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How to Find the Perfect Work-Life Bag

Published

5 years ago

October 11, 2019

The perfect bag is something that you can take anywhere! Whether you’re off to work, a fun weekend or an exciting evening event, you need a bag that can carry all your essentials in an organised fashion, whilst looking great too. The perfect middle point between practical and stylish is a tricky one to locate, but not impossible! You want something that’s neutral but not boring, roomy but not oversized, great quality but not ridiculously expensive – the criteria goes on, and on! If you’re on the hunt for the mysterious, ever sought after perfect work-life bag, read on! You might just find exactly what you’re looking for…

Shape

When it comes to multi functional bags, you need to be a little thoughtful about the shape that you opt for. You might be a die hard fan of a baguette or a micro bag, but these really aren’t practical if you’re going to be using it for more than just carrying your phone and a small wallet. Consider shapes such as a satchel, tote or even a backpack. These tend to be roomy, protective and organised, making them a much more suitable option for everyday use.

Size

Once you’ve determined your bags shape, you can think about its size. It’s best to opt for something that is medium sized and has the capacity to hold a laptop, notebook and water bottle – these tend to be office essentials, but if your work has different requirements you should prioritise what you’re bringing with you to you workplace every day. If your bag doesn’t fit your must haves, it won’t be as useful as you want it to be!

Material

Your bag’s material should be high quality, no matter what avenue you choose to venture down! The most popular choice for day bags is leather, this is because it wears beautifully, is durable, weatherproof and gorgeously soft. Leather really is a fantastic option, but if its not for you there are some other choices to explore. You can opt for polyurethane, wicker, treated paper, resin, beaded – there’s something for everyone’s tastes! If you’re on a tighter budget, canvas bags are beautiful and usually slightly lower cost than alternate options.

Colour

The final, and most fun, part is choosing your bag’s colour! Now, stylistic choices are often predetermined by the material that you’ve opted for, but of course colour changes do have a big effect on the final look. This choice should be governed by your own personal style. Do you love all things colour? If so, a bright tone will probably be the most attractive option for you! Opt for a pop of red, blue or emerald to really make a statement! Maybe you’re slightly more toned down? A muted pink, mustard or soft blue is a great day to introduce a little colour without feeling out of your comfort zone. For the neutral lover, your choices are far and wide! You’ll find some incredible blacks, dove greys, sands, creams and whites to explore on your bag hunt. As long as you’ve factored in your own wardrobe, you’re unlikely to go wrong!

Organisation

Finally, consider the organisational properties of your work-life bag. You’ll want to be bringing different objects with you, taking your from day to night, so be sure that you have access to a couple of compartments, otherwise you risk your bag’s interior becoming a bit of a jumbled mess. Fallen in love with a dream bag that’s minimal organisation? Not to worry, pick yourself up a few pencil cases and cotton pouches to keep your belongings perfectly organised!

By following these tips for securing the perfect work-life bag, you’ll nab yourself a completely winner in no time.

Blog

Applications of Automation in Research and Clinical Diagnostics

Published

2 months ago

May 18, 2024

Rosario Farell

Precision counts in the fields of science and medicine. This is particularly true for the basic task of counting and analyzing cells, which is used in both clinical and research settings. The introduction of automatic cell counters, which provide efficiency and accuracy that manual approaches cannot match, has resulted in a notable advancement in this field.

What is Automated Cell Counting?

Automated cell counters are advanced instruments that are made to precisely and swiftly count and examine cells. In contrast to manual counting methods that rely on human vision and a microscope, automated counters use software algorithms and image technology to count and analyze cells. This ensures more accurate findings by expediting the procedure and lowering the possibility of human error.

Type of Automated Cell Counters

There are several types of automated cell counters used in research and clinical diagnostics, each employing different technologies and methods for cell counting. The main types of automated cell counters include:

● Image Cytometers: These devices use optical microscopy to statically image cells, which are frequently labeled to detect certain molecules or provide contrast. Cell counting is aided by the automation of image cytometers made possible by digital cameras.

● Flow Cytometers: Use a regulated flow of suspended cells to align individual cells for analysis. Staining cells with fluorochromes enables visual characterization of the cells and facilitates high-throughput analysis.

● Cell Sorters: Arrange cells according to their electrical properties. Sorting is accomplished by dividing the fluid stream containing the cells into droplets whose electrical charge varies according to the kind of cell and guiding them into various containers.

● Time-Lapse Cytometers: Allow for continuous monitoring of cells in an incubator by employing non-heat-generating light sources, such as LEDs, in conjunction with image cytometry to investigate cellular dynamics without causing damage to living cells.

● Hemocytometers: A qualified technician, an optical microscope, and a gridded slide with known volume wells are used in this manual cell counting approach. Up until the 1950s, hemocytometers were the norm for counting cells.

These various types of automated cell counters provide effective and precise methods for cell counting and analysis, each with unique benefits and uses in clinical and research environments.

Research

Automated cell counters have become indispensable tools in understanding cell behavior. They are used in various research fields, including cancer research, drug discovery, and stem cell therapy.

One of the key benefits in research is the ability to handle large volumes of data. For instance, in drug discovery, automated counters can quickly analyze the effects of thousands of compounds on cell growth and death. This high-throughput capability accelerates the pace of research, allowing scientists to screen potential drugs more efficiently than ever before.

Moreover, automated cell counters offer the precision required to detect subtle changes in cell populations. This is crucial in fields like cancer research, where understanding the behavior of cancer cells can lead to the development of more effective treatments.

Clinical Diagnostics

The impact of automated cell counters extends beyond the research laboratory and into clinical diagnostics. In medical laboratories, these devices play a critical role in routine blood tests, infectious disease diagnostics, and monitoring patient health during treatment.

For example, in a routine complete blood count (CBC), automated cell counters can quickly provide a detailed analysis of different blood cell types. This information is vital for diagnosing conditions such as anemia, infections, and blood cancers. The speed and accuracy of automated counters mean that patients can receive diagnoses and begin treatment more swiftly.

In the context of infectious diseases, automated counters can detect and quantify specific pathogens or immune cells, helping to diagnose infections quickly and accurately. During the COVID-19 pandemic, automated cell counting technologies were instrumental in monitoring virus spread and patients’ immune responses, showcasing their value in crisis situations.

Challenges and Future Directions

The initial cost of these devices can be high, and their operation requires specific technical expertise. Additionally, different types of cells and conditions may require customized counting protocols, necessitating ongoing adjustments and updates to software algorithms.

Looking ahead, ongoing advancements in technology promise to further enhance the capabilities of automated cell counters. The global cell counting market growth is anticipated at a CAGR of 7.5% by 2032. Innovations in imaging technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are expected to improve accuracy, speed, and the ability to analyze more complex cell characteristics. As these technologies evolve, automated cell counters will become even more integral to research and diagnostics, opening new avenues for scientific discovery and patient care.