Abstract: A microfluidic multiple channel particle analysis system which allows particles from a plurality of particle sources to be independently simultaneously entrained in a corresponding plurality of fluid streams for analysis and sorting into particle subpopulations based upon one or more particle characteristics.

Abstract: A portable environmental testing system for environmental testing with particulate matter, such as sand and dust, is disclosed. The components of the system are largely contained within a modular container, such as an intermodal shipping container. The testing system uses a feeder to feed precise amounts of particulate matter into an injector, which injects the particulate matter into an airflow that leads to a nozzle assembly. The airflow itself is generated by a compressed air system. The material input station, for inputting particulate matter, includes operator protection features, like a negative draw fan. The system may be provided with wheels and a tow bar.

Abstract: The system and cuvette insert is disclosed where the insert has a top surface that includes a first and second vertical channel opening. A first vertical channel extends downwardly from the first vertical channel opening and a second vertical channel extending from the second vertical channel opening. The insert also has a side wall into which the viewing chamber is formed. The viewing chamber has an upper viewing chamber wall and a lower viewing chamber wall. These walls define the viewing chamber and may be substantially parallel to the floor of the cuvette into which the insert is inserted. At the end of the viewing chamber is a reflecting wall. The viewing chamber has two ends, with one end in fluid connection with the first vertical channel and the other end in fluid connection with the second vertical channel. The fluid connection between the viewing chamber and the first vertical channel may also include a first lateral channel.

Abstract: A wearable device includes a testing portion, the testing portion includes receiving space, a bottom surface defining an opening, an opposite top surface, and a first side surface defining a slot. A white light source is received in the receiving space. A wearable portion of the device is secured to the testing portion and the wearable portion can be placed around a terminal device comprising a camera. The opening faces the camera when the wearable portion is around the terminal device, allowing the camera to capture a standard image of the white light, and capture a wet image of a test paper imbued with user bio-matter when the test paper is inserted into the slot. A biological information of the user, as an indicator of health, is calculated according to a color comparison between the wet image and the standard image.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for identification of a detection event relevant in applications focused on real-time or near real-time reporting in a continuous monitoring application. A controller collects data from a plurality of sensors and compares recent data to background data to determine whether an event has occurred. A system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is considered to have detected an event of interest when at least a specified minimum number of sensors report a detection event at the same time.

Abstract: A resin is irradiated with an infrared ray, and a reflected ray from the resin irradiated with the infrared ray is received. In a reflection or absorption spectrum obtained by the reflected ray, a difference of a reflection intensity in a spectrum between a first wave number band of 1340 cm?1 to 1350 cm?1, inclusive, and a second wave number band of 1300 cm?1 to 1340 cm?1, inclusive, is calculated. It is determined whether or not a specific bromine-based flame retardant is contained in the resin, by using the calculated difference of reflection intensity in the spectrum.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes systems and methods for calibration of an optical sensor package, including setting an initial detection threshold of a detector, gradually increasing a power level of a signal generator that is in communication with a detector to cause a detected power at the detector to exceed the initial detection threshold, storing in a memory a first power level of the signal generator at which the detected power at the detector exceeds the initial detection threshold, and adjusting the initial detection threshold of the detector to an adjusted detection threshold to include a detection buffer amount within the adjusted detection threshold.

Abstract: A portable in-vitro (PIV) diagnostic detector operable to perform a fluorescence assay on a sample in one or more detection chambers of a cartridge is provided. The PIV diagnostic detector comprises a first optical module which includes (i) an LED light source for emitting substantially monochromatic light to illuminate a detection zone associated with at least one detection chamber; (ii) an excitation filter interposed between said light source and said detection zone; (iii) a light detector operable to detect fluorescent light emitted by an excited fluorescent label associated with the sample and to measure an intensity of the fluoresced light; and (iv) an emission filter interposed between said light detector and said detection zone.

