European Standard Test Research Articles

Does the current testing standard of chest protectors warrant the devices’ protection for PTW riders in collisions?

Non-inflatable chest protector is a passive safety device to protect powered two-wheeler (PTW) riders from thorax injuries. Before being put on the market, the protectors should be qualified for the European standard tests EN1621-3:2018 which remains uncertain regarding the impact energy level, force evaluation thresholds, and impact configurations. This study aims to ascertain whether the standard EN1621-3:2018 ensures adequate chest protection for PTW riders. Thus, three generic protectors were created to qualify for standard tests and then evaluated against rider chest impact scenarios by finite element modelling. Bar-to-rider and rider-to-bar virtual impacts were simulated with a range of impact energy 50 ∼ 1563 J. In virtual standard tests, protector 1 had the lowest impact force, followed by protectors 2 and 3. In chest impact analysis, the rider with or without protector was rarely found injured under the testing standard energy level (50 J). The chest impact force was below the standard force threshold of 24 kN under all impact energy levels. Protector 3 had a generally better protection performance in terms of chest deflection than protectors 1 and 2, which were not consistent with the standard testing results. The rider chest responses in bar-to-rider impacts differed significantly from the responses in bar-to-rider impacts. Therefore, future testing standard might introduce more appropriate impact energy, force thresholds and accident-relevant impact configurations to ensure the device’s effectiveness in providing protection during PTW crashes. This study furnishes valuable insights into enhancing the design and evaluation methodologies of protective gear, thus directly contributing to the advancement of PTW rider safety.

Microbiological Evaluation of Commercial Hand Sanitisers Available in Pakistan Using European Standard and Membrane Filtration Method.

To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of various commercially available alcohol-based hand sanitisers (ABHS) using European standard (EN 1500) method and perform ABHS testing with membrane filtration method. A Cross-sectional observational study. Place and Duration of the Study:Quality Control Section of the Microbiology Laboratory, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, from February to April 2023. Efficacy of 14 commercially and widely accessible hand sanitisers was defined as reducing micro-organism growth. It was determined using the EN 1500 European standard test and membrane filtration method. Majority (92.8%) ABHS showed a significant bacterial reduction except one ABHS tested with the EN 1500 method. Only six ABHS products were tested through the membrane filtration method because high viscosity of hand sanitisers was causing damage to filter membranes. Continued vigilance in evaluating hand sanitiser's efficacy through robust testing methods is essential to ensure public health and prevent the dissemination of misleading products that may compromise hand hygiene practices. Hand sanitisers, European standard, Membrane filtration method, Antibacterial efficacy.

Analysis of Adverse Reactions of Cosmetics in Chinese Han Population in Recent Five Years.

There are still some gaps in the summary and generalization of cosmetic-related adverse reaction reports. The aim of this study is to summarize and analyze the occurrence of cosmetic adverse reactions in Shanghai Han population by using available survey data. Collection, statistics and analysis of patients with cosmetic adverse reactions in Shanghai Huashan Hospital from 2017 to 2021. Among the 1004 patients, most of them (96.71%) were diagnosed as cosmetic contact dermatitis, which often occurred within 3 days of using cosmetics (51.79%). A total of 260 patients were tested with patch test, but the compliance rate was only 18.08%. Among them, 240 patients underwent additional European standard allergen tests, and positive allergens were detected in 210 cases (87.5%). Univariate analysis revealed that dosage form (emulsion and cream), age (≤25 years) and the allergic ingredients triethanolamine, rose oil, propylene glycol, thiomersal and musk ambrette are associated with the occurrence of cosmetic adverse reactions within seven days. A logit prediction model was also successfully constructed: Logit (P) = 1.710-0.796×1+ 1.185×2 -3.650X3-1.335X4. This study complements the data reported on cosmetic adverse reactions in the Chinese Han population and suggests that in future clinical diagnosis and data collection, emphasis should be placed on patch testing, combining the patch test with cosmetic protoplast with the European standard allergen test to improve the detection rate.

