Abstract: A system and method for the management of specimens, and particularly for the management of cryogenically stored biological specimens. The management functions can be performed remotely via the Internet. Management functions include the establishment, dispatch, retrieval, delivery to third parties, disposal, etc., of the samples. Environmental factors of the cryogenic storage means can be controlled, and varying access may be authorised. Data pertaining to the samples may be logged for historical data, analysed, processed in report form, etc. The specimens may be biological specimens, or samples of plants, plant extracts, insects or other samples. The specimens may be stored in ambient, refrigerated, frozen, ultracold, cryogenic or other environmental conditions.

Abstract: To simplify the process of preparing microscope slides, an automatic staining apparatus is disclosed. The disclosed automatic staining apparatus comprises an electromechanical automatic staining device that is coupled to a personal computer system using an interface card. An autostainer control program runs on the personal computer system. The autostainer control program allows a user to simply program the automatic staining apparatus using simple commands entered in the graphical user interface. The autostainer control program includes several features that simplify the programming such as safeguards that ensure compatible reagents are being used; automatic buffer solution requirement calculator; and the ability to determine optimal staining procedure. The electromechanical automatic staining device includes features such as dual waste bins for hazardous and nonhazardous waste storage, an automatic dispenser cleansing system; and a slide clip that minimizes capillary effect.

Abstract: A control device for a vehicle engine includes a memory unit for storing engine configuration parameters, a processing unit for sending control signals to the engine in accordance with the configuration parameters, and an input/output unit connectible to an external computer to modify the configuration parameters. The control device includes a first portion and a second portion of the memory unit, with each portion being alternately used in an active state for storing a current version of the configuration parameters or in an inactive state for the writing of a new version of the configuration parameters. The processing unit accesses the portion which is in the active state for reading, and the input/output unit accesses the portion which is in the inactive state for writing. An interconnection unit selectively switches one of the portions to the active state and the other of the portions to the inactive state.

Abstract: The invention can be described as a Method Handler (MH), which consists of several parts used to check and create different methods for microfluidic instruments. The part that creates methods can be called the Method Editor (ME). It is used to create a scheme of operations that together with the instrument builds up an application for a specific disc type. MH also checks if a method is executable on a specific instrument. This is done in a part called Batch Run (BR).

Abstract: A process for providing a real-time estimation of in-cylinder NOx production rates during a combustion process in an internal combustion engine. The process employs a model that takes into account fundamental in-cylinder variables such as temperature, pressure and oxygen content. The process can be used with calibrated or uncalibrated internal combustion engines and can be used to capture the effects in variations of engine speed, engine torque, EGR, injection timing, and engine boost levels.

Abstract: An optical scanning system adapted to physically adjust scanner settings in response to control feature readings is disclosed. The scanner and methodology finds particular use in reading of biopolymer arrays. The system may operate in any of a number of ways such that optimal data from scans is obtained. It may also be possible to use the system as a tool to aid in manufacture of arrays by providing feedback to a manufacturer regarding the signal produce for a given batch of samples tested.

Abstract: An analyzing apparatus 1, such as a fluorescence X-ray analyzer, being able to analyze samples automatically, by transferring the samples into an analysis chamber, sequentially, comprising: an interruption recover device 11 for automatically turning on an electric power supply for the analyzing apparatus, when electricity is re-established after interruption thereof; and a data processing computer 2, being connected through the uninterruptible power source 3 to an electric power source, wherein, the data processing computer 2 includes function for temporality memorizing analysis information of the automatic analyzing apparatus when the interruption of electricity occurs, and function for supplying electricity to the analyzing apparatus 1 through the interruption recover device 11 and also for re-starting the analysis of the samples upon the basis of the memorized analysis information at the time when the interruption occurs, when the electricity is recovered, thereby being suitable for unmanned operation ther

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing parallel asynchronous testing of a plurality of optical modules utilizes state machines that may be implemented in a common controller. Desired optical tests are selected by an operator. The invention determines if a testing process or instrument required for the selected optical tests is available. A COM port may also be locked for each of the selected optical tests from among a plurality of COM ports to prevent interference between different tests. By reserving resources such as COM ports and testing instruments in this fashion the invention may asynchronously initiate execution of the selected optical tests. If a resource such as a COM port, testing process or instrument is not currently available, the test is place in COM port and testing queues to await availability of that resource. Once a test is completed, the resource is unlocked so that one of the state machines may asynchronously initiate another test.

