The development of a reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography fluorescence method for the determination of the mycotoxins fumonisin B1 and fumonisin B2 by using silica-based monolithic column is described. The samples were first extracted using acetonitrile:water (50:50, v/v) and purified by using a C18 solid phase extraction-based clean-up column. Then, pre-column derivatization for the analyte using ortho-phthaldialdehyde in the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol was carried out. The developed method involved optimization of mobile phase composition using methanol and phosphate buffer, injection volume, temperature and flow rate. The liquid chromatographic separation was performed using a reversed phase Chromolith® RP-18e column (100 mm × 4.6 mm) at 30 °C and eluted with a mobile phase of a mixture of methanol and phosphate buffer pH 3.35 (78:22, v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL min−1. The fumonisins separation was achieved in about 4 min, compared to approximately 20 min by using a C18 particle-packed column. The fluorescence excitation and emission were at 335 nm and 440 nm, respectively. The limits of detections were 0.01–0.04 μg g−1 fumonisin B1 and fumonisin B2, respectively. Good recoveries were found for spiked samples (0.1, 0.5, 1.5 μg g−1 fumonisins B1 and B2), ranging from 84.0 to 106.0% for fumonisin B1 and from 81.0 to 103.0% for fumonisin B2. Fifty-three samples were analyzed including 39 food and feeds and 14 inoculated corn and rice. Results show that 12.8% of the food and feed samples were contaminated with fumonisin B1 (range, 0.01–0.51 μg g−1) and fumonisin B2 (0.05 μg g−1). The total fumonisins in these samples however, do not exceed the legal limits established by the European Union of 0.8 μg g−1. Of the 14 inoculated samples, 57.1% contained fumonisin B1 (0.16–41.0 μg g−1) and fumonisin B2 (range, 0.22–50.0 μg g−1). Positive confirmation of selected samples was carried out using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, using triple quadrupole analyzer and operated in the multiple reaction monitoring mode.
Background: Stroke defined by diminished cerebral blood flow, results in brain damage and neurological impairments. It often leads to considerable difficulties, such as limited mobility and compromised hand function, usually manifesting as a weakening in the ability to open and shut the hand. Objective: The study evaluates the differences between opening and closing hands when utilizing a soft robot. Methods: The study was conducted in the Mosul Specialist Rehabilitation Center which involved 68 participants, all over 20 years old, with visual impairments. The Iranian Clinical Trials Registry and Ministry of Planning approved the study, The Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity Action Research Arm Test, and Arm Motor Ability Test were
... Show MoreThis paper proposes a new method to tune a fractional order PID controller. This method utilizes both the analytic and numeric approach to determine the controller parameters. The control design specifications that must be achieved by the control system are gain crossover frequency, phase margin, and peak magnitude at the resonant frequency, where the latter is a new design specification suggested by this paper. These specifications results in three equations in five unknown variables. Assuming that certain relations exist between two variables and discretizing one of them, a performance index can be evaluated and the optimal controller parameters that minimize this performance index are selected. As a case study, a third order linear time
... Show MoreThis paper proposes a new method to tune a fractional order PID controller. This method utilizes both the analytic and numeric approach to determine the controller parameters. The control design specifications that must be achieved by the control system are gain crossover frequency, phase margin, and peak magnitude at the resonant frequency, where the latter is a new design specification suggested by this paper. These specifications results in three equations in five unknown variables. Assuming that certain relations exist between two variables and discretizing one of them, a performance index can be evaluated and the optimal controller parameters that minimize this performance index are selected. As a case study, a thir
... Show MoreUniversity libraries seek to evaluate their performance in order to correct their path and adjust it in the right direction. Therefore, they use (performance indicators), which are a tool used by institutions to evaluate the weaknesses and strengths in their work and the reasons for failure to achieve some goals sometimes. They convert (goals, procedures and actions) into a formula that can be measured mathematically, which contributes to the library determining the gap between its current performance and what those libraries are supposed to be on, clarifying the path that the library is following, controlling the risks that may befall it, and thus enhancing the process of continuous improvement to avoid areas of failure and weakness becaus
... Show MoreFree Space Optics (FSO) plays a vital role in modern wireless communications due to its advantages over fiber optics and RF techniques where a transmission of huge bandwidth and access to remote places become possible. The specific aim of this research is to analyze the Bit-Error Rate (BER) for FSO communication system when the signal is sent the over medium of turbulence channel, where the fading channel is described by the Gamma-Gamma model. The signal quality is improved by using Optical Space-Time Block- Code (OSTBC) and then the BER will be reduced. Optical 2×2 Alamouti scheme required 14 dB bit energy to noise ratio (Eb/N0) at 10-5 bit error rate (BER) which gives 3.5 dB gain as compared to no diversity scheme. Th
... Show MoreIn this research, an analysis for the standard Hueckel edge detection algorithm behaviour by using three dimensional representations for the edge goodness criterion is presents after applying it on a real high texture satellite image, where the edge goodness criterion is analysis statistically. The Hueckel edge detection algorithm showed a forward exponential relationship between the execution time with the used disk radius. Hueckel restrictions that mentioned in his papers are adopted in this research. A discussion for the resultant edge shape and malformation is presented, since this is the first practical study of applying Hueckel edge detection algorithm on a real high texture image containing ramp edges (satellite image).
Mixing this strategy with a qualitative research design and an idea known as AI-supported journalism, the paper is going to approach the requirements of how AI technologies may transform journalism content and culture in a way beyond what one anticipates; therefore, enabling more of it to reach an audience. The current research used descriptive research design to investigate the potential applications of the AI tools that mediate civilizational conversation and a structured questionnaire to media professionals. AI-driven journalism can promote peaceful cohabitation and mutual respect and thus act as a bridge between cultures, the research said. The piece even goes on to mention the need for media establishments and civil soc
... Show MoreThe geophysical testing is increasingly being employed in many geotechnical applications. It is preferred in monitoring the mechanical characteristics of the ground because of its economy, not time consuming and non-destructive nature. Seismic wave test is one of the geophysical methods which showed a potential in observing the general behaviour of the reinforced soil with stone columns. Findings in most cases showed that the seismic wave measurements was integrated with or compared to the conventional tests such as standard penetration test or cone penetration test. There was a noticeable success in identifying the enhancement achieved to the ground upon the strengthening with the column, specifically when the associated surveys can produc
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