Bacterial cellulose grown from kombucha: Assessment of textile performance properties using fashion apparel tests

Bacterial cellulose (BC) has been suggested as a sustainable alternative textile for apparel. Previous studies have evaluated the production of BC sheets and the suitability of these to form garment shapes. The laboratory measured physical performance characteristics of BC from an apparel perspective remain relatively unexplored. The aim of this study was to produce reproducible sheets of BC, enabling the evaluation of the performance of the BC in an apparel textile testing context, and comparison to other textile materials. Grown in sterile black tea with glucose, the BC presented as a mesh of non-woven nanofibers, and thus comparison was made with three non-woven fabrics. It has also been suggested that BC could be used as ‘vegetable’ leather; therefore, performance comparisons were conducted with animal skins. Utilizing British, European and International standard test methods, the selected fabrics were evaluated for their performance in tensile, elongation, moisture vapor permeability and abrasion tests, relevant for an apparel end-use. Tensile strength testing revealed that BC is weaker than its animal counterparts but does display similar physical characteristics at the point of failure; however, it displayed a higher tensile strength than the non-woven fabrics chosen for comparison. BC was the least breathable and most moisture-retentive of all the fabrics tested, raising questions regarding its suitability and comfort for apparel applications in its untreated state. However, BC displayed superior performance when tested for resistance to abrasion, suggesting it could be best utilized in the form of encapsulated patches in items subjected to this type of damage.

Use of the pour plate technique in tuberculocidal efficacy testing according to EN 14348 – a comparative study

Effective disinfection strategies are essential to prevent the spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculocidal efficacy of disinfectants can be demonstrated by testing disinfectants in in-vitro tests, such as the well-established quantitative suspension test EN 14348 using Mycobacterium terrae as a surrogate organism in European disinfectant testing. In other European standard tests, such as EN 13727 and EN 13624, use of the pour plate technique is well established; however, in EN 14348, the spread plate technique alone is considered. Comparative experiments according to EN 14348 with M.terrae were conducted using a peracetic-acid-based disinfectant. Either the pour plate technique or the spread plate technique was used for cultivation. Differences in colony size and morphology were observed when comparing the growth of M.terrae on pour plates compared with spread plates. However, no significant differences in biocidal efficacy data were obtained when applying either spread plates or pour plates in the quantitative suspension test described in EN 14348 under both clean and dirty conditions.

Anti-Rollover Control of a Counterbalance Forklift Based on Roll Energy Classification

This study proposes an energy stability index suitable for a counterbalance forklift, aiming to solve the problem that the traditional vehicle stability index load transfer rate is difficult to accurately judge the stability state of such a forklift. The analysis of the structure of the counterbalance forklift and contact relationship between the body and rear axle are used as bases to establish a two-stage dynamic model and derive real-time instability energy of a forklift truck in the rollover process under different conditions. Additionally, this research proposes an anti-rollover control strategy of the counterbalance forklift based on roll energy classification. The corresponding calculation formula of the forklift energy stability index is selected according to different stability conditions to perform roll energy classification. An anti-rollover oil cylinder and active rear wheel steering are used as an anti-rollover control actuator, and an anti-rollover control is implemented based on model predictive control. Last, a simulation based on European standard operating conditions and real vehicle test verification is conducted. Results show that the anti-rollover control strategy based on roll energy classification can effectively reduce the risk of forklift rollover and improve the stability and active safety of a counterbalance forklift.

Chemical Stabilization of Fly Ash from Medical Waste Incinerators

Fly ash from Medical Waste (MW) incinerators contains many toxic materials and requires appropriate treatment. In this work, a procedure for the stabilization of a fly ash produced by a MW incinerator is proposed. Firstly, a detailed characterization of the fly ash as received is presented. The European standard leaching test EN 12457/2 (2002) was used for the fly ash classification, and according to the results, the leachate concentration of Pb, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), chloride and fluoride ions, exceeded the legal limit values for non-hazardous waste landfilling. A treatment method involving two processes, i.e., phosphoric acid stabilization followed by water washing, was applied for the stabilization of the MW fly ash. This method has been successfully applied for the stabilization of Municipal Solid Waste Incineration (MSWI) fly ash, and was modified in this study in order to be used for Medical Waste Incineration (MWI) fly ash treatment. Two modifications of this method were examined in order to effectively stabilize the ash and produce process wastewater with low heavy metal content. The use of 10% w/w phosphoric acid (acid to ash ratio) followed by water washing with a Liquid to Solid (L/S) ratio equal to 3:1 L kg−1 was found to successfully stabilize the MWI fly ash and produce a waste that can be disposed of in a non-hazardous landfill. Additional use of phosphoric acid provides no significant improvement of the wastewater quality.