Abstract: A sample dispensing apparatus is realized which can detect a dispensing abnormality occurred during the sample dispensing operation regardless of the type and the extent of the abnormality. A pressure sensor is connected to a dispensing flow passage system, including a sample probe and a dispensing syringe, and a plurality of output values of the pressure sensor during the sample dispensing operation are taken in. A multi-item analysis (based on the Mahalanobis distance) is carried out by using, as items, the plurality of taken-in output values of the pressure sensor. Whether the dispensing is normally performed or not is determined by comparing an analysis result with a threshold. A highly reliable determination result is obtained in spite of variations of sensitivity of the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A superconducting radiation detector uses the abruptness of a superconducting transition edge, converts a slight heat generated by an X-ray into a high signal current, and uses an electrothermal self-feedback mechanism, thereby having a high energy resolution and a high counting rate. In a calorimeter that includes an absorber for absorbing X-rays, a resistor provided under the absorber, a resistance value thereof being changed by heat generated in the absorber, superconducting wires connecting the resistor and an external current detector, and a membrane on which the resistor is superimposed, the resistor being constituted by a superconductor, the calorimeter allowing Joule heat generated by steadily flowing a current in the resistor and the heat generated in the absorber to be thermally balanced and transfer in the membrane, an insulating film is provided between the resistor and the absorber, the film having a hole penetrating the film in the thickness direction.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a pump that is subject to variations in flow rate based on inlet pressure variations, such as a peristaltic pump found in medical instruments. The pressure at the inlet of the pump is measured and recorded during prior uses of the pump. A mean or average inlet pressure is derived from the measurements, either directly or indirectly from the measurements of using regression techniques, as a way of forecasting the inlet pressure during the next use of the pump. The pump is then calibrated at an inlet pressure that is set or adjusted to match the mean or average inlet pressure. The calibration is thus accurately performed for the pump, and is independent of the absolute accuracy of the inlet pressure sensor.

Abstract: A calorimeter that includes a sample cell, a reference cell, a pressure system that applies a variable pressure to the sample cell, and a pressure controller that controls the pressure applied by the pressure system to the sample cell. By applying identical pressure perturbations to both the sample and reference cells over a range of temperatures, the calorimeter can be used to accurately calculate both the thermal coefficient of expansion of various substances, and the volume change of molecules undergoing a structural transition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computational method for predicting a desired property and/or performance of polymers, and/or identifying and designing polymers that provide said desired property and/or performance, wherein the desired property can be provided by the neat, undiluted polymers, or diluted polymers in a composition. The method is a QSAR approach wherein the descriptors used are structural descriptors which are experimentally generated and/or derived from one or more analytical methods.

Abstract: A method and system for inferring airborne contaminant concentrations in rooms without contaminant sensors, based on data collected by contaminant sensors in other rooms of a building, using known airflow interconnectivity data. The method solves a least squares problem that minimizes the difference between measured and predicted contaminant sensor concentrations with respect to an unknown contaminant release time. Solutions are constrained to providing non-negative initial contaminant concentrations in all rooms. The method can be used to identify a near-optimal distribution of sensors within the building, when then number of available sensors is less than the total number of rooms. This is achieved by having a system-sensor matrix that is non-singular, and by selecting that distribution which yields the lowest condition number of all the distributions considered. The method can predict one or more contaminant initial release points from the collected data.

Abstract: A particle analyzer includes a detecting section for detecting at least two kinds of parameters from a plurality of particles included in a sample, the two kinds of parameters representing characteristics of each particle, a processing section for processing the parameters detected by the detecting section; and an output section for outputting a result processed by the processing section, wherein the processing section includes a distribution chart creating section for creating a scattergram of the particles based on the detected parameters, a region presetting section for presetting a particle distribution region in the created scattergram, and a classifying section for calculating a classifying line corresponding to a particle distribution state in the preset particle distribution region and for classifying the particles on the scattergram by the calculated classifying line.

