Receiving Operating Characteristic

Water distribution systems reliability has typically been studied using single-period simulations of the hydraulic behavior of the system, due to high computational requirements. The aim of this work was to develop and test a framework for the evaluation of mechanical reliability, hydraulic reliability, and firefighting reliability under extended-period simulations. Four functionality functions were proposed to quantify the serviceability of the system under the perturbation scenarios. The functions were tested in five case studies based on real-world networks and compared with the previously developed mechanical reliability estimator (MRE) and hydraulic reliability estimator (HRE), as well as with similar definitions for single-period simulation. Results showed that both MRE and HRE consistently correlate with the supply/ demand ratio functionality, and are easy to compute even in optimization routines. Comparison results with single-period definitions of functionality showed that, on average, evaluating hydraulic conditions at the peak hour works is a good estimation of the extended-period behavior, but in some cases, discrepancies up to 50% can be found.

As large amounts of patient data become increasingly available, apps for predicting clinical outcomes will proliferate. Imagine a scenario where you have an app on your device that seems to answer the clinical question you have, perhaps whether you should place the patient before you on statins or if their disease is more advanced, offer PCI or CABG? You plug in the key variables for your patient and come up with a predicted result. You have heard, correctly, that new AI-based outcome modelling is usually better than that with traditional statistical modelling1. Should you trust the results?

Multi aisle automated storage and retrieval systems correspond to multiple picking aisles served by a single storage and retrieval machine. These systems are used in practice when the need for pallet places is high and the throughput capacity is relatively low. Therefore, considerable savings of initial investment costs due to single aisle systems can be achieved using such systems. The objective of the presented study is to develop analytical travel time models for multi aisle automated storage and retrieval systems considering the operating characteristics of the storage and retrieval machine. With the proposed analytical travel time models, average travel time of the storage and retrieval machine, from which the performance of multi aisle automated storage and retrieval systems can be evaluated is determined. A simulation model of multi aisle automated storage and retrieval systems was developed to compare the performances of the proposed analytical travel time models. An example of multi aisle automated storage and retrieval systems with five picking aisles was presented for the evaluation purpose. The results show that proposed analytical travel time models perform satisfactory according to the results of simulation analysis and could be very useful tools for designing of multi aisle automated storage and retrieval systems in real-world applications.

The World Health Organization is currently developing guidelines on screening for tuberculosis disease to inform national screening strategies. This process is complicated by significant gaps in knowledge regarding mass screening. This study aimed to assess feasibility, uptake, yield, treatment outcomes, and costs of adding an active tuberculosis case-finding program to an existing mobile HIV testing service. The study was conducted at a mobile HIV testing service operating in deprived communities in Cape Town, South Africa. All HIV-negative individuals with symptoms suggestive of tuberculosis, and all HIV-positive individuals regardless of symptoms were eligible for participation and referred for sputum induction. Samples were examined by microscopy and culture. Active tuberculosis case finding was conducted on 181 days at 58 different sites. Of the 6,309 adults who accessed the mobile clinic, 1,385 were eligible and 1,130 (81.6%) were enrolled. The prevalence of smear-positive tuberculosis was 2.2% (95% CI 1.1-4.0), 3.3% (95% CI 1.4-6.4), and 0.4% (95% CI 1.4 015-6.4) in HIV-negative individuals, individuals newly diagnosed with HIV, and known HIV, respectively. The corresponding prevalence of culturepositive tuberculosis was 5.3% (95% CI 3.5-7.7), 7.4% (95% CI 4.5-11.5), 4.3% (95% CI 2.3-7.4), respectively. Of the 56 new tuberculosis cases detected, 42 started tuberculosis treatment and 34 (81.0%) completed treatment. The cost of the intervention was US$1,117 per tuberculosis case detected and US$2,458 per tuberculosis case cured. The generalisability of the study is limited to similar settings with comparable levels of deprivation and TB and HIV prevalence. Conclusions: Mobile active tuberculosis case finding in deprived populations with a high burden of HIV and tuberculosis is feasible, has a high uptake, yield, and treatment success. Further work is now required to examine cost-effectiveness and affordability and whether and how the same results may be achieved at scale.