Abstract: A fluorescence image analyzer, analyzing method, and pretreatment evaluation method capable of determining with high accuracy whether a sample is positive or negative are provided. A pretreatment part 20 performs pretreatment including a step of labeling a target site with a fluorescent dye to prepare a sample 20a. A fluorescence image analyzer 10 measures and analyzes the sample 20a. The fluorescent image analyzer 10 includes light sources 121 to 124 to irradiate light on the sample 20a, imaging part 154 to capture the fluorescent light given off from the sample 20a irradiated by light, and processing part 11 for processing the fluorescence image captured by the imaging part 154.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an imaging system, including methods and apparatus, with oblique illumination. In an exemplary method of imaging, a sample may be illuminated obliquely with excitation light generated by only a subset of a plurality of light sources mounted to an annular frame. An image may be detected, with the image formed with photoluminescence induced in the sample by the excitation light and received from a central opening of the annular frame.

Abstract: Systems and methods for hyperspectral imaging are described. In one implementation, a hyperspectral imaging system includes a sample holder configured to hold a sample, an illumination system, and a detection system. The illumination system includes a light source configured to emit excitation light having one or more wavelengths, and a first set of optical elements that include a first spatial light modulator (SLM), at least one lens, and at least one dispersive element. The illumination system is configured to structure the excitation light into a predetermined two-dimensional pattern at a conjugate plane of a focal plane in the sample, spectrally disperse the structured excitation light in a first lateral direction, and illuminate the sample in an excitation pattern with the one or more wavelengths dispersed in the first lateral direction.

Abstract: An optical emission spectrometry instrument may comprise an inductively coupled plasma generator (ICP) with an electromagnetic coil having input and ground connectors. The electromagnetic coil may be mounted to a mounting disk, and the input connector may be coupled to a power output of a radio frequency power source, and the ground connector may be connected to the mounting disk. A spectro-chemical source may be used for sample excitation. The spectro-chemical source and the ICP may have a longitudinal axis. An optical system may be included for viewing the spectro-chemical source with a fixed view axis. The electromagnetic coil may be mounted pivotably around one of its connectors so that the orientation of the ICP can be altered from a first orientation of its longitudinal axis to a second orientation of its longitudinal axis, and vice versa.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optical confinements, methods of preparing and methods of using them for analyzing molecules and/or monitoring chemical reactions. The apparatus and methods embodied in the present invention are particularly useful for high-throughput and low-cost single-molecular analysis.

Abstract: A method for measuring blood glucose levels by a portable terminal using a strip module is provided. The strip module includes a dye pad having a color that changes in response to a sample applied to the dye pad. The strip module also includes a transparent strip having a first side and a second side. The first side is opposite the second side. The dye pad is mounted on the first side of the transparent strip, and the transparent strip reflects light provided from a light source of a portable terminal located adjacent to the second side and transmits the light to the dye pad.

Abstract: Systems and methods suitable for capable of autonomous crack detection in surfaces by analyzing video of the surface. The systems and methods include the capability to produce a video of the surfaces, the capability to analyze individual frames of the video to obtain surface texture feature data for areas of the surfaces depicted in each of the individual frames, the capability to analyze the surface texture feature data to detect surface texture features in the areas of the surfaces depicted in each of the individual frames, the capability of tracking the motion of the detected surface texture features in the individual frames to produce tracking data, and the capability of using the tracking data to filter non-crack surface texture features from the detected surface texture features in the individual frames.

Abstract: Reflective or embossed regions are supposed to be illuminated as uniformly as possible over the greatest possible angle range for optical inspection using in one aspect an apparatus for inspection having a passive lighting body spotlighted by a spotlight light source, which body illuminates a test region, as well as at least one optical sensor directed at the test region. The lighting body is configured to be partially transmissible, and the optical sensor is disposed, with reference to the test region, optically beyond the lighting body, detecting the test region through the lighting body, and/or the spotlight light source is directed at the lighting body and the lighting body extends continuously over at least 120° in a section plane that stands perpendicular to the surface of the flat items to be tested or inspected.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an inspection device for continuously inspecting fed containers, in particular bottles, said inspection device comprising a feed device configured to feed containers thereto in succession, at least one inspection unit, configured to inspect the fed containers, a discharge conveying device configured to discharge the inspected containers, and a throughput station for the containers, which is arranged between the feed conveying device and the discharge conveying device, wherein the throughput station comprises a conveyor arrangement with an individual drive and a plurality of conveying units, which are movable by means of the individual drive individually and independently of one another, the conveyor arrangement being configured to convey the containers from the feed conveying device to the discharge conveying device.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring flowable substance which has at least three microwave sensor elements arranged at separate locations in a measurement chamber in contact with the flowable substance. The sensor elements operate as at least two transmitter-receiver pairs, which transmit and receive microwave radiation via at last two paths of different lengths, through layers of dirt on the sensor elements and the flowable substance for eliminating an effect of dirt layers on the sensor elements from the measurement result. A signal processing unit has a controller which is configured to control feed of at least one substance which has an effect on the measured value of the flowable substance to the chamber on the basis of the measured value of the desired property of the flowable substance.

