Future Testing Research Articles

Cybersecurity in Motion: A Survey of Challenges and Requirements for Future Test Facilities of CAVs

The way we travel is changing rapidly and Cooperative Intelligent Transportation Systems (C-ITSs) are at the forefront of this evolution. However, the adoption of C-ITSs introduces new risks and challenges, making cybersecurity a top priority for ensuring safety and reliability. Building on this premise, this paper introduces an envisaged Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (CSCE) designed to bolster researching, testing, and evaluating the cybersecurity of C-ITSs. We explore the design, functionality, and challenges of CSCE's testing facilities, outlining the technological, security, and societal requirements. Through a thorough survey and analysis, we assess the effectiveness of these systems in detecting and mitigating potential threats, highlighting their flexibility to adapt to future C-ITSs. Finally, we identify current unresolved challenges in various C-ITS domains, with the aim of motivating further research into the cybersecurity of C-ITSs.

Autonomous swab robot for naso- and oropharyngeal COVID-19 screening

The COVID-19 outbreak has triggered a global health and economic crisis, necessitating widespread testing to control viral spread amidst rising cases and fatalities. The recommended testing method, a combined naso- and oropharyngeal swab, poses risks and demands limited protective gear. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we developed and tested the first autonomous swab robot station for Naso- and Oropharyngeal Coronavirus Screening (SR-NOCS). A force-sensitive robot running under a Cartesian impedance controller is employed to drive the swab to the sampling area. This groundbreaking device underwent two clinical studies-one conducted during the initial pandemic lockdown in Europe (early 2021) and the other, more recently, in a public place after the pandemic had subsided earlier in the year 2023. In total, 52 patients suspected of COVID-19 infection were included in these clinical studies. The results revealed a complete positive correlation between autonomous and manual sampling. The test subjects exhibited a high acceptance rate, all expressing a willingness to undergo future tests with SR-NOCS. Based on our findings, such systems could enhance testing capabilities, potentially conducting up to 300 tests per robot per day with consistent precision. The tests can be carried out with minimal supervision, reducing infection risks and effectively safeguarding patients and healthcare workers.

The Bilingual Is Not Two Monolinguals of Same Age: Normative Testing Implications for Multilinguals.

A fundamental concept in psychological and intelligence testing involves the assumption of comparability in which performance on a test is compared to a normative standard derived from prior testing on individuals who are comparable to the examinee. When evaluating cognitive abilities, the primary variable used for establishing comparability and, in turn, validity is age, given that intellectual abilities develop largely as a function of general physical growth and neuromaturation. When an individual has been raised only in the language of the test, language development is effectively controlled by age. For example, when measuring vocabulary, a 12-year-old will be compared only to other 12-year-olds, all of whom have been learning the language of the test for approximately 12 years-hence, they remain comparable. The same cannot be said when measuring the same or other abilities in a 12-year-old who has been raised only in a different language or raised partly with a different language and partly with the language of the test. In such cases, a 12-year-old may have been learning the language of the test at some point shortly after birth, or they might have just begun learning the language a week ago. Their respective development in the language of the test thus varies considerably, and it can no longer be assumed that they are comparable in this respect to others simply because they are of the same age. Psychologists noted early on that language differences could affect test performance, but it was viewed mostly as an issue regarding basic comprehension. Early efforts were made to address this issue, which typically involved simplification of the instructions or reliance on mostly nonverbal methods of administration and measurement. Other procedures that followed included working around language via test modifications or alterations (e.g., use of an interpreter), testing in the dominant language, or use of tests translated into other languages. None of these approaches, however, have succeeded in establishing validity and fairness in the testing of multilinguals, primarily because they fail to recognize that language difference is not the same as language development, much like cultural difference is not the same as acquisition of acculturative knowledge. Current research demonstrates that the test performance of multilinguals is moderated primarily by the amount of exposure to and development in the language of the test. Moreover, language development, specifically receptive vocabulary, accounts for more variance in test performance than age or any other variable. There is further evidence that when the influence of differential language development is examined and controlled, historical attributions to race-based performance disappear. Advances in fairness in the testing of multilinguals rest on true peer comparisons that control for differences in language development within and among multilinguals. The BESA and the Ortiz PVAT are the only two examples where norms have been created that control for both age and degree of development in the language(s) of the test. Together, they provide a blueprint for future tests and test construction wherein the creation of true peer norms is possible and, when done correctly, exhibits significant influence in equalizing test performance across diverse groups, irrespective of racial/ethnic background or language development. Current research demonstrates convincingly that with deliberate and careful attention to differences that exist, not only between monolinguals and multilinguals of the same age but also among multilinguals themselves, tests can be developed to support claims of validity and fairness for use with individuals who were in fact not raised exclusively in the language or the culture of the test.