Comparison of a rapid detection fluorescence-based assay targeting tuberculocidal efficacy with EN 14348 and EN 14563

A rapid test system using fluorescent Mycobacterium terrae to evaluate the tuberculocidal efficacy of disinfectants has recently been published. Results were obtained in a significantly shorter time than was previously possible. To compare the European Standard test system with the fluorescence assay and to validate the rapid test system, including particularly the quantitative suspension test. Quantitative suspension tests and quantitative carrier tests were carried out according to EN 14348 and EN 14563, respectively. Quantitative carrier tests and subsequent green fluorescent protein (GFP)-based determination of germicidal efficacy were carried out as described previously. A peracetic acid-based formulation was used as a test germicide. Testing of the germicide in the quantitative suspension test EN 14348 and in the quantitative carrier test EN 14563 revealed tuberculocidal efficacy at a concentration of 1% after 15 min contact time. Accordingly, data obtained from the fluorescence assay demonstrated that a germicide concentration of 1% was effective after 15 min, indicating no live mycobacteria following this treatment. Thus, identical in-use parameters for tuberculocidal efficacy were obtained either by applying the quantitative suspension and quantitative carrier tests EN 14348 and EN 14563 or by using the GFP-based rapid test system. The GFP-based rapid test system compares well with the established European Standard test procedure including both phase 2, step 1 and phase 2, step 2 tests and provides a rapid and sensitive tool for testing germicides for relevant in-use concentrations and contact times.

Low-Temperature Requirements for Bitumen in Central East European Road Construction

The paper presents the proposition of special assessment of low temperature requirements for bitumens in the region of Central and Eastern Europe where there is a moderate transitional area from sea to the continental type of climate. The results of the research program conducted on the road neat bitumens, Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene polymer and polymer-rubber modified bitumen, and multigrade bitumen types were presented and discussed. Based on the Superior Performing Asphalt Pavements Performance Grade procedure for low temperatures, climatic zones in Poland were developed and compared to analogous zones for other countries from the Central and Eastern Europe region as Estonia and Belarus. The results of functional Performance Grade tests and European standard test of bituminous binders were analysed. It was concluded that some of the bitumens were not meet the performance requirements in the range of low temperatures by Superior Performing Asphalt Pavements Superpave specification and the low-temperature properties of those bitumens should be improved.

Mineralogical, chemical and leaching characteristics of ashes from residential biomass combustion.

Four types of pellets and three agro-fuels were chemically characterised and burned in a pellet stove. To assess the influence of the material composing the firebox and the combustion efficiency of distinct biomass heating devices in the composition of the bottom ashes, three of the pellets were also burned in a conventional woodstove and in a fireplace. Ashes were analysed for their C, H and N contents by an elemental analyser, whilst major and trace elements were quantified by inductively coupled plasma atomic-emission spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, respectively. The mineralogy of ashes was determined by X-ray powder diffraction. The European standard test was applied to samples to determine the leaching potential of major, minor and trace elements. The contents of major and trace elements in the different types of biomass presented enormous variations, which are reflected in dissimilar mineralogical and chemical compositions of the respective ashes. The leachable potential of several elements of environmental concern present in oxy-anionic form at the alkaline pH of biomass ashes were generally high in all samples. Concentrations of some elements in the leachates were in the range of values with classification of "hazardous materials" by the European legislation in what respects the acceptance of these wastes at landfills. Pellets made up of wood wastes and containing preservatives (chromated copper arsenate and ammoniacal copper arsenate) are of concern. Due to lower combustion efficiencies, the leachable potential for most of the trace elements in ashes from the woodstove, and especially from the fireplace, was lower than that of the pellet stove.

