Reference materials (RMs) are vital tools in the validation of methods used to detect environmental pollutants. Microplastics, a relatively new environmental pollutant, require a variety of complex approaches to address their presence in environmental samples. Both interlaboratory comparison (ILC) studies and RMs are essential to support the validation of methods used in microplastic analysis. Presented here are results of quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) performed on two types of candidate microplastic RMs: dissolvable gelatin capsules and soda tablets. These RMs have been used to support numerous international ILC studies in recent years (2019-2022). Dissolvable capsules containing polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), and polystyrene (PS), in different size fractions from 50 to 1000 µm, were produced for one ILC study, obtaining relative standard deviation (RSD) from 0 to 24%. The larger size fraction allowed for manual addition of particles to the capsules, yielding 0% error and 100% recovery during QA/QC. Dissolvable capsules were replaced by soda tablets in subsequent ILC studies and recovery test exercises because they were found to be a more reliable carrier for microplastic RMs. Batches of soda tablets were produced containing different single and multiple polymer mixtures, i.e., PE, PET, PS, PVC, polypropylene (PP), and polycarbonate (PC), with RSD ranging from 8 to 21%. Lastly, soda tablets consisting of a mixture of PE, PVC, and PS (125-355 µm) were produced and used for recovery testing during pretreatment of environmental samples. These had an RSD of 9%. Results showed that soda tablets and capsules containing microplastics >50 µm could be produced with sufficient precision for internal recovery tests and external ILC studies. Further work is required to optimize this method for smaller microplastics (< 50 µm) because variation was found to be too large during QA/QC. Nevertheless, this approach represents a valuable solution addressing many of the challenges associated with validating microplastic analytical methods.

• Klíčová slova
• Comparability, Comparison, Interlaboratory comparison study, Microplastic reference material, Soda capsules, Soda tablets,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

This article focus on designing and programming an application for implementing the YOLO method v8 in the detection and subsequent classification of objects in video recordings. The application, developed in the Python programming language, allows the insertion of video recordings in mp4 format. It then divides the frames, enabling the use of the YOLO method for object detection, classification, and simultaneous determination of the time and frame at which the identified object is located. Compared to previous versions, YOLOv8 from 2023 allows the use of up to 53 convolutional layers. As part of the YOLO method implementation, therefore was devised a convolutional network with 5 layers and 5 object classes. Throughout the training process, was configured a total of 10 epochs, resulting in an accuracy of 94.79%. Notably, after the 7th epoch, the error rate exhibited a declining trend, reaching a value of 0.15. These values signify a sufficiently trained network without the need for further retraining.

• Klíčová slova
• CNN, Classification of objects, Neural network, Object detection, YOLO method,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

MOTIVATION: Understanding the architecture and function of RNA molecules requires methods for comparing and analyzing their 3D structures. Although a structural alignment of short RNAs is achievable in a reasonable amount of time, large structures represent much bigger challenge. However, the growth of the number of large RNAs deposited in the PDB database calls for the development of fast and accurate methods for analyzing their structures, as well as for rapid similarity searches in databases. RESULTS: In this article a novel algorithm for an RNA structural comparison SETTER (SEcondary sTructure-based TERtiary Structure Similarity Algorithm) is introduced. SETTER uses a pairwise comparison method based on 3D similarity of the so-called generalized secondary structure units. For each pair of structures, SETTER produces a distance score and an indication of its statistical significance. SETTER can be used both for the structural alignments of structures that are already known to be homologous, as well as for 3D structure similarity searches and functional annotation. The algorithm presented is both accurate and fast and does not impose limits on the size of aligned RNA structures. AVAILABILITY: The SETTER program, as well as all datasets, is freely available from http://siret.cz/hoksza/projects/setter/.

• MeSH
• algoritmy * MeSH
• konformace nukleové kyseliny * MeSH
• RNA chemie   MeSH
• sekvenční analýza RNA metody   MeSH
• sekvenční seřazení metody   MeSH
• software * MeSH
• výpočetní biologie metody   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• RNA MeSH

We compared the objective and subjective evaluations of the results after correction of the earposition by the method of Converse with the results by the method of Reichert and Mustarde. The mean values obtained by the method of Converse correspond to the mean normal values. The patients are very satisfied with their results. A comparison of the results of these three methods do not show any aggravating differences.

• MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• plastická chirurgie metody   MeSH
• recidiva MeSH
• ušní chrupavka chirurgie   MeSH
• zevní ucho abnormality   chirurgie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH

BACKGROUND: To compare four automated immunoassays for the measurement of 25(OH)-vitamin D (25-OHD) and to assess the impact on the results obtained from a healthy population. METHODS: We analysed 100 serum samples on Unicel DxI 800 (Beckman Coulter), Architect i1000 (Abbott), Cobas e411 (Roche) and Liaison XL (DiaSorin). Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman plots were used for method comparison. In order to categorise the obtained values, results were categorised into the following groups: 0-25 nmol/L, 25-50 nmol/L, 50-75 nmol/L and above 75 nmol/L and compared. The percentage of samples below 75 nmol/L, and below 50 nmol/L was then calculated for every method. RESULTS: According to paired comparisons, each method differs from others (p<0.0001) except Cobas vs Architect, which do not show a statistically significant difference (p=0.39). The strongest correlation was found between Liaison and Architect (ρ=0.94, p<0.0001). The percentage of samples below the recommended value of 75 nmol/L were: 70% (Architect), 92% (Liaison), 71% (Cobas) and 89% (Unicel). The percentage of samples below the value of 50 nmol/L were: 17% (Architect), 55% (Liaison), 28% (Cobas) and 47% (Unicel). CONCLUSIONS: The observed differences stem from the use of different analytical systems for 25-OHD concentration analysis and can result in different outcomes. The recommended values should be established for each assay in accordance with the data provided by the manufacturer or in the laboratory, in accordance with proper standardisation.

UVOD: Cilj je bio da se uporede četiri automatizovana imunotesta za merenje 25(OH)-vitamina D (25-OHD) i da se proceni uticaj na rezultate dobijene na uzorku zdrave populacije. METODE: Analizirali smo 100 uzoraka seruma na analizatorima Unicel DxI 800 (Beckman Coulter), Architect i1000 (Abbott), Cobas e411 (Roche) i Liaison KSL (DiaSorin). Za upoređivanje metoda su korišćene Passing-Bablok-ova regresija i Bland-Altman-ovi plotovi. Da bi se dobijene vrednosti kategorizovale, rezultati su kategorisani u sledeće grupe: 0-25 nmol/L, 25-50 nmol/L, 50-75 nmol/L i iznad 75 nmol/L i posle toga upoređeni. Potom je izračunat procenat uzoraka ispod 75 nmol/L i ispod 50 nmol/L za svaku metodu. REZULTATI: Prema uparenim poređenjima, svaka metoda se razlikuje od ostalih (p <0,0001), osim u slučaju kada se porede rezultati analizatora Cobas i Architect, koji ne pokazuju statistički značajnu razliku (p = 0,39). Najsnažnija korelacija je uočena između Liason i Architect (ρ = 0,94, p <0,0001). Procenat uzoraka ispod preporučene vrednosti od 75 nmol/L je bio: 70% (Architect), 92% (Liaison), 71% (Cobas) i 89% (Unicel). Procenat uzoraka ispod vrednosti od 50 nmol/L je bio: 17% (Architect), 55% (Liaison), 28% (Cobas) i 47% (Unicel). ZAKLJUČAK: Uočene razlike potiču od upotrebe različitih analitičkih sistema za analizu koncentracije 25-OHD i mogu da rezultiraju različitim ishodima. Preporučene vrednosti treba da budu utvrđene za svaki test u skladu sa podacima koje je dostavio proizvođač ili u laboratoriji, u skladu sa odgovarajućom standardizacijom.

• Klíčová slova
• 25(OH)-vitamin D, Architect, Cobas, Liaison, Unicel, method comparison, vitamin D,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

There are multiple areas of computer graphics where triangular meshes are being altered in order to reduce their size or complexity, while attempting to preserve the original shape of the mesh as closely as possible. Recently, this area of research has been extended to cover even a dynamic case, i.e., surface animations which are compressed and simplified. However, to date very little effort has been made to develop methods for evaluating the results, namely the amount of distortion introduced by the processing. Even the most sophisticated compression methods use distortion evaluation by some kind of mean squared error while the actual relevance of such measure has not been verified so far. In this paper, we point out some serious drawbacks of the existing error measures. We present results of the subjective testing that we have performed, and we derive a new measure called Spatiotemporal edge difference (STED) which is shown to provide much better correlation with subjective opinions on mesh distortion.

• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

OBJECTIVE: To compare two methods of Bohr-Enghoff physiological dead space to tidal volume ratio (Vd/VtBohr-Enghoff) determination using a mixing chamber and an E-CAiOVX metabolic monitor. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, clinical, method-comparison study. ANIMALS: Twenty horses anaesthetized for elective orthopaedic procedures. METHODS: Horses were anaesthetized with isoflurane in oxygen and the lungs were mechanically ventilated (Vt 15±2 mL kg-1). Arterial blood was sampled to provide arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) for dead space calculation using a metabolic monitor. Mixed expired partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PēCO2) obtained from the custom-made mixing chamber was recorded at the time of arterial blood sampling. Dead space fraction was calculated using the Enghoff modification of the Bohr equation. Agreement between the methods was assessed by Bland-Altman test. A clinically acceptable error was defined to be ≤ 10%. RESULTS: Forty-nine simultaneous Vd/VtBohr-Enghoff results were obtained. There was no clinically significant bias between the mixing chamber and E-CAiOVX. The limits of agreement were within a priori defined error (bias±95% limits of agreement: -0.022±0.078). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Acceptable agreement was found between the two methods. The E-CAiOVX metabolic monitor might be a suitable device for measuring Vd/VtBohr-Enghoff in anaesthetized horses.

