The potential role of near infra red reflectance (NIR) monitoring in precision agriculture (PAG).

The adoption of precision agriculture technologies is probably one of the greatest challenges and opportunities of the 21st century to expand the horizons of soil and plant analysis by matching the spatial variability of soil properties and crop demand with a variable input of agro-resources in the field. The high cost of soil sampling and chemical and physical analysis by conventional laboratories has restricted the full implementation of this technique at field level. Near Infra Red (NIR) analysis could be a cost-effective solution, but a whole paradigm shift in philosophy is needed to move away from the traditional approach in soil testing of taking a 'perceived' representative sample in which all the spatial variation is lost, to using a combination of grid soil sampling at a sample intensity of 4 to 10 cores per ha, in which the sub samples are analysed separately using rapid but less accurate methods such as NIR. Agricultural industries worldwide are showing increasing interest in the potential applications of near infrared (NIR) analysis in the fields of soil fertility, cane nutrition, cane quality testing and screening for resistance to certain pests and diseases. Recent investigations in the sugar and wheat industries have demonstrated the feasibility of using NIR scanning techniques for mapping spatial variability of important soil properties on a field scale. Soil properties that have been calibrated include gravimetric soil water, clay, buffer capacity, pH, electrical conductivity, titratable acidity, organic matter, mineralizable nitrogen, potential ammonia volatilization from urea, potential nitrification rate, and urease activity. Mapping spatial variability in this way will enable better utilization of resources such as the application of fertilizers.

source: http://www.cababstractsplus.org/google/abstract.asp?AcNo=20053159362

Handbook of Near-Infrared Analysis, Third Edition (Practical Spectroscopy)

About Handbook of Near-Infrared Analysis, Third Edition (Practical Spectroscopy) detail

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1197767 in Books
• Published on: 2007-09-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 826 pages

Handbook of Near-Infrared Analysis, Third Edition (Practical Spectroscopy) Description

Fast, inexpensive, and easy-to-use, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy can be used to analyze small samples of virtually any composition. The Handbook of Near Infrared Analysis, Third Edition explains how to perform accurate as well as time- and cost-effective analyses across a growing spectrum of disciplines. Presenting nearly 50% new and revised material, this thoroughly updated edition incorporates the latest advances in instrumentation, computerization, calibration, and method development in NIR spectroscopy. The book underscores current trends in sample preparation, calibration transfer, process control, data analysis, and commercial NIR instrumentation. New chapters highlight novel applications including the analysis of agro-forestry products, polymers, blood, and control serum. They also cover NIR spectra, process analytical technologies (PAT), quantitative and qualitative analyses for nutraceuticals, NIR photography uses in medicine, and counterfeit detection methods for pharmaceuticals and currency. Offering the most complete single-source guide of its kind, the Handbook of Near Infrared Analysis, Third Edition continues to offer practicing chemists and spectroscopists an unparalleled combination of theoretical foundations, cutting-edge applications, and practical experience provided firsthand by more than 60 experts in the field.

List Price: $229.95
Amazon Price: $196.77 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details

"Nondestructive Direct Determination of Heroin in Seized Illicit Street Drugs by Diffuse Reflectance near-Infrared Spectroscopy"

Scientists in Spain are reporting an advance toward a new method for determining the purity of heroin that could save lives by allowing investigators to quickly identify impure and more toxic forms of the drug being sold on the street. Unlike conventional tests, it does not destroy the original drug sample, according to their report. It is scheduled for the Oct. 1 issue of ACS' Analytical Chemistry, a semi-monthly journal.

In the new study, Salvador Garrigues and colleagues point out that the purity of heroin can vary widely, since pushers often mix it with chalk, flour, or other "cutting agents." Because heroin users do not know the exact purity of the drug, they are more at risk for overdose and even death. Conventional tests for determining the purity of street heroin involve destructive and time-consuming sample preparation, the scientists say.

They studied 31 illicit drug samples from Spain that contained six to 34 percent heroin. The scientists tested the samples using the new analytical method, called Diffuse Reflectance Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (DR-NIR). It involves shooting a beam of infrared light into a sample to determine its chemical composition based on the wavelength of light emitted. The method quickly and accurately determined the chemical content of the samples without any prior sample preparation, the scientists say.

ATR Accessory enables polarized measurements in FT-IR.

Combining infrared spectroscopy with polarizer, Universal Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) Polarization Accessory provides polarized measurements, which offer additional information on molecular structure of sample and help characterize materials. Accessory is particularly suited for crystal structure analysis, polymer and fiber orientation studies, and structural analysis studies of biomolecules. Variable angle polarizer can be removed for non-polarized measurements.

source: http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/549568

Urodynamix Submits 510(k) Filing to FDA for Second Generation Bladder Monitor

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Sept. 17, 2008) - Urodynamix Technologies Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:URO) today announced that it has submitted a 510(k) filing to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its second-generation UroNIRS 2000 Bladder Monitor System - a non-invasive medical device that uses near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to diagnose lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in a urology office setting.

