Blog

Women Pays $5K to Contractor for her House, Still not Satisfied with its Safety

Published

5 years ago

March 15, 2019

RICHMOND – Carolyn Robinson claims that she paid over $5000 to a contractor for some work related to home improvement. She said even after paying the mentioned amount, she has not received the kind of service she wanted which left her unsatisfied with the contractor’s work. On the other hand, the contractor said that he did exactly the same as discussed before starting the work. Now, the conflict has sprouted out of this matter which has resulted in a troubling situation.

Robinson pointed out some problems in the work of the contractor, Mark Payne. The lady has claimed that she paid construction liaison Mark Payne $5250 to do the pre-discussed work. The contractor said that there is nothing wrong with his work. He further said that he did the work discussed between them and the problems in the work are created by the other contractor which was hired to do the siding work in the home.

The lady, Robinson counting the problems said there is a sloping porch which needs to be fixed. It should have been leveled but it is not actually the case. The top porch is fine but the bottom porch should be fixed so that she could place the ball over and also she wanted to put some siding on there but eventually, she could not do so now.

She questioned the work of the contractor, Mark Payne and said since the porch columns were not properly installed so a safety railing was taken down by a different contractor to install the siding. Robinson also said her gutters were also sealed and rainwater doesn’t flow through them but it just accumulates in the yard.

In his clarification, Payne said his work was just to replace rotted boards on the porch. He even showed the photograph to support his claim that safely railing was in its place when he finished his work. Also, he said that the columns were installed correctly and the contractor who installed the siding has been responsible for creating a problem in the work.

Everyone aims to get service like that of siding contractor in Trumbull but sometimes things do not go hand-in-hand. The work was done by Jose Villatoro and Empire PMTH Inc. And the State Board of Contractors released a statement that it has a Class C contractor’s license. Robinson has said that she is not thinking of the other work which was supposed to be completed in a decided fashion.

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.