Analytical Analysis of Distribution of Bending Stresses in Layers of Plywood with Numerical Verification

The study presents methods for accurate estimation of bending stresses in the 3-point flexural bending test of plywood, i.e. a wood-based laminate with an alternate crosswise ply configuration. The characteristic bending strength (MOR) and mean modulus of elasticity (MOE) of standard beech plywood was determined using European Standard bending tests EN 310. Correlations were determined between empirically determined bending moduli of the plywood and material moduli of the veneer layer. Calculations were conducted based on the classical plate theory for thin panels comprising the theory of elasticity including the Kirchhoff-Love hypothesis. Rigidity of individual layer was established theoretically in the axial configuration of transformed rigidity matrix values. Numerical laminate models were developed and simulation tests were conducted. Results of experimental and analytical studies were verified using the Finite Element Method (FEM). Analyses were performed in two plywood cross-band arrangement variants. An analysis of the distribution of stresses in individual layers of plywood used an analytical and numerical method assuming the plywood specimen to be a rhombic-anisotropic material. It was found that the bending load capacity of plywood depends on the configuration of individual layers (veneers). Values of stresses originating from bending do not only depend on the distance of the considered plywood layer from the middle layer but also on stiffness in the direction of operating stresses. Bending strength varies in individual directions of the plywood panel. Therefore, the distribution of stresses in individual layers differs from that resulting from the stress distribution for homogeneous isotropic materials. Results are presented in the form of tables, bitmaps, graphs and photographs. The tests were conducted based on the BFU-BU-18 standard beech plywood thickness of 18 mm.

Assessing the performance of motorcyclists’ impact protectors in simulated ATD knee and shoulder impacts

Objective: Fractures are a common injury among motorcycle riders and can have serious health implications. Impact protection (IP) has been designed to help prevent fractures, yet there are conflicting opinions as to whether this IP does in fact help prevent fractures in real-world crashes. This work aimed to (1) use simulated dummy impacts to examine whether existing types of IP could reduce the force transferred to the underlying bone to below fracture tolerance levels and (2) investigate whether current European Standard (EN 1621-1) test procedures for impact protectors designed for motorcyclists are sufficient to ensure fracture protection.Method: Twenty-three shoulder and 7 knee IP specimens were tested using a 23-kg impactor contacting axially along the clavicle and femur of an anthropomorphic test device (ATD) at an energy level corresponding to the fracture tolerance of these bones. Sixteen IP specimens were the same as those worn by motorcycle riders involved in crashes where injury outcome was known (knee: n = 3; shoulder: n = 13) and the IP had been previously tested to EN 1621-1. Other IP tested represented a wide range of IP available for purchase at a motorcycle accessory store. Double and triple layers of IP were also tested. Energy attenuated during the dummy impacts was compared to energy attenuated when tested to EN 1621-1.Results: Of the 23 shoulder IP tested, the average percentage reduction of transferred force to the shoulder from the baseline test was 7.6 ± 4.8%. The percentage reduction of transferred force to the knee from the baseline was 43.9 ± 7.5%. The entire group of knee IP tested reduced the transferred force to the knee to below the 10-kN injury threshold for the femur. There was a positive but nonsignificant correlation between the ATD test and the EN 1621-1 impact test performance, suggesting that the European standard test method likely provides a good indication of IP performance. However, given the low correlation coefficient, the relationship between IP performance in the European standard test method and injury protection remains unclear.Conclusion: Though the energy attenuation test method in the European standard may be an appropriate approach, distinct differences in injury protection performance observed between knee and shoulder IP indicate that there may be a need for different performance criteria for IP designated to protect different body regions.

Effect of hand lotion on the effectiveness of hygienic hand antisepsis: Implications for practicing hand hygiene

Skin protection products should be used after washing hands with soap, during breaks, after work, and during leisure time. Aside from their beneficial effects, skin care products may also interact with alcohol-based hand disinfectants by reducing their efficacy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a hand lotion on the effectiveness of hygienic hand antisepsis using an alcohol-based handrub. The effect of a protective hand lotion against an isopropyl alcohol-based handrub was investigated in 20 healthy volunteers according to the European standard test procedure EN 1500 in the following combinations: handwashing and application of hand lotion, only application of hand lotion, and no washing and no hand lotion (control), each for 5 minutes or 1 hour before hand antisepsis. The difference in microbiologic before-and-after values were expressed as log reduction factor. The effectiveness of hand antisepsis was not significantly affected in any of the groups using the tested hand lotion. Hand antisepsis may be delayed for 5 minutes after hand lotion application. Shorter time intervals might be possible but were not tested.