UroNIRS 2000 is a standalone device that does not require conventional external or peripheral urodynamics equipment for its operation, unlike first generation UroNIRS technology. This will allow Urodynamix to broaden distribution of its UroNIRS products and expand from hospitals and clinics into urology office markets. This office-based device will provide Urodynamix and its current and future distribution partners with greater access to the 20 million men in the U.S. with symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who require diagnosis prior to effective treatment.

UroNIRS 2000 is based on a wireless tablet PC with Urodynamix's proprietary sensor configuration and is compact, portable and specifically designed for ease of use in the physician's office setting. The non-invasive procedure is used to confirm the presence of bladder outlet obstruction in men by identifying patients that have healthy bladder function yet suffer from weak urinary stream, hesitancy, urinary retention and related symptoms. UroNIRS 2000 is safer, faster, less expensive and more comfortable than conventional catheter-based diagnostics for the same condition. Clinical studies have shown that the UroNIRS device has an 86% success rate for accurately identifying obstructed male patients, most of whom are good surgical candidates.

Urodynamix will launch this new product with expanded distribution on a worldwide basis and expects to announce these new partnership(s) within 30 days.

"We are very pleased with the performance, quality, and customer-driven features of our UroNIRS system and are excited to be bringing this new technology to market as part of our strategy of developing the hospital market and then expanding into the Urologist office market," said Barry Allen, President and CEO of Urodynamix. "We look forward to FDA's review and the opportunity to provide our partners and physicians with an important new non-invasive approach to managing a widespread, chronic condition such as LUTS."

The typical review period for a 510(k) submission is approximately 90 days, and Urodynamix expects the first commercial orders of UroNIRS to ship in the first quarter of 2009 upon regulatory clearance.

About Urodynamix Technologies Ltd.

Urodynamix Technologies is a Canadian medical device company developing and commercializing non-invasive medical technology based on proprietary applications of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). The Company is currently focused on products that aid in the diagnosis and treatment of urinary incontinence, lower urinary tract symptoms, prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and traumatic increases in intra-abdominal pressure that cause abdominal compartment syndrome. Urodynamix's breakthrough medical technology has the potential to beneficially affect more than 200 million people worldwide.

Certain information contained in this press release may be forward-looking and is subject to unknown risks, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth or implied herein. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove correct.

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

source: http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Urodynamix-Technologies-Ltd-TSX-VENTURE-URO-900825.html

Portable NIR Food Analyzer Kit

Analyze protein, oil, and moisture content on site!
◗ Displays results in less than one minute
Enhance the profitability of your grains and dairy products by ensuring their optimum protein, oil, and
moisture contents. Analyzer is designed for rugged use—take with you on the plant floor or in the field.
Meter analyzes protein and oil both on an “as-is” basis and a constant moisture (CM) basis. Simply pour
sample into sample holder and place holder into the meter. Results are displayed in less than one minute.
Download data to your 486 computer or better with the included calibration software and RS-232 cable.
Factory-set calibrations for HRS, HRW, protein and moisture in SWW, durum wheat, SRW,
2 row barley, 6 row barley, oats, corn, soybean, canola, mustard, flax, milo, or long-and medium-grain
rough rice. Oil calibration is included with corn, soybean, canola, mustard, and flax calibrations.

NIR Spectrometer covers 190-1,100 nm spectral range

Back thinned CCD UV-to-Near-IR spectrometer offers 2 nm (FWHM) spectral resolution, ±0.5 nm wavelength accuracy, and slit width of 25 µm. It minimizes stray light with holographic aberration-corrected flat field concave grating and optimized optical bench, which reduces noise and helps improve throughput. Optical input can be supplied through SMA905 connector. Instrument is supplied with software that allows users to configure it for large dynamic range or high sensitivity operation. source: http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/820046

FOSS NIRSystems Launches New Web Site

FOSS NIRSystems, Inc. is proud to announce its new website for all your Near-Infrared (NIR) analyzer needs. Please visit us at www.foss-nirsystems.com for information about FOSS NIRSystems products, education services, product support, distributors and applications in the pharmaceutical, chemical and other areas.

FOSS NIRSystems, Inc. is a unit of FOSS A/S and the world's leading supplier of laboratory, at-line and process NIR solutions. FOSS NIRSystems has more than 40 years of industry experience and over 18,000 successful installations worldwide. XDS NIR analyzers can be used throughout the manufacturing processes – from raw material inspection and in-process testing to final product release.

Rudolph launches DigiPol DS saccharimeters

Rudolph Instruments has introduced the DigiPol DS series of saccharimeters, designed to meet the range of requirements for the sugar industry.

