Exploring UAS-lidar as a sampling tool for satellite-based AGB estimations in the Miombo woodland of Zambia.

To date, only a limited number of studies have utilized remote sensing imagery to estimate aboveground biomass (AGB) in the Miombo ecoregion using wall-to-wall medium resolution optical satellite imagery (Sentinel-2 and Landsat), localized airborne light detection and ranging (lidar), or localized unmanned aerial systems (UAS) images. On the one hand, the optical satellite imagery is suitable for wall-to-wall coverage, but the AGB estimates based on such imagery lack precision for local or stand-level sustainable forest management and international reporting mechanisms. On the other hand, the AGB estimates based on airborne lidar and UAS imagery have the precision required for sustainable forest management at a local level and international reporting requirements but lack capacity for wall-to-wall coverage. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to investigate the use of UAS-lidar as a sampling tool for satellite-based AGB estimation in the Miombo woodlands of Zambia. In order to bridge the spatial data gap, this study employed a two-phase sampling approach, utilizing Sentinel-2 imagery, partial-coverage UAS-lidar data, and field plot data to estimate AGB in the 8094-hectare Miengwe Forest, Miombo Woodlands, Zambia, where UAS-lidar estimated AGB was used as reference data for estimating AGB using Sentinel-2 image metrics. The findings showed that utilizing UAS-lidar as reference data for predicting AGB using Sentinel-2 image metrics yielded superior results (Adj-R2 = 0.70, RMSE = 27.97) than using direct field estimated AGB and Sentinel-2 image metrics (R2 = 0.55, RMSE = 38.10). The quality of AGB estimates obtained from this approach, coupled with the ongoing advancement and cost-cutting of UAS-lidar technology as well as the continuous availability of wall-to-wall optical imagery such as Sentinel-2, provides much-needed direction for future forest structural attribute estimation for efficient management of the Miombo woodlands.

Comparison of a novel rapid sampling method to serum and tonsil scraping to detect PRRSV in acutely infected sows.

Few practical methods are available to monitor the PRRSV status of the sows. Common sampling methods for sows like serum sampling, and tonsil scraping involve restraining individual sows and are labor-intensive, time-consuming, relatively invasive, and therefore, have limited use in large-scale production settings. Thus, a practical and rapid method of sampling large numbers of sows is needed. This study aimed to develop a new sampling method, named tonsil-oral scraping (TOSc) and compare TOSc to serum and tonsil scraping in terms of PRRSV qPCR detection rate and Ct values in thirty matched sows, thirty days after PRRSV outbreak. TOSc recovered a mixture of oral fluids and tonsil exudates from the sow oral cavity within seconds without restraining the animals. Results showed that, numerically, the TOSc samples had higher PRRSV qPCR detection rate (100 %) compared to serum (16.8 %) and tonsil scraping (73.1 %). Moreover, TOSc samples had lower average Ct values (29.7) than tonsil scraping (30.7) and serum (35.2). There was no significant difference in the detection rate between TOSc and tonsil scraping (Tukey test, p = 0.992), while there was a significant difference between serum and tonsil scraping (Tukey test, p < 0.001), as well as between serum and TOSc (Tukey test, p < 0.001). In terms of Ct values, there was no statistically significant difference between TOSc and tonsil scrapings (Dunn Test, p > 0.05), while there was a significant difference between tonsil scraping with serum (Dunn Test, p < 0.01), and TOSc with serum (Dunn Test, p < 0.01). Our results suggest great potential of the TOSc as a novel, practical, and rapid tool for PRRSV RNA detection in sows to assess sow herd status.

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA): revolutionizing the landscape of lung disease diagnostics.