Abstract: A phase-resolved functional optical coherence tomography system simultaneously obtains the Stokes vectors, structure, blood flow velocity, standard deviation, and birefringence images in human skin. The multifunctional images were obtained by processing the analytical interference fringe signals derived from the two perpendicular polarization detection channels. The blood flow velocity and standard deviation images were obtained by comparing the phase from the pairs of analytical signals in the neighboring A-lines in the same polarization state. The Stokes vectors were obtained by processing the analytical signals from two polarization diversity detection channels for the same reference polarization state. From the four Stokes vectors, the birefringence image, which is insensitive to the orientations of the optical axis in the sample, was obtained. Multifunctional images of a port wine stain birthmark in human skin are demonstrated.

Abstract: Methods, program product, and apparatus are provided for implementing a blood glucose meter that will remind the user to test his or her blood glucose after a programmable wait when a hypoglycemic event is detected. Diabetics frequently have a “rebound” hyperglycemic event (high blood glucose) occur as a result of a hypoglycemic event (low blood glucose). The disclosed invention allows the user to program the meter with a waiting period which he or she determines is appropriate to wait following a low blood glucose reading. At the end of this period, the meter will alert the user by way of an audible or tactile warning.

Abstract: A method is provided for displaying chromatographic data using a graphical user interface. This method is preferably implemented as a software package which takes chromatographic data generated by varying fluorescence levels in a sample.

Abstract: Provided herein is a device for altering a biological membrane in an individual comprising a means for delivering energy to the surface of said biological membrane; a means for monitoring a physiological state of said biological membrane during delivery of said energy; a means for modulating delivery of said energy to said biological membrane wherein said modulating is in response to a change in said monitored physiological state; and a housing means for said device. Also provided is a device to control the permeation of substance across a biological membrane and methods for use of these devices.

Abstract: A public health threat surveillance system. Remote sensing devices, each including a sensor collect information related to the presence of hazardous agents, e.g., for detecting a bio-toxin. The sensing devices format collected information in a wireless message protocol, e.g., short message service (SMS) and send formatted information. The remote sensing devices may include any adapted (i.e., with a sensor) typical wireless communications device, e.g., a cell phone, a wireless enabled PDA, notebook computer or tablet computer. A health alert processing center (HAPC) receives wireless protocol messages with the hazardous agent information. The HAPC aggregates data from collected SMS messages and selectively distributes response information, e.g., to a higher level HAPC and/or selected connected wireless devices.

Abstract: A measuring system for determining physical and chemical properties of gases, liquids and solids includes a computing unit which is coupled with at least one sensor by means of a high capacity communications network. The system eliminates the need for dedicated cabling between the sensor and the computing unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining concentrations of hemoglobins includes a light source for emitting lights of at least three different wavelengths, a first wavelength in a near-infrared region, a second wavelength in a red region, and a third wavelength in a red orange region, light receiving device for receiving light emitted by the light source, transmitted through a living tissue or reflected by the living tissue, attenuation ratio processing device for processing attenuation ratios between the wavelengths in accordance with variations of received-light output signals in each of the wavelengths output from the light receiving device, the variations are caused by a pulsation of blood and concentration ratio processing device for processing concentration ratios of at least oxyhemoglobin and methemoglobin based on the output signals from the attenuation ratio processing device.

Abstract: A method of predicting by non-invasive testing the available energy of a battery at any state of charge by acquiring data of the parameters of internal resistance (IR), open circuit voltage (OCV) and temperature (T), the points of voltage and current of the slope on a positive current ramp of Vup and Iup at the transition from charge to overcharge and on a negative current ramp of Vdn and Idn at the transition from overcharge to charge for a plurality of batteries. Next an algorithm in the form of a linear equation is developed using this data. The available energy of a battery under test is predicted by acquiring from it the numerical data values of these parameters and applying them to the algorithm.

Abstract: System and process for performing complex reactions such as protein sequencing using small volumes and amounts of reagents, the system in part comprising the use of rotary type selector-switching value combinations.