Process development for chemical stabilization of fly ash from municipal solid waste incineration

Α detailed characterization of fly ash collected from a municipal solid waste incinerator, which involves both its physicochemical properties and its leaching behavior, is presented. For the classification of the fly ash, the European standard leaching test EN 12457/2 was carried out and the leaching test results indicate that leachate concentration of Pb, TDS, chloride and sulfate ions, exceed the legal limit values for non-hazardous waste landfilling, according to Council Decision 2003/33/EC. Two techniques, phosphoric acid stabilization and water washing were used for the treatment of fly ash. Several parameters that affect the two processes were tested. Phosphoric acid proved to be very effective for the stabilization of Pb. Water washing reduced effectively the soluble fraction but attention was given to the mobilization of toxic heavy metals and to the wastewater which is produced. The combination of phosphoric acid stabilization and water washing was investigated, aiming to the successful stabilization of fly ash and the production of the best wastewater quality. The effect of various parameters, such as phosphoric acid to ash ratio, pH, the sequence of the two processes and different phosphate sources, was examined. The results indicate that using phosphoric acid with an acid to ash ratio of 7% w/w followed by water washing, successfully stabilizes the fly ash and produces a non-hazardous waste. In addition, the wastewater produced from this treatment method is less polluted with heavy metals than the other tested methods.

Focused ultrasound energy over steel slags as a fast tool to assess their environmental risk before and after their reuse in agriculture and civil constructions

The interest in reusing steel slag in several applications such as aggregate in cement (buildings) and in different road bases, railroad ballast, fertilizer, fill material, etc. has increased. Thus, it is important to know what elements are leached from the slag to the environment in order to evaluate the environmental risk of its reuse. Here we propose a fast leaching test based on focused ultrasound energy (FUS) using a glass probe and Milli-Q water to simulate rain water along time. Our developed method was compared with the conventional EN12457-2 European standard test, and excellent recovery percentages were obtained (0.00054–8% in contrast to 0.00011–0.74% of the European norm). Once confirmed the effectiveness of the developed method (lower amount of sample in the same volume, less operation time, less energy consumption and good recoveries), this procedure was applied to Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) slags used as filler in a forest track 18years ago. Comparing their concentration values and those of EAF slags recently generated in a steelwork, which were leached in the same way, there was a similar tendency of elemental concentrations in both. However, the samples belonged to the forest track had lower concentration values, possibly due to the highest exposition to the environment. Therefore, we concluded that the developed method could predict the potential risks in terrestrial ecosystems (surrounding soils, rivers, etc.) and for the human health based on the concentration of potentially hazardous elements (heavy metals, toxic trace elements, metalloids, etc) present in the slag when it is in contact with rainwater.

Purification of Jatropha curcas based biodiesel by dry washing, using banana peel and mushroom powder as natural adsorbents

This paper focuses on the two stage synthesis of biodiesel from higher fatty acid Jatropha curcas oil, its purification using organic adsorbents and some natural adsorbents. The purpose of this work is to use banana peel and mushroom (Pleurotus species) as biosorbents and Amberlite BD10 DRY, Purolite PD 206 and Tulsion T-45BD as organic adsorbents for the dry purification of biodiesel. The efficiency of these biosorbents was compared with that of organic adsorbents and the response of each adsorbent was measured through the determination of all the potential impurities present in the biodiesel as per American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and European (EN) standard test method. On comparing the results, natural adsorbents are found to be equally suitable for the removal of contaminants from biodiesel. The adsorbents were also characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) for studying the changes in morphology before and after their use. Analysis of purified biodiesel samples by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) further supported the efficiency of natural adsorbents.