Effectiveness of Integrated Mindfulness-Based Fitness Training Program in Ameliorating Physical Symptoms and Survivor Concerns in Patients With Breast Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Patients with breast cancer typically experience both mental and physical distress after aggressive treatments. Some studies have explored the use of integrated interventions, such as mindfulness-based or exercise-based approaches, to reduce these symptoms. However, the results of these studies have been conflicting. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated mindfulness-based fitness training (MBFT) program in addressing overactive bladder, fear of cancer recurrence, and female sexual function in patients with breast cancer. Fifty patients with breast cancer were either assigned to an 8-week MBFT group or a waitlist control group. The postintervention and preintervention scores were compared using descriptive analysis of the data set, as well as paired and independent t tests. There was no significant improvement in overactive bladder symptoms. Significant differences were observed in survivor concerns for items related to future diagnostic tests (t = 2.667, P = .024; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.120-1.335), another type of cancer (t = 2.667, P = .024; 95% CI, 0.120-1.335), cancer coming back (t = 4.183, P = .002; 95% CI, 0.297-0.975), dying (t = 2.609, P = .026; 95% CI, 0.093-1.180), and my health (t = 2.887, P = .016; 95% CI, 0.104-0.805). A significant difference was found in the item measuring overall sexual life satisfaction (t = -3.162, P = .013) and sexual desire (MBFT vs waitlist control group, 2.00 vs 1.18; P = .023). Mindfulness-based fitness training interventions were effective in enhancing the well-being of patients with breast cancer by reducing fear of recurrence and enhancing sexual function. These findings support the use of MBFT as complementary therapy. Healthcare providers should carefully assess the individual needs and preferences of each patient and tailor interventions accordingly. In addition, integrating multiple approaches may be more effective in reducing distress.

Undergraduates’ Perceptions of Online Assessment in Tertiary Education: A Case Study at Tra Vinh University, Vietnam

The study aims to examine university students’ perceptions of online assessment and the challenges they encountered when experiencing online tests or exams. The participants were 51 senior English majors at Tra Vinh University. The questionnaire was the only instrument in use. The findings reveal that the participants had positive attitudes towards online assessment because of easy accessibility and submission, the inclusion of a variety of tasks or questions, effectiveness in enhancing self-learning, immediate feedback, as well as the confidentiality of the test materials and results. In terms of the obstacles, the students encountered a great deal of difficulties including weak Internet signals, fatigue due to long hours of looking at the computer’s screen, discomfort when being asked to turn on the camera, distractions during online exams at home, lack of technology literacy and time pressure for each test section. Consequently, some recommendations are made for the administrators and undergraduates in Tra Vinh University in particular and neighboring universities in general to assist students in overcoming their challenges and achieving better results in their future online tests or exams.