• Klíčová slova
• anaesthesia, horse, metabolic monitor, respiratory dead space, ventilation,
• MeSH
• analýza krevních plynů veterinární   MeSH
• dechový objem MeSH
• inhalační anestezie škodlivé účinky   metody   veterinární   MeSH
• koně fyziologie   MeSH
• mrtvý prostor dýchacích cest * fyziologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH

The scientific accuracy of ethnobotanical study has significantly grown in the past decades due to the adoption of quantitative methods, mainly represented by indices. These quantitative approaches can provide data amenable to hypothesis testing, statistical validation, and comparative analysis. Plenty of indices are applied nowadays in ethnobotany. However, none of the previously developed indices have argued for comparing general ethnobotanical knowledge between two or more human groups. Hence, this study seeks to cover this methodological gap and proposes a novel index that will provide ethnobotanists with a tangible number representing the general ethnobotanical knowledge of a specific human group. The proposed index will enable researchers in the field to compare ethnobotanical knowledge of two or more ethnic/ religious/ cultural groups; it will also be possible to conduct a comparison within the same group, such as comparing two distanced time periods, genders, and/or age groups. The index complexly employs several factors that can be critical when assessing ethnobotanical knowledge (e.g. total number of species reported by all participants in a particular group, mean number of species reported per participant in a particular group, and mean number of citations per species in a particular group). The index is designed to be mainly used in ethnobotany; however, it is also usable in ethnobiology and may be applicable in other studies related to traditional knowledge assessment.

• Klíčová slova
• BEI, Cross-cultural comparison, Ethnobiology, Ethnobotany, Intra-group comparison, Quantitative analysis, Traditional knowledge,
• MeSH
• etnobotanika * metody   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• srovnání kultur * MeSH
• zdraví - znalosti, postoje, praxe MeSH
• znalosti MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Ecological theory and biodiversity conservation have traditionally relied on the number of species recorded at a site, but it is agreed that site richness represents only a portion of the species that can inhabit particular ecological conditions, that is, the habitat-specific species pool. Knowledge of the species pool at different sites enables meaningful comparisons of biodiversity and provides insights into processes of biodiversity formation. Empirical studies, however, are limited due to conceptual and methodological difficulties in determining both the size and composition of the absent part of species pools, the so-called dark diversity. We used >50,000 vegetation plots from 18 types of habitats throughout the Czech Republic, most of which served as a training dataset and 1083 as a subset of test sites. These data were used to compare predicted results from three quantitative methods with those of previously published expert estimates based on species habitat preferences: (1) species co-occurrence based on Beals' smoothing approach; (2) species ecological requirements, with envelopes around community mean Ellenberg values; and (3) species distribution models, using species environmental niches modeled by Biomod software. Dark diversity estimates were compared at both plot and habitat levels, and each method was applied in different configurations. While there were some differences in the results obtained by different methods, particularly at the plot level, there was a clear convergence, especially at the habitat level. The better convergence at the habitat level reflects less variation in local environmental conditions, whereas variation at the plot level is an effect of each particular method. The co-occurrence agreed closest the expert estimate, followed by the method based on species ecological requirements. We conclude that several analytical methods can estimate species pools of given habitats. However, the strengths and weaknesses of different methods need attention, especially when dark diversity is estimated at the plot level.

• Klíčová slova
• Beals smoothing, Biomod, Ellenberg indicator values, biodiversity monitoring, dark diversity, method comparison, species distribution modeling,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

As long-term exposure to exhaled halothane can be a cause of hepatitis and/or damage to the liver, the determination of halothane in blood is important in clinical practice. Gas chromatographic headspace analysis appears to be the most successful method. In the present study, two methods of quantitative evaluation of the analysis were compared by statistical treatment and direct comparison. The absolute calibration method was found to be unsuitable since it yields entirely unreliable results. This is due to different contents of lipoid and other components in the blood of the normal population, and this influences the vapour phase concentration of halothane and results in different values for the slopes of calibration curves for different blood samples. The standard addition method gives reliable results.

• MeSH
• cholesterol krev   MeSH
• chromatografie plynová MeSH
• halothan krev   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• triglyceridy krev   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH
• Názvy látek
• cholesterol MeSH
• halothan MeSH
• triglyceridy MeSH