Abstract: Provided is an analyte monitoring device having a housing, the device comprising: a plurality of needles, each having a tip, a retracted position, a position wherein the tip is extended from the housing a distance adapted to pierce skin; an electrically or spring powered needle pushing apparatus movable to separately engage each of the needles to move each from the retracted position to the extended position; an energy source located within the housing; a plurality of analysis sites comprising an analysis preparation, each adapted to receive liquid from the needles to wet the analysis preparation; one or more light sources adapted to direct light at the analysis sites; one or more light detectors adapted to receive light from the analysis sites; and a processor.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer which includes a storage means which stores test order information, a first identification means which reads sample identification information, a work list preparing means which prepares a work list on the basis of the sample identification information, a loading order determination means which determines the order in which sample cups and reaction cups are loaded from the work list, a second identification means which automatically reads specification component information and a collating means which compares the specific component information with the work list.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatable measuring, cleaning and/or calibrating device for electrodes for measuring pH values or redox potentials, in particular in process technology, with a measuring transducer (8) that has a programmable process computer for executing process steps, and with a control unit (10) that has a plurality of actuators (44) and/or signal inputs (42) and/or signal outputs (40).

Abstract: The operation of a fossil-fueled thermal system is quantified by obtaining an unusually accurate boiler efficiency. Such a boiler efficiency is dependent on the calorimetric temperature at which the fuel's heating value is determined. This dependency affects the major thermodynamic terms comprising boiler efficiency.

Abstract: A technique for automatically analyzing mass spectrographic data from mixtures of chemical compounds has a series of screens designed to eliminate or reduce incorrect peak identifications due to background noise, system resolution, system contamination, multiply charged ions and isotope substitutions. With such a technique, mass spectrograph data analysis may be greatly simplified by the identification of probable spurious signals, and analysis will become simpler and more accurate.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the daily operating performance parameters for water treatment processes through the collection of localized data. The data is manipulated to generate preconfigured performance, maintenance, and quality assurance reports and further provide automatic submission of data as required for regulatory review of certain water treatment systems such as potable water treatment. The data is collected from sensors located at an equipment site and transferred to a remote computer located by use of the Internet, further all data received and used for generation of reports is also accessible by Internet connection and be delivered directly to the regulatory agency without additional process.

Abstract: The invention can be described as a Method Handler (MH), which consists of several parts used to check and create different methods for microfluidic instruments. The part that creates methods can be called the Method Editor (ME). It is used to create a scheme of operations that together with the instrument builds up an application for a specific disc type. MH also checks if a method is executable on a specific instrument. This is done in a part called Batch Run (BR).

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining the oxidative stability of pure lipids or lipids incorporated into complex matrices containing other, non-lipid ingredients. An exemplary test system includes a first container adapted to contain the sample and a heater for heating the sample to make it give off an effluent gas. A second container contains a collection fluid through which the effluent gas can be passed. A sensor within the second container measures pH, acetate, ammonia, and/or formate. An optional computation device in communication with the one or more sensors determines a point in time at which the level of one of pH, acetate, formate and/or ammonia changes suddenly.

Abstract: A modular materials characterization apparatus includes a sensor array disposed on a substrate, with a standardized array and contact pad format; electronic test and measurement apparatus for sending electrical signals to and receiving electrical signals from the sensor array; an apparatus for making electrical contact to the sensors in the standardized array format; an apparatus for routing signals between one or more selected sensors and the electronic test and measurement apparatus and a computer including a computer readable having a computer program recorded therein for controlling the operator of the apparatus. The sensor array is preferably arranged in a standardized format used in combinatorial chemistry applications for rapid deposition of sample materials on the sensor array.

Abstract: A process chamber with a computer system that controls the process chamber is connected to one or more spectrometers. The spectrometers may be part of an interferometer or may be an optical emission spectrometer. The spectrometers may be CCD or photodiode arrays of 2,048 elements. An input board forms part of the computer system and is directly connected to the spectrometers. The input board provides data from the spectrometers to dual port memory, which is directly accessible to the CPU of the computer system. The use of a state machine and adder on the input board allows computation and placement of the data from the spectrometers on to the dual port memory, so that the CPU is not needed for such placement.

Abstract: The present teachings describe a solubility prediction approach that is based, in part, upon quantitative-structure property relationships (QSPR). In various embodiments, the solubility prediction methodology comprises identifying a reduced descriptor set from which a solubility equation is derived. The descriptors used in the solubility equation are based upon simplified structural and molecular features which facilitate researcher understanding and solubility model refinement. Moreover, the present teachings provide solubility prediction relationships that may be used to rapidly screen large libraries or collections of compounds.