Roadmap to DILI research in Europe. A proposal from COST action ProEuroDILINet

In the current article the aims for a constructive way forward in Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI) are to highlight the most important priorities in research and clinical science, therefore supporting a more informed, focused, and better funded future for European DILI research. This Roadmap aims to identify key challenges, define a shared vision across all stakeholders for the opportunities to overcome these challenges and propose a high-quality research program to achieve progress on the prediction, prevention, diagnosis and management of this condition and impact on healthcare practice in the field of DILI. This will involve 1. Creation of a database encompassing optimised case report form for prospectively identified DILI cases with well-characterised controls with competing diagnoses, biological samples, and imaging data; 2. Establishing of preclinical models to improve the assessment and prediction of hepatotoxicity in humans to guide future drug safety testing; 3. Emphasis on implementation science and 4. Enhanced collaboration between drug-developers, clinicians and regulatory scientists. This proposed operational framework will advance DILI research and may bring together basic, applied, translational and clinical research in DILI.

A Healthy Dental Nutrition Card as A Parenting Pattern to Prevent Stunting in Toddlers

Background: The healthy teeth nutrition card (Kartu Nutrisi Gigi Sehat) is a development model for parenting patterns to prevent stunting in toddlers. These cards were developed for young children and are efficient for children and health practitioners to carry and play with. It is hoped that parenting patterns in the form of healthy dental nutrition can prevent caries which affects food intake and nutritional status. The aim of the research is to develop a healthy dental nutrition card as a parenting pattern to prevent stunting in toddlers.
 Method: This research is Research and Development (R&D), carried out at Posyandu Widuri VI, Paal Lima Village, Jambi City. Media and material validation involved 6 experts. The research subjects were 16 toddlers, 4 cadres, 4 community health center staff, 2 PKK people, and 16 mothers of toddlers. The data collected using questionnaires. 
 Results: Healthy dental nutrition cards are very eligible for use to promote dental health as a parenting pattern to prevent stunting in toddlers.
 Conclusion: It is recommended that future research test the effectiveness of healthy dental nutrition cards
 

Digital risks and Islamic FinTech: a road map to social justice and financial inclusion

Purpose This study aims to map the digital risks for the Islamic finance industry. Since 2010, the financial space has largely shifted from being banking-centric to the entrepreneurship spectrum, benefiting from groundbreaking innovations in computer technology. The problem of Islamic Finance is that it is still within its banking-centric moment that is risk averse leading to financial exclusion. As with all innovations, there are associated risks that require careful consideration to ensure the reaping of the benefits of these technologies while controlling the risks at its lowest. In this context, the aim of this study is to highlight the risks associated with financial technologies (FinTech) to prepare the Islamic finance sector to serve the economic ideals of Maqāṣid al-Shariah in financial inclusion and profit and loss sharing. The main research question is as follows: What do Islamic Finance industry need to do to manage the digital risks for financial inclusion? Design/methodology/approach This study uses narrative review method in analysing the discourse of financial technology literature using qualitative data collected from the literature on the topic. It aimed to problematise associated digital risks from the Shariah compliance and Maqā¸ṣid al-Shariah critical viewpoints. Considering the nature of this conceptual study, it adopts a qualitative methodology by using discourse and thematic analysis of the literature that can lay the foundation for future empirical testing on the topic. Findings The study found that managing risks faced by the Islamic financial sector while adapting to the digital era can be divided into two main clusters: risk mitigation for Shariah-compliant FinTech and risk avoidance for Shariah non-compliant innovations. The high level of gharar associated with current practices in both cryptocurrencies and smart contracts needs additional regulation and simulation before they can be reconsidered for market-wide application. Cloud computing, crowdfunding and big data have promising applications that can address the limitations of the Islamic finance industry, particularly in terms of reducing transactional costs. Research limitations/implications This conceptual article offers some insights into the subject; nevertheless, it does not attempt to establish causation or generalise the results. Additional statistical testing is required prior to generalising the results. Practical implications Due to the difficulties experienced since its inception, the Islamic financial industry is in urgent need of the cutting-edge solutions required to gain a competitive edge in the market and get over the limits that came with its late entry into the financial sector. Mapping digital risks is imperative for the development of comprehensive prudential risk management strategies for the Islamic finance industry that can fix its problems and enable it to deliver the more favourable Shariah-based solutions, rather than remaining in the lower bands of Shariah compliance. Originality/value Findings of the study lay the foundation for empirical testing the volatility of FinTech innovations for the Islamic finance industry to reduce uncertainties and generate reliable forecasts. Scholarship on managing digital risks for Islamic financial institutions is still developing due to the covid global lockdown and the looming recession, and this study will help enhance theorisation necessary that can aspire economic recovery after current challenges.