Risk management is vital to any business including insurance companies, and reinsurance is the major risk management tool available to insurance companies. Insurance companies rely on reinsurance to manage underwriting risk, tax liability, and incentives to invest. This paper extends existing research by considering the decision to reinsure for life insurance companies in two ways. First, we analyze life insurance companies' propensity to reinsure any amount of business. Then, for those companies that do reinsure, we analyze the extent of reinsurance by examining the proportion of reinsurance relative to the total amount of premiums. Using two cross sections of data for U.S. life insurance companies, we find measures of underwriting risk, tax incentives, and incentives to invest are significant determinants of both aspects of the reinsurance decision. This paper empirically examines the usage of reinsurance among life insurance companies. The authors first examine the factors that influence the likelihood that life insurance companies will reinsure a portion of their business. This is followed by an analysis of the factors affecting the extent of reinsurance usage by insurers that decide to reinsure. Unlike previous studies that have focused on the property and liability industry, our study examines the usage of reinsurance among life insurance companies. There are numerous and significant differences between the two industries. For example, in the property and liability industry, contracts are typically short-term especially for property insurance 1 , product prices are cyclical, and changes in claims are associated with potentially catastrophic events such as hurricanes and earthquakes. Whereas, in the life and health industry, many contracts tend to be long-term, contracts may involve investments which are influenced by changes in market interest rates, and contract benefits tend to change with demographic trends and revisions of mortality tables. These differences require a separate analysis of the demand for reinsurance in the life insurance industry. Focusing on the life insurance industry will not only allow researchers to examine the use of reinsurance among life insurance companies, but will allow them to determine if the factors that are significant in the reinsurance decision in the property-liability industry are also relevant for life insurance companies' reinsurance decision.

Magnetic Levitation System Using Neodymium Disc and Ferrite Ring: Praxis, method and restauration of energy lost in pairs of fotons-Hall Effects
This study analyzes a magnetic levitation setup composed of a neodymium disc magnet and a ferrite ring. The disc, weighing 38g, is positioned horizontally at the same height as the ferrite ring, which weighs 460 g. The system exhibits stable levitation without active rotation but allows free rotational movement when externally induced. Levitation is achieved through attraction between opposite poles (N-S on top and S-N below), without diamagnetic effects or mechanical guides, except for centering and horizontal alignment. We propose formulas to describe the magnetic field and force interactions and explain the stabilization mechanism via magnetic exchange through Foucault eddy current tunnels and special diamagnetic guides. The complete system occupies approximately 150 mm in height and 180 mm in diameter.

The long-term prognostic value of the B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level and cardiopulmonary exercise testing in patients with heart failure (HF) who are receiving beta-blocker therapy is not well established. Methods. The study involved 80 outpatients (78% male, age 50 [11] years) with stable HF, severe systolic dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction 25 [9]%), and intermediate functional impairment (New York Heart Association functional class 2.4 [0.6]) who were receiving optimum therapy, including beta-blockers. Their BNP levels (pg/mL) were measured and cardiopulmonary exercise testing was carried out to determine maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2max ) and ventilatory efficiency (VE/VCO 2 slope). Patients were followed up for 2.7 (0.8) years. The study endpoints were cardiovascular death, heart transplantation, and HF hospitalization. Results. The BNP level and VE/VCO 2 slope were greater in patients who died (n=7), at 211 pg/mL (51-266 pg/mL) vs. 46 pg/mL (16-105 pg/mL) (P=.017) and 39 (3) vs. 33.8 (5.5) (P=.018), respectively, or who had an adverse event (n=19), at 139 pg/mL (88-286 pg/mL) versus 40 pg/mL (13-81 pg/mL) (P<.001) and 38.7 (4.3) versus. 32.9 (5.2) (P<.001), respectively. Only the combined endpoint was associated with a significant difference in VO 2max (19.7 [5.4] versus 16.8 [3.9] mL/kg per min, P=.016). On multivariate analysis, BNP >102 pg/mL (P=.002; hazard ratio [HR]=5.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-14.8) and VE/VCO 2 slope >35 (P=.012; HR =4.3; 95% CI, 1.4-13.2) were the best predictors of an adverse event. In patients who satisfied neither, one or both criteria, 36-month cumulative adverse event rates were 2%, 25%, and 63%, respectively (log rank, P<.001). Conclusions. In ambulatory HF patients with intermediate functional impairment who are receiving

