowbirds by inserting temperature probes into brown-headed cowbird and house sparrow(Passer domesticus)eggs and placing them into red-winged blackbird(Agelaius phoeniceus)nests.House sparrow eggs are similar in appearance and in length to cowbird eggs,but are not as wide.We found no signifcant relationship between brown-headed cowbird egg width and mean incubation temperature.However,brown-headed cowbird eggs experienced less temperature variation than house sparrow eggs,and within brown-headed cowbird eggs,more spherical eggs experienced less temperature variation when accounting for differences in width.These results suggest that brownheaded cowbirds may have short incubation periods in part because their eggs exhibit less temperature variation over the course of incubation.The brown-headed cowbird’s egg shape may contribute to its accelerated embryonic development rate relative to host eggs of similar size,which explains its ability to hatch in a variety of host nests.
文摘Objective:To assess the biological characteristics of human spermatozoa at room temperature(RT,25℃)and 37℃at different time intervals(0,0.5,2,and 24 h)post liquefaction.Methods:Twenty oligoasthenoteratozoospermic samples after liquefaction were incubated at 37℃or RT.Incubation was performed at 4 interval times of 0(after liquefaction),0.5,2,and 24 h.The samples were evaluated for sperm parameters,DNA fragmentation,acrosome reaction,mitochondrial integrity,and lipid peroxidation,at each time interval.Results:After 0.5 h of incubation at RT and 37℃,there were slight variations in sperm viability,normal morphology and DNA fragmentation.Similarly,mitochondrial integrity,acrosome reaction and lipid peroxidation exhibited slight differences following incubation at 0.5 h at both RT and 37℃.In addition,the assessed parameters were mostly damaged at 24 h of incubation.The results confirmed that incubation at 37℃was better than RT in terms of parameters and sperm functional tests,but the difference was not significant.Conclusions:Incubation of oligoasthenoteratozoospermic samples should be done within 0.5 h to minimize the destructive effects of prolonged incubation time(e.g.24 h)on general and specific sperm parameters.The findings declared that incubation temperature of 37℃is safer than RT on the biological characteristics of oligoasthenoteratozoospermic processed spermatozoa.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.42107094)Sichuan Science and Technology Program(No.2023NSFSC0806)the Geology Bureau project of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region(Nos.XGMB202356 and XGMB202358).
文摘The geogenic enrichment of arsenic(As)extensively occurred in the riverine systems from the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau under active geothermal discharge and chemical weathering conditions,while little is known about how dissolved organic matter(DOM)transformation regulates the aquatic As concentrations.The present study revealed that the DOM components from the Singe Tsangpo River(STR)basin primarily consisted of protein-like components(81.30%±6.48%),with the microbially-endogenous production being a predominant source under the control of temperature and glacier-runoff recharge along the river flow path.Notably,the chemical weathering processes have significantly facilitated the enhancement of humic-like components in the river water.Besides,the groundwater DOM characteristics were predominantly influenced by the mobilization of sedimentary organic matter and the introduction of allochthonous DOM resulting from surface-water recharge.Interestingly,humic-like components facilitated As enrichment through complexation and competitive adsorption effects in both surface water and groundwater under oxidizing conditions,whichwas supported by the significant positive correlations between As and humiclike component(R^(2)=0.31/0.65,P<0.05/0.01)and the concurrent mobilization of As and humic-like components from sediment incubation experiments.Moreover,the Structural Equation Modeling analysis revealed a stronger contribution of humic-like components to the As enrichment in the groundwater compared with surface water,possibly due to the relatively strongermicrobial activity and enhanced mobilization of humic-like components in alluvial aquifers.The present study thus provided new insights into the transformation of DOM and its important role in facilitating As enrichment in the aquatic environment from alpine river basins.