Lithium Trapping in Silicon Nanowire Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Silicon has long been considered a prospective anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its high theoretical specific capacity and natural abundance. However, silicon is known to suffer from significant volumetric expansion (~ 400%) during lithiation and de-lithiation. The induced mechanical stress leads to pulverization of silicon as well as electrolyte consumption, which results in poor coulombic efficiency, high irreversible capacity loss and cell failure(1-3). Nanostructured silicon in the form of nanoparticles, nanowires, nanotubes, and nanoporous silicon has demonstrated high capacities, greatly improved coulomb efficiencies, and capacity compared to bulk silicon(4-6). Silicon nanowires (Si NWs) have also shown improved charge transport and capacity retention over nanoparticles. Related to this, silicon-graphite composite anodes featuring 30% Si NWs have demonstrated a capacity of almost 3x graphite(7). However, nanostructured silicon is still prone to capacity fade, primarily caused by the formation of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) and lithium trapping(5, 8-11). Though SEI formation has been widely studied, there has been far less study regarding lithium trapping, despite it contributing to ~30% of the initial capacity loss and accelerating further capacity loss(11, 12). There is a noticeable gap in the literature dedicated to understanding the effect of lithium trapping in Si NWs. In this study, we aim to address this by investigating the effect of lithium trapping in Si NWs anodes for LIBs. Using electrochemical techniques such as constant current (CC), constant current constant voltage (CCCV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), at different rates, we have compared the effects of lithium trapping in Si NWs and the role it plays in determining the end performance of Si NW electrodes. We have also compared the morphological changes induced in Si NWs from lithium trapping. The findings of this study serve to highlight the importance of electrochemical optimisation and form a basis for the future design and testing of LIBs involving Si NWs. REFERENCE LIST D. McNulty, A. Hennessy, M. Li, E. Armstrong and K. M. Ryan, Journal of Power Sources, 545, 231943 (2022).T. Kennedy, E. Mullane, H. Geaney, M. Osiak, C. O’Dwyer and K. M. Ryan, Nano Letters, 14, 716 (2014).T. Kennedy, M. Bezuidenhout, K. Palaniappan, K. Stokes, M. Brandon and K. M. Ryan, ACS Nano, 9, 7456 (2015).M. A. Rahman, G. Song, A. I. Bhatt, Y. C. Wong and C. Wen, Advanced Functional Materials, 26, 647 (2016).X. Zhao and V.-P. Lehto, Nanotechnology, 32, 042002 (2021).T. Kennedy, M. Brandon and K. M. Ryan, Advanced Materials, 28, 5696 (2016).S. Karuppiah, C. Keller, P. Kumar, P.-H. Jouneau, D. Aldakov, J.-B. Ducros, G. Lapertot, P. Chenevier and C. Haon, ACS Nano, 14, 12006 (2020).C. Erk, T. Brezesinski, H. Sommer, R. Schneider and J. Janek, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 5, 7299 (2013).M. N. Obrovac and L. J. Krause, Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 154, A103 (2007).D. Rehnlund, F. Lindgren, S. Böhme, T. Nordh, Y. Zou, J. Pettersson, U. Bexell, M. Boman, K. Edström and L. Nyholm, Energy & Environmental Science, 10, 1350 (2017).T. Kennedy, M. Brandon, F. Laffir and K. M. Ryan, Journal of Power Sources, 359, 601 (2017).B. Zhu, G. Liu, G. Lv, Y. Mu, Y. Zhao, Y. Wang, X. Li, P. Yao, Y. Deng, Y. Cui and J. Zhu, Science Advances, 5, eaax0651 (2019).