This study sought to assess agreement between an intravascular near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) system and histology in coronary autopsy specimens. B A C K G R O U N D Lipid core plaques cannot be detected by conventional tests, yet are suspected to be the cause of most acute coronary syndromes. Near-infrared spectroscopy is widely used to determine the chemical content of substances. A NIRS system has been developed and used successfully in 99 patients. Scanning NIRS was performed through blood in 212 coronary segments from 84 autopsy hearts. One histologic section was analyzed for every 2 mm of artery. Lipid core plaque of interest (LCP) was defined as a lipid core Ͼ60°in circumferential extent, Ͼ200-m thick, with a mean fibrous cap thickness Ͻ450 m. The first 33 hearts were used to develop the algorithm; the subsequent 51 validation hearts were used in a prospective, double-blind manner to evaluate the accuracy of NIRS in detecting LCP. A NIRS-derived lipid core burden index for an entire artery was also validated by comparison to histologic findings. The LCPs were present in 115 of 2,649 (4.3%) sections from the 51 validation hearts. The algorithm prospectively identified LCP with a receiver-operator characteristic area of 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76 to 0.85). The lipid core burden index detected the presence or absence of any fibroatheroma with an area under the curve of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.81 to 0.91). A retrospective analysis of lipid core burden index conducted in extreme artery segments with either no or extensive fibroatheroma yielded an area under the curve of 0.96 (95% CI: 0.92 to 1.00), confirming the accuracy of spectroscopy in identifying plaques with markedly different lipid content under ideal circumstances. This novel catheter-based NIRS system accurately identified lipid core plaques through blood in a prospective study in coronary autopsy specimens. It is expected that this novel capability will be of assistance in the management of patients with coronary artery disease. (J Am Coll

This study sought to assess agreement between an intravascular near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) system and histology in coronary autopsy specimens. B A C K G R O U N D Lipid core plaques cannot be detected by conventional tests, yet are suspected to be the cause of most acute coronary syndromes. Near-infrared spectroscopy is widely used to determine the chemical content of substances. A NIRS system has been developed and used successfully in 99 patients. Scanning NIRS was performed through blood in 212 coronary segments from 84 autopsy hearts. One histologic section was analyzed for every 2 mm of artery. Lipid core plaque of interest (LCP) was defined as a lipid core Ͼ60°in circumferential extent, Ͼ200-m thick, with a mean fibrous cap thickness Ͻ450 m. The first 33 hearts were used to develop the algorithm; the subsequent 51 validation hearts were used in a prospective, double-blind manner to evaluate the accuracy of NIRS in detecting LCP. A NIRS-derived lipid core burden index for an entire artery was also validated by comparison to histologic findings. The LCPs were present in 115 of 2,649 (4.3%) sections from the 51 validation hearts. The algorithm prospectively identified LCP with a receiver-operator characteristic area of 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76 to 0.85). The lipid core burden index detected the presence or absence of any fibroatheroma with an area under the curve of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.81 to 0.91). A retrospective analysis of lipid core burden index conducted in extreme artery segments with either no or extensive fibroatheroma yielded an area under the curve of 0.96 (95% CI: 0.92 to 1.00), confirming the accuracy of spectroscopy in identifying plaques with markedly different lipid content under ideal circumstances. This novel catheter-based NIRS system accurately identified lipid core plaques through blood in a prospective study in coronary autopsy specimens. It is expected that this novel capability will be of assistance in the management of patients with coronary artery disease. (J Am Coll

The Bureau of Reclamation has examined the damping of local mode oscillations using three types of power system stabilizers (PSS) -internal frequency, electrical power, and accelerating power. Comparisons of operating characteristics such as PSS output noise and sensitivity t o load changes are also included. Results are based on the analysis of field test data and analog computer simulation. Methods that can be used at remote sites during PSS alignment tests have been employed.