Abstract: A system and method for determining moisture content of soil, comprising providing bistatic radar configuration to measure soil reflectivity in UHF and S-band, cross-correlating between Sky-viewed and Earth-viewed signals and reflected signals in order to isolate the reflected signals, and correlating the isolated reflectesd signal to moisture content of the soil.

Abstract: Provided is a radiation phase-contrast imaging device capable of assuredly detecting a self-image and precisely imaging the internal structure of an object. According to the configuration of the present invention, the longitudinal direction of a detection surface of a flat panel detector is inclined with respect to the extending direction of an absorber in a phase grating. This causes variations in the position (phase) of a projected stripe pattern of a self-image at different positions on the detection surface. This is therefore expected to produce the same effects as those obtainable when a plurality of self-images are obtained by performing imaging a plurality of times in such a manner that the position of the projected self-images on the detection surface varies. This alone, however, results in a single self-image phase for a specific region of the object.

Abstract: A method of making a gauge for verifying or calibrating an x-ray computed tomography device positions a first plurality of objects on a first substrate, and a second plurality of objects on a second substrate. The method also certifies the positions of both the first plurality of objects on the first substrate, and the second plurality of objects on the second substrate. After certifying both the first and second plurality of objects, the method couples the first substrate with the second substrate.

Abstract: A method for image reconstruction includes irradiating an object with a beam of radiation from a radiation source, measuring an attenuated portion of the beam, estimating a density of the object, determining a predicted attenuated portion of the beam using the density estimate, and iteratively adjusting the density estimate of the object. The predicted attenuated portion and the measured attenuated portion are compared to determine a signal difference. The density estimate of each portion of the object is adjusted by scaling the density estimate using the average signal differences of rays that intersect the portion of the object. The density estimate may be repeatedly adjusted until a difference between consecutive density estimates is below a selected threshold or a predetermined number of adjustments have been completed. The attenuated portion of the beam may include a scattered portion and a transmitted portion.

Abstract: An integrated portable sample analysis system includes a portable case including an interior panel and a spectrometer subsystem. The spectrometer subsystem includes a flip top spectrometer sample cell including first and second members each including a window aligned with each other when the first and second members are coupled together defining a predefined spacing between the windows when the first and second members are coupled together, the first and second members decoupled for manually placing a fluid sample on a the window. An analyzer behind the interior panel receives the flip top spectrometer sample cell therein when the first and second members are coupled together for analyzing the fluid sample located between the windows by directing radiation through the windows and the fluid sample. The flip top spectrometer sample cell is configured to be withdrawn out of the analyzer for cleaning of the windows.

Abstract: A method of determining the spatial orientation of a two-dimensional detector in an X-ray diffractometry system, and calibrating the detector position in response thereto, uses diffraction patterns from a powder sample collected at a plurality of detector swing angles. The overlapping of the detected patterns indicates relative errors in the detector orientation. In particular, intersection points between the different diffraction patterns may be located, and their relative locations may be used to identify errors. Such errors may be in the detector position, or they may be errors in different rotational directions, such as roll, pitch or yaw. Determination and correction of the detector orientation using this method may be part of a calibration routine for the diffractometry system. Roll error may also be determined using a single measurement with the detector at a swing angle perpendicular to the X-ray beam.

Abstract: A multi-layer arrangement of III-V semiconductor layers includes a strained III-V semiconductor layer having a concentration of a constituent element which effects intensity of a conductive channel formed in the multi-layer arrangement. Lattice parameters of the strained III-V semiconductor layer are determined by generating a first scan in a Qx direction for a chosen reflection in reciprocal space based on diffracted X-Ray beam intensity measurements in the Qx direction. A second scan is generated in a Qz direction for the chosen reflection in the reciprocal space based on diffracted X-Ray beam intensity measurements in the Qz direction. The second scan is aligned with a diffracted X-Ray peak in the first scan which identifies the strained III-V semiconductor layer. The degree of strain of the strained III-V semiconductor layer is determined based on the first scan and the concentration of the constituent element based on the second scan.