Anonic Silicon Hydrogels Affect the Concentration of Proteins in Tears during Wear

Purpose The objective of this study was to quantitatively assess the concentration of human tear proteins in patients wearing contact lenses of various ionicities and determine whether differences were related to the incidence of corneal infiltrative events (CIE). Methods 24 subjects (samples) were randomly selected for spectral count analysis to obtain protein concentrations using LCMS analysis. The subjects were neophyte and ametropic with ages between 18 and 40; 6 wore control lenses, 8 wore TestLens1, and 10 wore TestLens2. 16 subjects experienced CIEs during the study. Results A pairwise multiple hypothesis test identified 7 proteins that significantly differed in concentration between TestLens1 and control, and 11 proteins that differed between TestLens2 and control. Of the 12 unique proteins, 9 were at increased concentration and 3 were at lower concentration in the tears of test lens wearers compared to the control lens group. Bootstrap clustering confirmed these findings, showing 3 similar clusters to the original sample groups which separated people wearing control lenses from those wearing TestLens1 or TestLens2 with 83% accuracy and between TestLens1 and TestLens2 with 45% accuracy. Permutation testing identified 5 proteins that had significantly changed in concentration between people wearing TestLens2 and Control lenses. There was no difference in protein concentrations between those subjects who experienced a CIE and those who did not. Conclusion Wearing contact lenses of different ionicities can affect the concentration of proteins in the tear film. The current study did not find any associations of the concentration of proteins with CIEs. Future tests with increased sample size are needed to establish any relations between these changes and clinical performance.

THE CONFIDENCE FINANCIAL WELL-BEING INTERVENTION FOR LATINO FAMILY CAREGIVERS: PILOT STUDY RESULTS

Abstract Family caregivers to people living with dementia encounter an average of $10,697 per year in out-of-pocket caregiving costs that exert long-term material and psychological consequences. Latino caregivers encounter higher out-of-pocket caregiving costs relative to their income than non-Latino caregivers. There is an unmet need for programs to alleviate financial hardship among caregivers, particularly those culturally tailored to Latino caregivers. The Confidently Navigating Financial Decisions and Enhancing Financial Wellbeing in Dementia Caregiving (CONFIDENCE) program draws on successful intervention approaches identified within nursing and gerontological research to manage out-of-pocket caregiving costs and prevent financial hardship among caregivers to persons living with dementia. Between May 2022 and February 2023, CONFIDENCE was delivered to six cohorts of Latino caregivers at an academic-service center. This symposium will discuss preliminary pilot study results. Donna Benton, PhD, will describe how the intervention was developed with a community advisory council to ensure a culturally-tailored program. Kylie Meyer, PhD, will share the preliminary efficacy of the intervention based on interim analyses of outcomes, including caregiver resourcefulness and financial strain. Alexander Gonzales, BSG, will describe challenges related to recruitment and retention, and considers registration and fidelity data to understand possible causes of low attendance. Lastly, Susanna Mage, PhD(c), MA, will present the findings from the preliminary evaluation of the program to examine the acceptability, including participant satisfaction surveys and one-on-one interviews. Initial success of the pilot phase suggests opportunities for future efficacy testing. If efficacious, CONFIDENCE could help alleviate financial hardship experienced by family caregivers to persons living with dementia.

