Abstract: A method of measuring the number of bacteria according to the present invention includes step (a) through step (d). First, in step (a), a to-be-measured sample (specimen) including a predetermined bacterial strain (such as Escherichia coli or coliform bacteria) is added to a predetermined medium (such as a medium used for a specific enzyme substrate culture medium method). In step (b), a current value flowing through the medium added with the sample is measured with an oxygen electrode at a predetermined temperature and at a predetermined constant voltage. In step (c), time required is measured for the current value that has decreased temporarily after starting the measurement of step (b) to increase thereafter to exceed a predetermined threshold value. In step (d), the initial number of bacteria of the bacterial strain included in the sample is calculated based on the time required.

Abstract: A method of measuring the number of bacteria according to the present invention includes step (a) through step (d). First, in step (a), a to-be-measured sample (specimen) including a predetermined bacterial strain (such as Escherichia coli or coliform bacteria) is added to a predetermined medium (such as a medium used for a specific enzyme substrate culture medium method). In step (b), a current value flowing through the medium added with the sample is measured with an oxygen electrode at a predetermined temperature and at a predetermined constant voltage. In step (c), time required is measured for the current value that has decreased temporarily after starting the measurement of step (b) to increase thereafter to exceed a predetermined threshold value. In step (d), the initial number of bacteria of the bacterial strain included in the sample is calculated based on the time required.

Abstract: Various settings used in a process proceeding in line with a flow chart are reset. An oxygen current is measured. A slope of the oxygen current is obtained. A determination is made as to whether or not the slope can be considered to become stable. A first measuring time is determined. In order to determine the stability of the slope, the oxygen current is sequentially measured and the slope of the oxygen current is updated until the slope is determined to become stable. When the slope is determined to become stable, the first measuring time is determined. When the slope is not determined to become stable, the oxygen current is further measured.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for determining the drug sensitivity of a microbe which comprises pouring a microbial suspension into each of the compartments or wells at a position which is in the vicinity of an electrode for measuring dissolved oxygen concentration, measuring current from each electrode at a second time interval for a third time period, each time is obtained based upon each of the measured currents at which the maximum current is obtained, obtaining each current value within a fourth time period which starts from the time at which the maximum current is obtained, detecting drug sensitivity based upon the variation condition of each current value during the fourth time period. The method allows rapid drug susceptibility measurements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus wherein measurement current values output from a first oxygen sensor and a second oxygen sensor are time sequentially measured. Each moving average value is calculated from each sequential measurement current value. Each time differential value is calculated from the pair of each calculated moving average values, by least squares approximation. Then, drug susceptibility is measured based upon each calculated time differential value, so that drug the susceptibility measurement is performed quickly or accurately.

Abstract: A method of constructing a calibration curve in a determination of microbial counts is provided. An immunoassay of the present invention is characterized in that samples of a specimen material are prepared so that microbial counts therein are altered.

Abstract: Measurement current values output from a first oxygen sensor, a second oxygen sensor are time sequentially held, respectively, each moving average value is calculated from each time sequentially held measurement current values, each timely differential values is calculated from the pair of each calculated moving average value, by the least squares approximation, drug susceptibility is measured based upon each calculated timely differential value, so that drug susceptibility measurement is performed with a short time period and with accuracy.

Abstract: Microbe suspension is poured into each of the cells at a position which is in vicinity to the electrode for measurement of dissolved oxygen concentration, current from each electrode for measurement of dissolved oxygen concentration is measured at a second time interval for a third time period, each time is obtained based upon each of the measured currents at which the maximum current is obtained, each current value within a fourth time period which starts from the time at which the maximum current is obtained, drug sensitivity is detected based upon the variation condition of each current value during the fourth time period, rapid drug susceptibility measurement is realized as well.

Abstract: A propylene resin composition comprising: a polypropylelne having specific physical properties, 25.about.40% by weight; a propylene-ethylene block copolymer, 25.about.45% by weight; an ethylene-propylene rubber, 5.about.15% by weight; an ethylene-.alpha.-olefin copolymer, 5-15% by weight; and a talc, 5-30% by weight; is superior in all of the following properties concurrently: rigidity, heat resistance, impact resistance, surface hardness, etc.; and is suited for use in machine parts such as automobile parts; electric and electronic parts; packaging materials, engineering plastic substitutes, etc.