Abstract: A crystalline phase contained in a sample is identified, from X-ray diffraction data of the sample which contain data of a plurality of ring-shaped diffraction patterns, using a database in which are registered data related to peak positions and peak intensity ratios of X-ray diffraction patterns for a plurality of crystalline phases. Peak positions and peak intensities for a plurality of the diffraction patterns are detected from the X-ray diffraction data (step 102), and the circumferential angle versus intensity data of the diffraction patterns is created (step 103). The diffraction patterns are grouped into a plurality of clusters on the basis of the circumferential angle versus intensity data (step 105). Crystalline phase candidates contained in the sample are searched from the database on the basis of sets of ratios of peak positions and peak intensities of the diffraction patterns grouped into the same cluster (step 106).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of generating a fingerprint for a gemstone (5), for example a diamond, using x-ray imaging. The fingerprint comprises a three-dimensional map of a crystal or crystals present within the gemstone (5) including internal imperfections of the crystals and may also comprise further information about the gemstone (5).

Abstract: A Talbot imaging apparatus includes a radiation source, a plurality of gratings, a capturing control unit, a radiation detector, a setting unit and an irradiation control unit. The radiation source irradiates radiation. The capturing control unit relatively shifts the plurality of gratings and performs control of capturing a plurality of Moire images of a subject to generate a reconstructed image. The radiation detector acquires a captured Moire image. The setting unit sets a capturing condition for capturing a second and further Moire images by making a capturing result of a first Moire image be a reference, or sets a capturing condition for the plurality of Moire images by making another Moire image captured before capturing the plurality of Moire images be a reference. The irradiation control unit controls irradiation of radiation from the radiation source based on the capturing condition set by the setting unit.

Abstract: A measurement head for making X-ray measurements on drilling fluid includes an inner pipe (30) having a outlet (32) and an outer pipe (34) around the inner pipe. Drilling fluid is pumped through the outlet refreshing the fluid at the outlet. The pump is then stopped. A height sensor (42) is then used to measuring the height of a meniscus of drilling fluid at the outlet (32). An X-ray head (50) including an X-ray source (52) and an X-ray detector (54) is then moved into a reproducible position above the meniscus of fluid above the outlet. The height sensor (42) may be fixed to a movable cover (40), to the X-ray head (50) or to some other part of the measurement head.

Abstract: A method of authenticating an article, the method comprising: reading a label associated with the article, the label comprising article fingerprint information; retrieving, in dependence on the article fingerprint information, an article fingerprint, the fingerprint describing the resonance response of the article to an excitation signal; applying an excitation signal to the article; receiving the resonance response of the article to the excitation signal; comparing the resonance response to the fingerprint; and determining in dependence on the comparison whether the article is authentic.

Abstract: Downhole fluid volumes of a geological formation may be estimated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements, even in organic shale reservoirs. Multi-dimensional NMR measurements, such as two-dimensional NMR measurements and/or, in some cases, one or more well-logging measurements relating to total organic carbon may be used to estimate downhole fluid volumes of hydrocarbons such as bitumen, light hydrocarbon, kerogen, and/or water. Having identified the fluid volumes in this manner or any other suitable manner from the NMR measurements, a reservoir producibility index (RPI) may be generated. The downhole fluid volumes and/or the RPI may be output on a well log to enable an operator to make operational and strategic decisions for well production.

Abstract: A biosensor with a heater embedded therein is provided. A semiconductor substrate comprises a source region and a drain region. The heater is under the semiconductor substrate. A sensing well is over the semiconductor substrate, laterally between the source region and the drain region. A sensing layer lines the sensing well. A method for manufacturing the biosensor is also provided.