DEVELOPING A TOUCHSCREEN COMMUNICATION DEVICE TO EMPOWER PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA AND THEIR CAREGIVERS

Abstract People living with dementia (PLWD) often experience communication deficits that create frustration and challenges to caregiving and clinical care for this population. It also constrains person-centered care. To address communication challenges, an interdisciplinary team developed a mobile communication app that promotes communication by PLWDs about their daily care preferences and experiences. This app, My Person Assisted Touchscreen Interface (My PATI), empowers PLWDs and their caregivers by supporting communication with a fully-customizable platform. This platform allows the PLWD to express preferences for daily activities, such as preferred foods and clothing options. It also enables the PLWD to express their experiences relevant to symptoms of pain, depression, and sleep quality. This presentation will describe a multi-phase Quality Implementation Framework that the research team has applied in developing My PATI to maximize its potential for being adopted into the home and residential care settings and used by multiple caregivers. The presentation will include the My PATI implementation video and foundational research: qualitative interviews with PLWDs, caregivers of PLWD, alpha and beta testing with dyads of caregivers and PLWDs, and extensive assessment and development planning with clinicians, geriatric researchers, computer scientists, and a graphic artist to inform My PATI functions and design. The presentation will also describe the designs of future pilot testing and randomized control trial studies that are planned for 2024.

DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF PERSON-CENTERED MEALTIME CARE KNOWLEDGE AND SELF-EFFICACY ASSESSMENTS

Abstract Person-centered mealtime care is individually tailored and directly delivered care that engages individuals in mealtime activities and addresses their needs and preferences. Person-centered mealtime care is associated with positive mealtime behaviors and outcomes in older adults with dementia. Existing tools that assess caregiver knowledge and self-efficacy of mealtime care have low psychometric quality, and few tools focus on person-centered mealtime care. This study developed and tested the Person-Centered Mealtime Care Knowledge and Self-Efficacy Assessments. The 20-item Knowledge Assessment (total score = 0-20, higher score = better knowledge) and 15-item Self-Efficacy Assessment (items are scored from 1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree; total score = 15 - 75; higher score = better self-efficacy) were developed based on literature and expert reviews and finalized based on content validity. Seventy-two nursing home direct care staff (n=72, age = 45±12.1 years; 8.5% male; 12.3% non-white; 93% provided dementia mealtime care; 89% experienced challenges during mealtime) completed the assessments. The two assessments showed adequate content validity (Scale-CVI = 0.95-1.00; item-CVI = 0.83-1.00) and acceptable-to-good internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha = .651 and .984 for Knowledge and Self-Efficacy Assessments, respectively). There was a weak and significant correlation between Knowledge and Self-Efficacy Assessments (rs = .262, p = .026). Findings provide preliminary psychometric evidence of the two assessments to measure caregivers’ knowledge and self-efficacy in providing person-centered mealtime care. Future validity testing and item-level testing using Item Response Theory is needed among larger populations of diverse caregivers to accumulate rigorous psychometric evidence.

USABILITY OF THE SMARTWATCH AS A REMINDER AID FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH DIVERSE COGNITIVE ABILITIES

Abstract Smartwatches have potential to provide support for prospective memory, the ability to remember and carry out an intention in the future, crucial for maintaining health, independence, and social connections. Little is known about how older adults, particularly those with cognitive impairment, might interact with smartwatches. This study aimed to understand 1) the types of challenges older adults with and without cognitive impairment experience when using a smartwatch, and 2) the potential for smartwatches to serve as reminder aids for this population. Participants were twenty-seven older adults (age 60+) with normal cognitive functioning or cognitive impairment due to mild cognitive impairment, traumatic brain injury, or stroke. Participants were asked to use a smartwatch’s reminder notifications to remember to complete a daily survey for 10 days and completed demographic, neuropsychological, technology acceptance, and usability measures. Half were first asked to use their usual memory strategies without the smartwatch to remember to complete the daily survey for 10 days. Participants gave relatively low usability ratings for the smartwatches overall and reported a variety of challenges. The smartwatches did not appear to significantly help or hurt participants’ abilities to remember to complete the daily survey. Perceived usefulness of the smartwatches was significantly associated with subjective memory, suggesting that perceived memory challenges may play an important role in the adoption of smartwatches. Results suggest that the smartwatches used in this study may not be the best fit for supporting prospective memory and can inform the development of future efficacy tests and interventions involving smartwatches.