Abstract: There are provided a fumigation determination apparatus, a fumigation determination method, and a storage medium, which facilitates determination as to whether or fumigation of exhibits is permitted. Fumigation schedule table-producing produces a fumigation schedule table showing a schedule for fumigation. Fumigation suitability management information-producing produces fumigation suitability management information, by adding fumigation suitability information indicative of whether or not the fumigation is permitted to exhibit management information for managing exhibits. Fumigation suitability determination determines whether or not the fumigation is permitted, by using the above produced fumigation suitability management information and fumigation schedule table. Determination result output outputs results of determination made by the fumigation suitability determination.

Abstract: A method for appropriately managing quality and distribution of probe carrier is provided. Probe carriers manufactured by a probe carrier manufacturing apparatus having ejecting portions for ejecting probe solutions, each containing a probe which can be specifically coupled with a target substance, for applying the probe solution on a carrier, and a plurality of probe tanks storing mutually different probe solutions for supplying ejecting portions. Each probe tanks are labeled with the bar-code. The labeled bar-code is read by the bar-code reader. On the basis of the read bar-code, the probe solution stored in the probe tank is identified. On the other hand, the probe tank is mounted on the ejecting portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for occupant classification in a vehicle, which together with a respective CO2 sensor serves to perform an occupant classification. Both the CO2 content and the profile over time of the signals are used for occupant classification. The CO2 sensors are advantageously arranged in front of the respective persons, making possible a simple measurement. The CO2 sensor can also be used in each case with a further different sensor for occupant classification, and here in particular for plausibility (testing). A processor that evaluates the signals from the CO2 sensors cyclically polls the CO2 sensors. For plausibility, the signals from all CO2 sensors present in the passenger compartment can also be taken into account.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controlling the amount of water in the vapor of multiple zones of a calcination or oxidation operation have been developed. The process begins with calibration of a vessel housing a capacitance probe. The level of water in a vessel housing the capacitance probe is adjusted so as to immerse from about 5 to about 15 percent of the probe and measuring and recording an initial capacitance, CI. A measured amount of vapor is passed through a condenser, the condensed water is conducted to the vessel and a final capacitance, CF, is measured and recorded. The change in capacitance is calculated, &Dgr;C=(CF−CI), and the difference, &Dgr;C, is used along with the calibration to determine the amount of water condensed. With the amount of water condensed and the measured amount of vapor passed through the vessel, the amount of water in the vapor may be readily calculated.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining concentrations of hemoglobins includes a light source for emitting lights of at least three different wavelengths, a first wavelength in a near-infrared region, a second wavelength in a red region, and a third wavelength in a red orange region, light receiving device for receiving light emitted by the light source, transmitted through a living tissue or reflected by the living tissue, attenuation ratio processing device for processing attenuation ratios between the wavelengths in accordance with variations of received-light output signals in each of the wavelengths output from the light receiving device, the variations are caused by a pulsation of blood and concentration ratio processing device for processing concentration ratios of at least oxyhemoglobin and methemoglobin based on the output signals from the attenuation ratio processing device.

Abstract: A modular vial autosampler has a storage area for vials containing samples to be analyzed and at least one modular sampling station. A vial transfer mechanism includes an arm having a gripper that lifts a sample vial from the storage section, and the arm moves it to a station for identification and then to a sampling station, and under central control activates the sampling station for obtaining a sample for analysis. The vial transfer mechanism gripper is movable in X, Y, and Z directions to capture and move a selected vial and includes an alignment guide for the vials. Potentiometers are used for providing signals indicating arm position and the control is provided with updated information for calibration of the potentiometers and also updated position information for the arm relative to a fixed home position is obtained.