Abstract: An environmental sensor and an environmental parameter measurement and prediction method, the environmental sensor comprising: a sensing element configured to sense an instant sensing characteristic value, so as to apply sending; an integrated circuit used for continuously obtaining the instant sensing characteristic value and an instant clock signal and obtaining via calculation an instant environmental parameter, so as to apply storing and outputting. A physical and chemical properties function corresponding to the sensing element is provided for the integrated circuit. Under a prediction model, the integrated circuit utilizes the physical and chemical properties function to conduct prediction calculation to obtain an actual environmental parameter, so as to apply storing and sending according to a current instant environmental parameter and an instant clock signal and at least one set of pre-stored instant environmental parameter and instant clock signal.

Abstract: We disclose a micro-hotplate comprising a substrate comprising an etched portion and a substrate portion and a dielectric region over the substrate. The dielectric region comprises first and second portions. The first portion is adjacent to the etched portion of the substrate and the second portion is adjacent to the substrate portion of the substrate. The micro-hotplate further comprises a heater formed in the dielectric region, and a ring structure formed within and/or over the dielectric region such that the ring structure is coupled with the first and second portions of the dielectric region.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method for fabrication of VOC sensor comprises dissolving one or more metal precursors in a reagent to form a solution, adding a reducing agent to precipitate a metal oxide compound, subjecting the solution to acoustic energy, recovering a nanoscale metal oxide, and forming a sensing layer in a chemo-resistance sensor using the nanoscale metal oxide.

Abstract: We disclose herein an environmental sensor system comprising an environmental sensor comprising a first heater and a second heater in which the first heater is configured to consume a lower power compared to the second heater. The system also comprises a controller coupled with the environmental sensor. The controller is configured to detect if a measured value of a targeted environmental parameter is present. The controller is configured to switch on at least one of the first and second heaters based on the presence and/or result of the measured value of the targeted environmental parameter.

Abstract: A sensor is configured to measure the carbon dioxide concentration in a gas mixture. The sensor has a dielectric layer arranged between a layer-like first electrode and a layer-like second electrode. The second electrode is a composite electrode that has at least one carbonate and/or one phosphate as first material and at least one metal as second material. This sensor can be manufactured by a method comprising applying a layer-like first electrode to a substrate, applying a dielectric layer to the first electrode, and applying a layer-like second electrode to the dielectric layer. The second electrode is applied as a composite electrode that has at least one carbonate and/or one phosphate as first material and has at least one second material that has an electrical conductivity of more than 10-2 S/m.

Abstract: A system is disclosed, the system comprises a diagnostic test strip having a diagnostic end and a meter contacting end, the meter contacting end having at least one identifying feature that distinguishes the meter contacting end from the diagnostic end; a diagnostic meter configured to read information from the meter contacting end of the test strip when the meter contacting end of the test strip is fully inserted in to the meter; and a port in the meter, the port having a gating mechanism configured to identify the meter contacting end and allow the test strip to be fully inserted into the meter only after the gating mechanism identifies the meter contacting end of the test strip as a proper end for insertion.

Abstract: A gas sensor element includes a main body having a solid electrolyte body on which a measurement gas-side electrode and a reference gas-side electrode are provided, a trap layer covering an outer peripheral surface of the main body to trap poisoning substances contained in a measurement gas, and a waterproof protective layer covering an outer peripheral surface of the trap layer. In the protective layer, there is formed at least one measurement gas introduction port for introducing the measurement gas to the measurement gas-side electrode via the trap layer.

Abstract: A structure of an electrochemical unit includes a substrate, a first metal layer disposed on the substrate, and an array of electrochemical cells disposed on the first metal layer. The array of the electrochemical cells includes a plurality of electrochemical cells. Each of the electrochemical cells includes the first metal layer disposed on the substrate, a first electrode disposed on the first metal layer, a polymer layer disposed on the substrate and adjacent to the first metal layer and the first electrode. A second metal layer is disposed on the polymer layer, and a second electrode is disposed on the second metal layer. A pore is constituted between the polymer layers of every the two electrochemical cells. A cavity located above the first electrode is defined between every the two electrochemical cells, wherein the cavity is communicated with the pore.