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has emerged as a revolutionary diagnostic tool for lung diseases, including lung cancer, sarcoidosis, and lymphoproliferative diseases. This minimally invasive procedure offers a superior diagnostic yield while ensuring maximum patient safety when compared to traditional invasive techniques such as mediastinoscopy and thoracoscopy. By enabling real-time imaging and sampling of mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes and masses directly from the bronchoscope, EBUS-TBNA has redefined the precision of diagnostic bronchoscopy. This comprehensive review explores the origins, development, and current status of EBUS-TBNA, highlighting its successes and identifying potential areas for improvement. Technological advancements have continuously enhanced the reliability and efficacy of EBUS-TBNA over time. The mechanisms underlying the superior diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA are thoroughly discussed, further solidifying its position as the gold standard for lung cancer staging and diagnosis. Furthermore, this review delves into the crucial role of EBUS-TBNA in lung cancer diagnosis, supported by studies comparing its accuracy, safety, and cost-effectiveness to other diagnostic tools. Looking ahead, ongoing research aims to expand the applications of EBUS-TBNA and improve its diagnostic performance. Notable advancements in needle design and sampling techniques hold promise for further enhancing its efficacy. Maximizing its potential through comprehensive training and continuous technological developments will enable broader clinical applications, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes. As EBUS-TBNA continues to evolve, its diagnostic impact is expected to increase, solidifying its position as an indispensable tool in the diagnosis and management of lung diseases.

Enumeration of microparticles on a gridded filter using a stratified random sampling tool.

Quantifying microplastics and other microparticles is a matter of interest in the field of environmental science. Stereomicroscopy is one of the most common methods to identify and enumerate micro-size particles. However, the process of enumerating an entire environmental sample can be tedious and time-consuming, especially when target particles are abundant. Here we present a method to develop a subsampling strategy and spreadsheet-based tool to speed up the process of microparticle enumeration while maintaining particle count accuracy. We first identified the pattern in which tire road wear particles (TRWPs) from environmental samples were distributed on a filter when vacuum-plated, then used particle abundance within relatively homogeneous subsection arrangements to establish stratified random subsampling schemes. We describe a repeated sampling experiment using count data to test the stratified design and illustrate the relationship between the fraction of the filter counted (sample size) with accuracy and variance in the extrapolated total sample count and the corresponding analyst time savings when applied to analyzing TRWPs isolated from sediments. Based on the results, a particle enumeration tool was created in Microsoft Excel Visual BasicⓇ configured using a 47 mm gridded filter, and the source is available for free modification under the same open license.•Vacuum-plated microparticles are often highly abundant and not homogenously distributed across a filter.•A random sampling selection data tool was created using knowledge of particle distribution.•Method describes how to structure and use partial filter counts to extrapolate for total particle enumeration.

An intelligent tool for activity data collection.

Activity recognition systems using simple and ubiquitous sensors require a large variety of real-world sensor data for not only evaluating their performance but also training the systems for better functioning. However, a tremendous amount of effort is required to setup an environment for collecting such data. For example, expertise and resources are needed to design and install the sensors, controllers, network components, and middleware just to perform basic data collections. It is therefore desirable to have a data collection method that is inexpensive, flexible, user-friendly, and capable of providing large and diverse activity datasets. In this paper, we propose an intelligent activity data collection tool which has the ability to provide such datasets inexpensively without physically deploying the testbeds. It can be used as an inexpensive and alternative technique to collect human activity data. The tool provides a set of web interfaces to create a web-based activity data collection environment. It also provides a web-based experience sampling tool to take the user's activity input. The tool generates an activity log using its activity knowledge and the user-given inputs. The activity knowledge is mined from the web. We have performed two experiments to validate the tool's performance in producing reliable datasets.

Mosquito Guttersnipe: A New Sampling Tool for Roof Gutters, Tree Holes, and Other Elevated Mosquito Habitats.

Mosquitoes pose health risks to human populations by serving as vectors of diseases. Mosquito control organizations are responsible for inspecting and controlling vector populations to reduce the risk of infection of these diseases. Current sampling methods are effective for numerous types of mosquito habitat, but not conducive for sampling small overhead habitat such as roof gutters or tree holes. We have developed and tested a tool called the Mosquito GutterSnipe to sample these overhead habitats. Volumetric and larval capacity testing of the tool prototype demonstrated comparable sampling integrity to standard mosquito dipping methods. The GutterSnipe can be employed as a reliable way to sample previously overlooked mosquito habitat. Its current model is cost effective and easy to produce for mosquito control organizations and easy to use for inspectors.