Se evalua la importancia pronostica de 19 variables clinicas, hemodinamicas y electrocardiograficas en pacientes chagasicos cronicos. Se estudiaron 556 pacientes de la clinica de miocardiopatias con serologia positiva para Chagas, estudiados por metodos invasivos y no invasivos; seguidos por un lapso de hasta 15 anos. LA)5 principales factores con valor pronostico independiente fueron: Fraccion de eyeccion ventricular izquierda 89 lat/min; capacidad funcional grado IV; stress sistolico final&gt; l20 g/cm2 e indice de volumen diastolico final ventricular izquierdo&gt; 200 ml/m2 . Cuando solamente 105 pacientes con fraccion de eyeccion mayor a 0.29 fueron analizados, las variables con valor pronostico independiente fueron la relacion cardiotoraxica, la capacidad funcional y la frecuencia cardiaca. E&#39; analisis de supervivencia demostro que la presencia de arritmias ventriculares complejas (Lown III, IV) en el Holter de 24 horas incrementa la mortalidad solo en pacientes con fraccio...

The present work investigates the outcome of Fresh Testicular Biopsy in Comparison to Histopathological Examination in NOA Patients. In the current study, there were nine discordant instances (16.9%) between the andrology lab and histology. Histopathology characterised these cases as hypospermatogenesis, but andrology reported one case of SCO, three cases of spermatocyte, and five cases of late spermatid. To our knowledge, no study done before to examine the biopsy from NOA patients who have negative sperm retrieval in a fresh examination on the side of histopathological examination. Our intention of this study is to compare and evaluate the difference between both fresh and histopathology examinations in order to test our Andro lab results in such patients. We found in our series that (16.9%) of the patients have sperms in histopathology examination in whom we couldn't retrieve sperms in Andro lab. These results may guide us towards Auditing and improvement of a fresh examination of testicular biopsy.

We propose a generalization of the matched subspace filter for the detection of unknown signals in a background of non-Gaussian and nonindependent noise. The generalization is based on a modification of the Rao test by including a linear transformation derived from independent component analysis (ICA). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves computed for simulated examples illustrate the significant improvement achieved with the generalized solution.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for improving interpretation of the recently validated Esprint-15 questionnaire, to measure health-related quality of life for patients with allergic rhinitis. METHODS: An observational multicenter study was carried out with allergic rhinitis patients to validate the Esprint questionnaire (15 items of symptoms, daily life activity, sleep and psychological impact). It uses 7-point response options. Global score range from zero (worse) to 5.8 (better). MCID was determined by applying the method previously used by Juniper et al. (1996) in the case of the Rhinoconjuntivitis Quality of Life questionnaire. Patients completed twice the Esprint-15 and assessed their change on health status in a 13-point scale from -6 (a very great deal worse) to 0 (no change) to +6 (a very great deal better). Patients were classified as "no change" (-1, 0 or +1), "MCID" (+3 or +2), "moderate change" (+4 or +5) and "large change" (+6). RESULTS: Valid responses for the 2 visits were obtained from 245 patients (mean age 32, 62.2% women, average of moderate symptoms at inclusion, mean 7 years from diagnosis, 58% were following AR treatment) of which: 30 (12.2%) reported "large change", 86 (35.1%) reported "moderate change", 55 (22.4%) reported "MCID", 48 (19.6%) reported "no change" and 25 (10.2%) reported deterioration in health status. Mean (SD) increases in the Esprint-15 global score were: 0.2 (0.9) for patients with "no change", 1.1 (0.9) for patients at the "MID", 2 (1.1) for patients reporting "moderate change", and 2.9 (1.2) for patients reporting "large change". Because of the small sample size, results for patients reporting negative changes are not presented, although they suggest an attenuate but similar tendency. CONCLUSION: There is evidence that mean positive changes in global score from Esprint-15 questionnaire of about 1 or more may be considered of clinical importance.

Screening of known cirrhotics for hepatocellular cancer (HCC) has long been a contentious topic. Studies to date have failed to conclusively prove or disprove the validity of α-fetoprotein (AFP) and hepatic ultrasound as screening mechanisms for HCC among cirrhotics. It is not clear whether these screening mechanisms provide any benefit in terms of reduced morbidity and mortality. Screening for HCC among cirrhotics by using AFP and/or imaging at every 6 months correlate with HCC diagnosis, thus portending better treatment options and an improved prognosis. Screening all the known cirrhotics for HCC may lead to decreased mortality.