Abstract: A gas sensor device includes gas sensors and switches. The switches are connected to the respective gas sensors in series. The gas sensors each include: a first conductive layer; a second conductive layer; a metal oxide layer disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer; and an insulation layer covering the first conductive layer, the second conductive layer, and the metal oxide layer and having an opening from which a portion of the second conductive layer is exposed. The resistance of the gas sensor is decreased when a gas containing a hydrogen atom comes into contact with the second conductive layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to organic thin film transistors and the preparation and use thereof in sensing applications, and in particular in glucose sensing applications.

Abstract: Nanochannel arrays that enable high-throughput macromolecular analysis are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of preparing nanochannel arrays and nanofluidic chips. Methods of analyzing macromolecules, such as entire strands of genomic DNA, are also disclosed, as well as systems for carrying out these methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometer for selectively separating at least one kind of material from a mixture containing two or more kinds of materials. A filter included in the spectrometry comprises first—four plate-like electrodes each having a principal plane parallel to a direction from an ionizer toward a filter. The second plate-like electrode is located between the first plate-like electrode and the third plate-like electrode. The third plate-like electrode is located between the second plate-like electrode and the fourth plate-like electrode. The third and fourth plate-like electrodes are electrically connected to the first and second plate-like electrodes, respectively. An interspace is formed between two adjacent plate-like electrodes. The present invention provides a field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometer having high separation ability.

Abstract: A particulate sensor can reduce the amount of floating ions discharged from the interior of a gas introduction pipe to the outside through a gas discharge opening, without providing an auxiliary electrode member which applies to the floating ions a repulsive force toward the gas introduction pipe to thereby assist the collection of the floating ions by the gas introduction pipe. The particulate sensor has an collection member which is connected to a gas introduction pipe to thereby be maintained at a collection potential and is disposed in the interior of the gas introduction pipe to be located between a forward end of the discharge electrode member and a gas discharge opening such that the forward end of the discharge electrode member cannot be visually recognized from the outside of the gas introduction pipe through the gas discharge opening.

Abstract: A method and a device for evaluating the distribution and orientation of ferromagnetic, electrically conductive fibres in a composite material are disclosed. The principle consists in repeatable evaluation of the density of ferromagnetic, electrically conductive fibres at the measured location, and such evaluation is performed within a guaranteed scatter range of the measured data and at a guaranteed accuracy rate. A device to perform the method comprises a C, U or E-shaped ferromagnetic core (1) with distributed or uniform winding of the electric coil (2), where the ferromagnetic core (1) exhibits dimensions A, B, and C, for which we have C?3B and B?A, where A denotes the width of an arm (1.2), B represents the depth of an arm (1.2), and C is the length of the base (1.1).

Abstract: Within the scope of the invention, a device for monitoring the quality of a fuel stored in a fuel tank has been developed. The main field of application is diesel-operated vehicles. The fuel is therefore preferably diesel fuel. The device is defined by the fact that means for determining the boiling point of the fuel are provided. Furthermore, a method for monitoring the quality of a fuel stored in a fuel tank has also been developed within the scope of the invention. The main field of application is diesel-operated vehicles. The fuel is therefore preferably diesel fuel. The method is defined by the fact that the boiling point of the fuel or a deviation of this boiling point from a normal value is measured. During the analysis of real injection pumps which have failed it has been detected that an excessively low boiling point of the fuel can cause the fuel to outgas. As a result, bubbles in which the necessary lubrication is no longer provided locally form in the injection pump.

Abstract: Degradation of a pipe can be easily detected. A piping inspection system 1 includes an excitation unit 100, a wave detection unit 210, and a diagnosis unit 220. The excitation unit 100 excites waves of different wave modes simultaneously at a first position of a pipe 300. The wave detection unit 210 detects the waves of different wave modes at a second position of the pipe 300. The diagnosis unit 220 diagnoses degradation of the pipe 300 based on a velocity of one of the waves of different wave modes, the velocity being calculated by using a detection time difference between the waves of different wave modes.

Abstract: An object information obtaining apparatus includes a signal processing unit configured to obtain weighted optical characteristic information about an object on the basis of feature information about the object obtained by elastography measurement or B-mode image measurement using an elastic wave signal acquired by transmission and reception of elastic waves to and from the object.

Abstract: Provided is a member state evaluation method that makes more highly accurate instantaneous understanding of various states of a member to be tested possible without reliance on the shape of the member, the testing environment, or the skill level of the tester.