Microplastic content variation in water column: The observations employing a novel sampling tool in stratified Baltic Sea.

A new tool was developed for microplastics (MPs) investigation in the water column. It can collect several cubic meters of water from predefined water layers down to 100 m. The tool was tested in the Baltic Sea during the period of spring thermocline formation. Strong MPs stratification was observed at all of the sampled stations. On coastal stations (~30 m deep), stratification with high fibers content was associated with the proximity of terrestrial sources and estuarine discharges, while on off-shore stations the variability of MPs was related to vertical thermohaline structure. Mean MPs content was the 32.2 (SD 50.4) pcs/m3. Elevated MPs concentrations were observed in subsurface, near-bottom and thermohaline layers compared with intermediate layers. The heterogeneity of MPs distribution suggests that MPs particles can be retained above the density-gradient layers in coastal seas and the World Ocean.

Enhanced bacterial affinity of PVDF membrane: its application as improved sea water sampling tool for environmental monitoring.

Isolation of diversified bacteria from seawater is a major challenge in the field of environmental microbiology. In the present study, an attempt has been made to select specific membrane with improved property of attaching diversified bacteria. Initially, different concentrations (15, 18, and 20% W/W) of polysulfone (PSF) were used to check their affinity for the attachment of selected gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. Among these, 20% W/W PSF showed maximum attachment. Therefore, membrane prepared with other materials such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polyether sulfone (PES) were used with the same concentration (20% W/W) to check their improved bacterial attachment property. Comparative study of bacterial attachment on three different membranes revealed that PVDF possessed the highest affinity towards both the groups of bacteria. This property was confirmed by different analytical methods viz. contact angle, atomic force microscopy, zeta potential, and flux study and further validated with seawater samples collected from seven sites of western coast and Lakshadweep island of India, using Biolog EcoPlate™. All the samples showed that bacterial richness and diversity was high in PVDF membrane in comparison to surrounding seawater samples. Interestingly, affinity for more diversified bacteria was reported to be higher in water sample with less turbidity and low bacteria load. This finding can facilitate the development of PVDF (20% W/W) membrane as a simple, cheap, and less labor intensive environmental sampling tool for the isolation of diversified bacteria from seawater sample wih different physiochemical properties. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Efficiency of Different Sampling Tools for Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Collections in Malaysian Streams.

This study analyses the sampling performance of three benthic sampling tools commonly used to collect freshwater macroinvertebrates. Efficiency of qualitative D-frame and square aquatic nets were compared to a quantitative Surber sampler in tropical Malaysian streams. The abundance and diversity of macroinvertebrates collected using each tool evaluated along with their relative variations (RVs). Each tool was used to sample macroinvertebrates from three streams draining different areas: a vegetable farm, a tea plantation and a forest reserve. High macroinvertebrate diversities were recorded using the square net and Surber sampler at the forested stream site; however, very low species abundance was recorded by the Surber sampler. Relatively large variations in the Surber sampler collections (RVs of 36% and 28%) were observed for the vegetable farm and tea plantation streams, respectively. Of the three sampling methods, the square net was the most efficient, collecting a greater diversity of macroinvertebrate taxa and a greater number of specimens (i.e., abundance) overall, particularly from the vegetable farm and the tea plantation streams (RV<25%). Fewer square net sample passes (<8 samples) were sufficient to perform a biological assessment of water quality, but each sample required a slightly longer processing time (±20 min) compared with those gathered via the other samplers. In conclusion, all three apparatuses were suitable for macroinvertebrate collection in Malaysian streams and gathered assemblages that resulted in the determination of similar biological water quality classes using the Family Biotic Index (FBI) and the Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP). However, despite a slightly longer processing time, the square net was more efficient (lowest RV) at collecting samples and more suitable for the collection of macroinvertebrates from deep, fast flowing, wadeable streams with coarse substrates.