Autodisplay for the co-expression of lipase and foldase on the surface of E. coli: washing with designer bugs

BackgroundLipases including the lipase from Burkholderia cepacia are in a main focus in biotechnology research since many years because of their manifold possibilities for application in industrial processes. The application of Burkholderia cepacia lipase for these processes appears complicated because of the need for support by a chaperone, the lipase specific foldase. Purification and reconstitution protocols therefore interfere with an economic implementation of such enzymes in industry. Autodisplay is a convenient method to express a variety of passenger proteins on the surface of E. coli. This method makes subsequent purification steps to obtain the protein of interest unnecessary. If enzymes are used as passengers, the corresponding cells can simply be applied as whole cell biocatalysts. Furthermore, enzymes surface displayed in this manner often acquire stabilization by anchoring within the outer membrane of E. coli.ResultsThe lipase and its chaperone foldase from B. cepacia were co-expressed on the surface of E. coli via autodisplay. The whole cell biocatalyst obtained thereby exhibited an enzymatic activity of 2.73 mU mL-1 towards the substrate p-nitrophenyl palmitate when applied in an OD578 =1. Outer membrane fractions prepared from the same culture volume showed a lipase activity of 4.01 mU mL-1. The lipase-whole cell biocatalyst as well as outer membrane preparations thereof were used in a standardized laundry test, usually adopted to determine the power of washing agents. In this test, the lipase whole cell biocatalyst and the membrane preparation derived thereof exhibited the same lipolytic activity as the purified lipase from B. cepacia and a lipase preparation which is already applied in commercial washing agents.ConclusionsCo-expression of both the lipase and its chaperone foldase on the surface of E. coli yields a lipid degrading whole cell biocatalyst. Therefore the chaperone supported folding process, absolutely required for the lipolytic activity appears not to be hindered by surface display. Furthermore, the cells and the membrane preparations appeared to be stable enough to endure a European standard laundry test and show efficient fat removal properties herein.

Comparison of European standard EN 310 and EN 789 in determining the bending strength and modulus of elasticity of red seraya (Shorea spp.) plywood panel: experimental and finite element analysis

The characteristic bending strength (MOR) and mean modulus of elasticity (MOE) of red seraya (Shorea spp.) plywood was determined using European Standard bending tests EN 310 and EN 789. The experiment found that the MOR of EN310 was higher whereas MOE were lower than those obtained from EN 789. The study also found that the choice of wood species influenced the correlation of MOR and MOE obtained by EN 310 and EN 789. Finite element (FE) model was proposed to predict MOR and MOE values. The FE analysis method showed satisfactory agreement with the experimental results, especially for EN 789. The R2 values for EN 789 attempted through linear regressions range from 0.96 to 0.99. Nevertheless, it was noted that the FE models in this study had put some limitations on the prediction.

Testing the soundness of aggregates using different methodologies

This paper compares the European (EN) and US (ASTM) standard tests for the soundness of aggregates. The main purpose of the paper is to identify the differences between these two methods and to investigate the extent of weathering inflicted on aggregates by sodium and magnesium sulphate salt solutions. The results show that both tests (using weighted average) produce similar mass losses with magnesium sulphate. They also suggest that the EN test (Annex B) is unsuitable for fine aggregates. The loss in mass for coarse aggregates tested with magnesium sulphate increases as the fraction size is reduced.

Environmental assessment and management of metal-rich wastes generated in acid mine drainage passive remediation systems

As acid mine drainage (AMD) remediation is increasingly faced by governments and mining industries worldwide, the generation of metal-rich solid residues from the treatments plants is concomitantly raising. A proper environmental management of these metal-rich wastes requires a detailed characterization of the metal mobility as well as an assessment of this new residues stability. The European standard leaching test EN 12457-2, the US EPA TCLP test and the BCR sequential extraction procedure were selected to address the environmental assessment of dispersed alkaline substrate (DAS) residues generated in AMD passive treatment systems. Significant discrepancies were observed in the hazardousness classification of the residues according to the TCLP or EN 12457-2 test. Furthermore, the absence of some important metals (like Fe or Al) in the regulatory limits employed in both leaching tests severely restricts their applicability for metal-rich wastes. The results obtained in the BCR sequential extraction suggest an important influence of the landfill environmental conditions on the metals released from the wastes. To ensure a complete stability of the pollutants in the studied DAS-wastes the contact with water or any other leaching solutions must be avoided and a dry environment needs to be provided in the landfill disposal selected.