Abstract: A vapor sensing device that is sufficiently small and lightweight to be handheld, and also modular so as to allow the device to be conveniently adapted for use in sensing the presence and concentration of a wide variety of specified vapors. The device provides these benefits using a sensor module that incorporates a sample chamber and a plurality of sensors located on a chip releasably carried within or adjacent to the sample chamber. Optionally, the sensor module can be configured to be releasably plugged into a receptacle formed in the device. Vapors are directed to pass through the sample chamber, whereupon the sensors provide a distinct combination of electrical signals in response to each. The sensors of the sensor module can take the form of chemically sensitive resistors having resistances that vary according to the identity and concentration of an adjacent vapor.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining concentrations of hemoglobins additionally uses a light source 3 which emits light of a third wavelength in an orangy red wavelength region of 590 to 660 nm. The apparatus includes light receiving means 6 for receiving lights that are emitted by the light sources and transmitted through or reflected by a living tissue, attenuation ratio processing means 15 for processing attenuation ratios &PHgr; on the wavelengths based on variations of signals associated with the wavelengths output from the light receiving means, which variations are caused by a pulsation of blood, and concentration ratio processing means 16 for processing concentration ratios of at least oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin and carboxyhemoglobin based on the output signals from the attenuation ratio processing means. The apparatus thus constructed can properly measure carboxyhemoglobin COHb, and present its concentration display and an alarm display in a simple manner, which is clinically effective.

Abstract: A blood processor is provided with a computer and memory, and external to the blood processor there is provided a general purpose computer system programmed with a convenient interface for creating scripts; the general purpose computer system translates the scripts into custom interpretive code adapted for processing by the computer in the blood processor, and the code is written into the memory of the blood processor via the computer in the blood processor.

Abstract: A remote emissions sensing system and method for sensing exhaust emissions from motor vehicles is provided where the system determines the opacity of an exhaust plume. The system comprises a radiation source that emits radiation which is passed through the exhaust plume of a motor vehicle to one or more detectors arranged to receive the radiation. A processor calculates the difference between the intensity of source radiation and the intensity of the radiation received by the detectors in first and second detection bands. The intensity difference in the second detection band measures exhaust opacity. If the exhaust opacity exceeds a predetermined level, the emissions data from other detection bands may be flagged as suspect or discarded. Alternatively, for a diesel powered vehicle, the exhaust opacity determination can be validated by a measurement of carbon monoxide in the exhaust plume.

Abstract: A method for making a model for the folded structure of a set of proteins from an evolutionary analysis of a set of aligned homologous protein sequences was claimed in Ser. No. 07/857,224. The instant application concerns methods for using these models. The first method is used to confirm or deny a hypothesis that two proteins are homologous, and is comprised of comparing a predicted structure model for one family of proteins with a predicted structure model for a second family of proteins, or an experimental structure for the second family, and deducing the presence or absence of homology based on the presence or absence of structural similarity flanking key residue motifs in the polypeptide sequence.

Abstract: In a process for titrating substances by adding increments of a titrant in time intervals, the course of the reaction is monitored in its approach toward the end point (EP), and the addition of titrant is controlled. At least one differential component is determined from the course of the reaction and used for controlling the addition of titrant. The process can be performed by an apparatus that includes a delivery unit for the titrant and suitable devices for performing the monitoring, differentiating and control functions.

Abstract: A method is provided for displaying chromatographic data using a graphical user interface. This method is preferably implemented as a software package which takes chromatographic data generated by varying fluorescence levels in a sample.

Abstract: To simplify the process of preparing microscope slides, an automatic staining apparatus is disclosed. The disclosed automatic staining apparatus comprises an electromechanical automatic staining device that is coupled to a personal computer system using an interface card. An autostainer control program runs on the personal computer system. The autostainer control program allows a user to simply program the automatic staining apparatus using simple commands entered in the graphical user interface. The autostainer control program includes several features that simplify the programming such as safeguards that ensure compatible reagents are being used; automatic buffer solution requirement calculator; and the ability to determine optimal staining procedure. The electromechanical automatic staining device includes features such as dual waste bins for hazardous and nonhazardous waste storage, an automatic dispenser cleansing system; and slide clip that minimizes capillary effect.

Abstract: There are provided a fumigation determination apparatus, a fumigation determination method, and a storage medium, which facilitates determination as to whether or fumigation of exhibits is permitted. Fumigation schedule table-producing means produces a fumigation schedule table showing a schedule for fumigation. Fumigation suitability management information-producing means produces fumigation suitability management information, by adding fumigation suitability information indicative of whether or not the fumigation is permitted to exhibit management information for managing exhibits. Fumigation suitability determination means determines whether or not the fumigation is permitted, by using the above produced fumigation suitability management information and fumigation schedule table. Determination result output means outputs results of determination made by the fumigation suitability determination means.