Abstract: Methods for the rapid detection of the presence or absence of Malaria parasites (including Plasmodium) in a biological or non-biological sample are described. The methods can include performing an amplifying step, a hybridizing step, and a detecting step. Additionally, the assay can be a multiplex assay, to amplify and detect a plurality of Plasmodium targets simultaneously, which offers advantages over singleplex assays. Furthermore, oligonucleotide primers and oligonucleotide probes targeting Malaria parasites (including Plasmodium) and kits are provided that are designed for the detection of Plasmodium, including, but not limited to, the Plasmodium species of P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. knowlesi, and P. malariae. Also described are kits, reaction mixtures, and oligonucleotides (e.g., primer and probe) for the amplification and detection of Malaria parasites (including Plasmodium).

Abstract: A wearable audio apparatus used to support multiple audio components, namely, microphones. The audio apparatus can have a single housing that contains the multiple audio components, or can have multiple housings that contain individual audio components. The housing can be easily worn by a user, such as by coupling to a headset, ear mount/hook, user's clothing, or user's body. The microphones can be acoustically matched for rapid swapping without requiring a separate audio setup. The audio components can be mounted astride, offset or near one another in the audio apparatus. The audio components can also be separately wired so that each audio component can be independently activated.

Abstract: A wearable audio apparatus used to support multiple audio components, namely, microphones. The audio apparatus can have a housing that contains the multiple microphones. The housing can be easily worn by a user, such as by coupling to a headset, ear mount/hook, user's clothing, or user's body. The microphones can be acoustically matched for rapid swapping without requiring a separate audio setup. The audio components can be mounted astride or near one another in the audio apparatus. The audio components can also be separately wired so that each audio component can be independently activated.

Abstract: An audio connector that has enhanced strain protection. Advantageously, the strain protection can be provided integral with the audio connector. In one embodiment, an audio connector includes an outer shell configured to connect to an audio system, an inner shell coupled to the outer shell, and a strain release member coupled to the inner shell. The strain release member can have a forward portion coupled to the inner shell and having a rearward portion extending rearward. The audio connector can also include a cable that can be secured to the rearward portion of the structural post.

Abstract: A wearable audio apparatus used to support multiple audio components, namely, microphones. The audio apparatus can have a single housing that contains the multiple audio components, or can have multiple housings that contain individual audio components. The housing can be easily worn by a user, such as by coupling to a headset, ear mount/hook, user's clothing, or user's body. The microphones can be acoustically matched for rapid swapping without requiring a separate audio setup. The audio components can be mounted astride, offset or near one another in the audio apparatus. The audio components can also be separately wired so that each audio component can be independently activated.

Abstract: An audio connector that has enhanced strain protection. Advantageously, the strain protection can be provided integral with the audio connector. In one embodiment, an audio connector includes an outer shell configured to connect to an audio system, an inner shell coupled to the outer shell, and a strain release member (e.g., structural post) coupled to the inner shell. The strain release member can have a forward portion coupled to the inner shell and having a rearward portion extending rearward. The audio connector can also include a cable that can be secured to the rearward portion of the structural post.

Abstract: A wearable audio apparatus used to support multiple audio components, namely, microphones. The audio apparatus can have a housing that contains the multiple microphones. The housing can be easily worn by a user, such as by coupling to a headset, ear mount/hook, user's clothing, or user's body. The microphones can be acoustically matched for rapid swapping without requiring a separate audio setup. The audio components can be mounted astride or near one another in the audio apparatus. The audio components can also be separately wired so that each audio component can be independently activated.

Abstract: An ear mount that is used to support one or more audio components proximate to a user's ear or head is disclosed. The ear mount can include one or more wire grooves to secure wires and/or the one or more audio components. The ear mount can be malleable so its shape can be customized for a given user. The ear mount can also be length alterable for customization of its size as well as placement of audio components. The ear mount also facilitates rapid setup and/or alteration for individual users whereby different audio components and/or their placement can be customized. The ear mount can also be colored or camouflaged to match the user's skin or clothing.

Abstract: An ear mount that is used to support one or more audio components proximate to a user's ear or head is disclosed. The ear mount can include one or more wire grooves to secure wires and/or the one or more audio components. The ear mount can be malleable so its shape can be customized for a given user. The ear mount can also be length alterable for customization of its size as well as placement of audio components. The ear mount also facilitates rapid setup and/or alteration for individual users whereby different audio components and/or their placement can be customized. The ear mount can also be colored or camouflaged to match the user's skin or clothing.

Abstract: An ear mount that is used to support one or more audio components proximate to a user's ear or head is disclosed. The ear mount can include one or more wire grooves to secure wires and/or the one or more audio components. The ear mount can be malleable so its shape can be customized for a given user. The ear mount can also be length alterable for customization of its size as well as placement of audio components. The ear mount also facilitates rapid setup and/or alteration for individual users whereby different audio components and/or their placement can be customized. The ear mount can also be colored or camouflaged to match the user's skin or clothing.

Abstract: An ear mount that is used to support one or more audio components proximate to a user's ear or head is disclosed. The ear mount can include one or more wire grooves to secure wires and/or the one or more audio components. The ear mount can be malleable so its shape can be customized for a given user. The ear mount can also be length alterable for customization of its size as well as placement of audio components. The ear mount also facilitates rapid setup and/or alteration for individual users whereby different audio components and/or their placement can be customized. The ear mount can also be colored or camouflaged to match the user's skin or clothing.

Abstract: An audio headset includes a support structure, one or more audio feed wires, one or more ear buds or other single ear speakers coupled thereto, and one or more ear guides adapted to be worn about the ear(s) of an individual user. The ear guide(s) include groove(s) running therethrough that contain the audio feed wire(s) for the speaker(s), such that each respective speaker dangles from its ear guide thereby. Groove(s) can also contain part of the support structure, and the ear guide(s) may extend beyond the ear regions to the point of meeting each other. Each speaker can be removed from and replaced to the ear of the user independently while the headset is being worn without requiring movement or adjustment of the support structure or ear guide.

Abstract: An audio headset includes a support structure, one or more audio feed wires, one or more ear buds or other single ear speakers coupled thereto, and one or more ear guides adapted to be worn about the ear(s) of an individual user. The ear guide(s) include groove(s) running therethrough that contain the audio feed wire(s) for the speaker(s), such that each respective speaker dangles from its ear guide thereby. Groove(s) can also contain part of the support structure, and the ear guide(s) may extend beyond the ear regions to the point of meeting each other. Each speaker can be removed from and replaced to the ear of the user independently while the headset is being worn without requiring movement or adjustment of the support structure or ear guide.