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In the microinjection molding process, continuous monitoring is important for optimization of the process and control. In microfluidic or lab-on-chip devices, defective microfeatures can compromise biological assays and diagnostic results, and therefore, the quality of these features is a critical issue. Microfeatures can be inspected using advanced inspection and microscopic techniques, but these are expensive, time-consuming, and difficult to use for full-scale production. We present here a new technique for quality control of microfeatures, which uses the filling of a controlled microcavity inside or outside the molded part as a quality control tool for filling microfeatures. Micro gaps (checkpoints) are used as an indicator of microfeature filling. Two micro gaps can be used for filling (checkpoints) as a Go/No-Go gauge.

This experimental study explores the integration of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) within building envelopes. The research specifically centers on the utilization of two microencapsulated paraffin-based PCMs with melting points of 37 °C and 43 °C. The study assesses their performance within cement and gypsum-based PCM composites, concentrating on service areas often overlooked in thermal analysis, including underground garages, staircases, and utility rooms. The experimental setup included constructing three chambers inside an underground garage during the hot months of June and July in Saudi Arabia. Two chambers were assigned to integrate the PCM, while the third chamber served as a control without PCM. The experiment unfolds in two phases. In the initial phase, the objective was to determine which PCM is more effective in reducing the heat load inside the chambers. This led to the adoption of the 43 °C PCM for the subsequent stage. The adoption of the 43 °C PCM resulted in a fourfold decrease in heat compared to the 37 °C PCM. The second phase investigates the integration of the selected PCM with cement and gypsum composites. The percentage of PCM incorporated into the concrete and gypsum composites was determined experimentally. For cement-based composites, the identified percentage that maintains material integrity is 20%, and for gypsum-based composites, it is 22%. The findings demonstrate a significant reduction in cooling load with PCM incorporation, with cement-based composites exhibiting superior thermal performance compared to gypsum-based alternatives and reducing the heat load by approximately 63%. Additionally, it was observed that concrete reduced the highest temperature during the day by 5.2 °C, which equates to about a 10% reduction, further enhancing comfort. Conducted over the course of two summer seasons, this study contributes valuable insights toward improving the quality of life for building occupants, considering various factors such as their living environment.

It is estimated that 10–15% of oral anticoagulant (OAC) patients, would need to hold their OAC for scheduled surgery. Especially for warfarin, this process is complex and requires multi-layer risk assessment and decisions across different specialties. Clinical guidelines deliver broad recommendations in the area of warfarin management before surgery which can lead to different trends and practices among practitioners. To evaluate the current attitude, awareness, and practice among health care providers (HCPs) on warfarin periprocedural management. A multiple-choice questionnaire was developed, containing questions on demographics and professional information and was completed by187 HCPs involved in warfarin periprocedural management. The awareness median (IQR) score was moderate [64.28% (21.43)]. The level of awareness was associated with the practitioner’s specialty and degree of education (P = 0.009, 0.011 respectively). Practice leans to overestimate the need for warfarin discontinuation as well as the need for bridging. Participants expressed interest in using genetic tests to guide periprocedural warfarin management [median (IQR) score (out of 10) = 7 (5)]. In conclusion, the survey presented a wide variation in the clinical practice of warfarin periprocedural management. This study highlights that HCPs in Qatar have moderate awareness. We suggest tailoring an educational campaign or courses towards the identified gaps.

Annually, 10% of warfarin patients will likely need to stop warfarin prior to elective surgery to achieve a baseline international normalization ratio (INR) level (INR ≤ 1.2) at the time of the procedure. This study explores the influence of genetic and non-genetic factors on INR normalization in the Arab (major part of Near Eastern) population in preprocedural warfarin management. An observational prospective cohort study was designed to recruit Arab patients taking warfarin and scheduled for an elective procedure. Two INR readings were recorded. DNA extraction and genotyping of variants in , and (rs5896) and (rs3093229) genes using real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed. Data from 116 patients were included in the analysis. and genetic variants carriers required lower maintenance dose compared to non-carriers. The analysis showed that ciprofloxacin, antiplatelet medications, and INR index (INR at visit 1) are the only factors associated with the INR decline rate. Also, the proportion of carriers with normal INR (≤1.2) on the day of surgery was significantly lower than those with wild-type genotype (28% vs 60%, =0.013). In addition, heparin bridging, INR target, and Sudanese nationality are significant predictors of INR normalization (≤1.2) on the day of the procedure. Despite the confirmed effect of genetic factors on warfarin maintenance dose, the study was not able to find a significant effect of any genetic factor on the rate of INR normalization possibly due to the small sample size. Index INR and interacting medications showed to be significant predictors of INR decline rate.