The DS Series features three models.

The DigiPol - DS 11 is suited for refined sugar testing using lead at 589nm.

The DigiPol - DS 21 is for raw sugar testing without lead using the NIR package at 880nm.

The DigiPol - DS 41 has two wavelength 589nm visible and 880nm NIR for both with and without sugar testing with automatic wavelength changeover.

DigiPol saccharimeters can be easily configured for measuring any sugar in any length cell.

The saccharimeters are supported by Rudolph Instruments with a range of accessories, and services including sample cells, calibration standards, and calibration services.

การใช้โ้โปรแกรม SPSS for Windows 11.5 ในการวิเคราะห์ค์ความแปรปรวนแบบวัดซ้ํ้ำา และการวิเคราะห์ค์ความแปรปรวนร่ว่วม

การวิเคราะห์ความแปรปรวนเมื่อมีการวัดซ้ำ (Repeated Measures ANOVA)

รายงานการประชุม The 1st Asian NIR Symposium and The 24th Japanese NIR Forum

รายงานการประชุม
The 1st Asian NIR Symposium and The 24th Japanese NIR Forum
10-12 พฤศจิกายน 2551
Tsukuba International Congress Center
Tsukuba city, ประเทศญี่ปุ่น

ugar Determination in Grapes Using NIR Technology

In the last years, the interest in near infrared (NIR) technology is growing. Among the advantages offered by NIR spectroscopy are: speed, low cost, high repeatability, high reproducibility, and nondestructive. The purpose of this paper is to study the possibility of using NIR reflectance spectroscopy for correlation with sugar contents in grapes of the following varieties: Garnacha and Viura. These procedures were performance: fruits were hand-harvested and 30 grapes of each variety were selected. Mass, sugar and NIR (800-2500 nm) reflectance spectra of all the samples were obtained. The harvesting lasted long to obtain a wide range of the sugar content. Data were analysed using SPSS and SAS. It is possible a correlationship between NIR spectra and sugar (°Brix) so we can predict °Brix of grape with NIR technology. Multilinear Regressions were obtained. So, Viura multilinear regression used 33 variables (R² = 0,925; standard error of estimate = 1,0446) and Garnacha, 63 variables (R² = 0,89; standard error of estimate = 1,0508).

source: http://www.springerlink.com/content/bt1j2gbvqyln6awe/

Feasibility study of NIR diffuse optical tomography on agricultural produce

It is desirable to monitor the quality of fresh fruit and vegetables since it benefits both producers, by offering a competitive advantage, and consumers, by improving consistency and hence encouraging a more healthy and varied diet. Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a candidate technology for monitoring agricultural produce quality. Here there has been a recent trend toward transmission-based geometries which interrogates deeper into the sample. NIR tomography is the natural progression of this, offering the possibility of detecting internal defects. The aim of this study was to evaluate a NIR tomograph built from relatively low-cost components. This comprised a stabilised VIS/NIR broadband source; a diode-array NIR spectrometer and a sample turntable. The angular positions of the detector and turntable could be moved independently of each other using two stepper motors under computer control. An experimental approach was adopted to generate a linear 'difference image' reconstruction matrix using 47 mm diameter potato cores, with a nominal length of 65 mm. and a 10 mm diameter black rod acting as an internal absorbing perturbation. The reconstruction matrix was generated for a single wavelength (689 nm) using multiple linear regression and evaluated for the case of two perturbing rods. The reconstructed image was of comparable quality to that typically obtained from other so-called 'soft-field' tomographic techniques. Although conducted under highly simplified conditions, the results suggest NIR tomography has potential for monitoring internal defects in agricultural produce.

source: Postharvest biology and technology

CHEMOMETRIC PROCESSING OF FT-RAMAN AND NEAR-INFRARED SPECTRAL DATA FOR NUTRITIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF CEREAL PRODUCTS

Classification of nutritional components in cereal products based on their relative content of total dietary fiber, fat, protein and sugar was accomplished using two spectroscopic methods, Fourier transform Raman (FT-Raman) and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. FT-Raman spectra (202-3399 cm-1) and NIR spectra (400-2500 nm) of one hundred twenty ground cereal samples were collected and utilized for chemometric analysis. Classification of the samples according to high and low content of each component was attempted using soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) and discriminant partial least squares (PLS) regression. The selection of x-variables (frequency regions) and various preprocessing of the spectral data were investigated to improve the accuracy.

source: http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publications.htm?seq_no_115=179721

Software and Chemometric Products

Middleton Research is collaborating with its US and European partners on unique chemometric software that reduces the calibration sample preparation burden, which is usually the most expensive part of the implementation of infrared and near-infrared process instruments.

The use of NIR spectroscopy for the estimation of properties in agricultural and forest soils from SE Spain