Direct connections between trading countries in container shipping can shorten transit times, and reduce risk, thereby enhancing global transportation, and supporting supply chain performance. While transhipment services offer strategic flexibility, cost efficiency and geographical reach, direct connections tend to be more suitable for time-sensitive, high-value, perishable, or specialised goods thus being critical for certain commodities and trade contexts. Therefore, understanding and estimating container shipping lines' decisions to establish or discontinue a connection is crucial when structuring and planning supply chains. This paper employs a causal framework and draws on a dataset that considers the UK and its trading partners from 2012 to 2020 to unravel the broader key determinants of direct container shipping connections. Following its validation through expert interviews and sensitivity analysis, the model is then used to simulate how direct connections may evolve under a significant trade flow disruption, achieving a 94% out-of-sample predictive performance. The model can support scenario analysis, inform contingency planning, and guide public-private initiatives aimed at strengthening the adaptability of global logistics under conditions of uncertainty. The results provide actionable insights for both policymakers and practitioners, offering a timely tool for anticipating changes in container shipping networks. Governments can integrate such models into national transport policies to proactively address potential disruptions in trade flows and enhance supply chain resilience.

This report examines the State of Georgia's commercial vehicle oversize and overweight enforcement program over the past 10 years. An overview of the federal and state regulations for both oversize and overweight vehicles is presented, which includes state responsibilities for reporting data to the federal government. Data from states surrounding Georgia along with that from Georgia were used to assess the changes in commercial vehicle inspections and violations that occurred from 2007 to 2010. In all cases, the number of inspections and violations (reported to the federal government) has declined over this period, with Georgia showing the largest reduction of 54 percent in weight and size violations. Given the consistent reduction in inspections and violations for the states examined, the reduction of 54 percent in Georgia can be partially explained by factors that seem to be affecting each of the states (e.g., changes in truck travel due to economic conditions). However, the 54 percent reduction for Georgia is significantly higher than the average reduction for the surrounding states of 32 percent, suggesting that the reduction in Georgia is also partially explained by changes in resources allocated to the program and perhaps different administrative approaches. The report notes that the revenues obtained from the program would seem to more than cover the costs of inspection and enforcement and that Georgia should examine options to privatize some aspects of the commercial vehicle inspection program.

This report examines the State of Georgia's commercial vehicle oversize and overweight enforcement program over the past 10 years. An overview of the federal and state regulations for both oversize and overweight vehicles is presented, which includes state responsibilities for reporting data to the federal government. Data from states surrounding Georgia along with that from Georgia were used to assess the changes in commercial vehicle inspections and violations that occurred from 2007 to 2010. In all cases, the number of inspections and violations (reported to the federal government) has declined over this period, with Georgia showing the largest reduction of 54 percent in weight and size violations. Given the consistent reduction in inspections and violations for the states examined, the reduction of 54 percent in Georgia can be partially explained by factors that seem to be affecting each of the states (e.g., changes in truck travel due to economic conditions). However, the 54 percent reduction for Georgia is significantly higher than the average reduction for the surrounding states of 32 percent, suggesting that the reduction in Georgia is also partially explained by changes in resources allocated to the program and perhaps different administrative approaches. The report notes that the revenues obtained from the program would seem to more than cover the costs of inspection and enforcement and that Georgia should examine options to privatize some aspects of the commercial vehicle inspection program.

If memory evolved, sculpted by the processes of natural selection, then its operating characteristics likely bear the “footprints” of ancestral selection pressures. Psychologists rarely consider this possibility and generally ignore functional questions in their attempt to understand how human memory works. We propose that memory evolved to enhance reproductive fitness and, accordingly, its systems are tuned to retain information that is fitness-relevant. We present evidence consistent with this proposal, namely that processing information for its survival relevance leads to superior long-term retention—better, in fact, than most known memory-enhancement techniques. Even if one remains skeptical about evolutionary analyses, adopting a functional perspective can lead to the generation of new research ideas.

We propose a simple model for the device characteristics of organic single layer molecular or polymeric light-emitting diodes. The model is based on Poisson’s equation and the conservation law of charges. A bimolecular recombination process is incorporated phenomenologically, and boundary conditions are given by carrier injection functions. Equations for the electric field and carrier concentrations are formulated for single-carrier and double-carrier injection cases. The equations are solved for different parameters including carrier mobility and energy barrier height at the electrodes. Current–voltage characteristics, relative quantum efficiency, and emission distribution are obtained. The results show that (1) at least one barrier height should be low for device operation at low voltage, (2) high mobility is essential for devices with high brightness, (3) low electron mobility confines the emission region near the cathode and should be avoided to prevent electrode quenching. We a...

Bilgisayar destekli elektromekanik tasarım araçları modüllerinin (BDTAM) elektrik makinalarının davranışlarını düzgün tahmin etmedeki kullanımı, makina tasarımcılarına tasarım performanslarını iyileştirmede üstünlükler sağlar. Bu makalede, bilgisayar destekli elektromekanik tasarım araçları modülü kullanılarak asenkron motor tasarımları yapılmıştır. 3-fazlı ve 1-fazlı asenkron motorlar analiz edilerek ağ örüntüsü, manyetik akı dağılımları ve performans eğrileri elde edilmiştir. Bu motorlara sürme devresi ekleyerek motor performansları incelenmiştir. 3-fazlı ve 1-fazlı asenkron motorların RMxprt, EMSS ve EM pulse ile yapılan tasarımlarından elde edilen motor performansları karşılaştırılmıştır.

Bilgisayar destekli elektromekanik tasarım araçları modüllerinin (BDTAM) elektrik makinalarının davranışlarını düzgün tahmin etmedeki kullanımı, makina tasarımcılarına tasarım performanslarını iyileştirmede üstünlükler sağlar. Bu makalede, bilgisayar destekli elektromekanik tasarım araçları modülü kullanılarak asenkron motor tasarımları yapılmıştır. 3-fazlı ve 1-fazlı asenkron motorlar analiz edilerek ağ örüntüsü, manyetik akı dağılımları ve performans eğrileri elde edilmiştir. Bu motorlara sürme devresi ekleyerek motor performansları incelenmiştir. 3-fazlı ve 1-fazlı asenkron motorların RMxprt, EMSS ve EM pulse ile yapılan tasarımlarından elde edilen motor performansları karşılaştırılmıştır.

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This paper details the energy release model implemented in Studsvik's CASMO-5 lattice physics code. By utilizing internally computed neutron capture rates, the capture component of the total recoverable energy is more accurately calculated, and the use of traditionally assumed constant values of energy release per capture (employed in most lattice physics codes) has been eliminated. By using problem-specific capture rates in the energy release model, the impacts of depletion, gadolinia, boron concentrations, MOX compositions, and void fraction are naturally incorporated into the energy release calculation. CASMO-5 studies performed with ENDF/B-VII data show that the traditional capture energy release values for standard LWR applications are too large. Also, the implications for energy release in downstream 3-D reactor simulator codes are discussed.

In this letter, we report for the first time the use of a sheet of cellulose-fiber-based paper as the dielectric layer used in oxide-based semiconductor thin-film field-effect transistors (FETs). In this new approach, we are using the cellulosefiber-based paper in an "interstrate" structure since the device is built on both sides of the cellulose sheet. Such hybrid FETs present excellent operating characteristics such as high channel saturation mobility (> 30 cm 2 /Vs), drain-source current on/off modulation ratio of approximately 10 4 , near-zero threshold voltage, enhancement n-type operation, and subthreshold gate voltage swing of 0.8 V/decade. The cellulose-fiber-based paper FETs' characteristics have been measured in air ambient conditions and present good stability, after two months of being processed. The obtained results outpace those of amorphous Si thin-film transistors (TFTs) and rival with the same oxide-based TFTs produced on either glass or crystalline silicon substrates. The compatibility of these devices with large-scale/large-area deposition techniques and lowcost substrates as well as their very low operating bias delineates this as a promising approach to attain high-performance disposable electronics like paper displays, smart labels, smart packaging, RFID, and point-of-care systems for self-analysis in bioapplications, among others.

Individuals newly infected with hiv have an increased viral load than at other phases of hiv infection, which is associated with a higher rate of transmission. Combined with ignorance about infection status, individuals in the acute phase not only contribute to the growing epidemic but are believed by some to be the driving force behind new infections. Unfortunately, due to the high costs of testing, individuals are not routinely tested for acute hiv infection. The matrix pooling algorithm we present is more economical than individual testing whilst improving accuracy -reducing the number of false positive and false negative test results. Although matrix pooling may require more tests compared to other pooling algorithms, the significant increase in accuracy and rapidity with which results are obtained makes this method more desirable when identifying acute hiv infections, even in resource poor settings.