Improvement of a diet-induced model of hyperlipidemia in Wistar rats: Assessment of biochemical parameters, the thickness of the abdominal aorta and liver histology

ObjectivesThis study aimed to develop an improved and more reliable atherogenic diet-induced model of hyperlipidemia in Wistar rats for a better insight into pathophysiological changes and their effects on relevant biochemical and histological markers as well as on the thickness of the abdominal aorta. MethodsThe study was conducted on a total number of 24 Wistar rats, three-month-old, weighing 180–230g that were divided into two groups: the standard rodent diet (SD) group (n = 12; 6 males and 6 females) in which rats were fed with commercially available standard rodent diet (SRD), and the atherogenic rodent diet (AD) group (n = 12; 6 males and 6 females) in which rats were fed with our mixture of atherogenic rodent diet (ARD) throughout the study period of 28 days. The body weight of rats was recorded weekly. The blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture and values of total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were determined at baseline, after the 14 days, and on the last day of the study, while other parameters high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, total protein (TP), glucose (GC), alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) were determined only on the last day of the study. The liver and abdominal aorta were collected after sacrifice and stored for further analysis. ResultsFeeding rats with an ARD for 14 days resulted in the successful development of hyperlipidemia, as the TC and TG values were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Further feeding with an ARD for a total of 28 days resulted in significantly increased levels of TC, TG, LDL, non-HDL, and decreased levels of HDL compared to rats fed with SRD (p < 0.05). Greater risk predispositions for CVDs were documented for rats in the AD group, due to the significant increase in AI and LDL/HDL ratio compared to the SD group (p < 0.05). ConclusionObtained lipid profile and predictors confirm the establishment of a diet-induced model of hyperlipidemia in Wistar rats and prove the suitability of our model for future testing and proving the effectiveness of lipid-lowering agents.

High-temperature electroweak baryogenesis with composite Higgs

Electroweak Baryogenesis (EWBG) paired with the Composite Higgs (CH) scenario provides a well-motivated and testable framework for addressing the questions of the origin of the matter-antimatter asymmetry and the naturalness of the electroweak scale. The appeal of both concepts however experiences increasing pressure from the experimental side, as no conclusive signs of the corresponding new physics have been observed. In this note we present a modification of the minimal CH EWBG model, where electroweak symmetry breaking persists to temperatures far above the usually obtained upper bound of ~ 100 GeV. This allows for an increase of the mass of the main actor of EWBG in this scenario — the dilaton. Such a modification results in relaxing the tension with experimental data, generally modifying the phenomenology, and pointing at collider searches for the heavy dilaton as the main direction for its future tests.

Materials qualification through the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF): a case study on irradiated PM-HIP structural alloys

This article presents neutron irradiation and post-irradiation examination (PIE) capabilities available to the nuclear materials research community through the US Department of Energy’s Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF). The pressing need to deploy advanced nuclear reactors to combat climate change requires qualification of new fuels and materials. Among advanced manufacturing processes, powder metallurgy with hot isostatic pressing (PM-HIP) is nearest to becoming qualified for nuclear applications. This article provides examples from a recent irradiation and PIE program on a series of structural alloys fabricated by PM-HIP to illustrate how NSUF capabilities can be used to generate qualification data. The neutron irradiation experiments are described, and a sampling of results from tensile testing, nanoindentation, transmission electron microscopy, and atom probe tomography are presented, showing the favorable performance of PM-HIP alloys compared to their cast or forged counterparts under irradiation. This article provides a perspective on leveraging NSUF for future nuclear fuels and materials testing and qualification.

Statistical analysis of solar thermal collectors in the Solar Keymark Database

Experimental, analytical, or numerical investigations are ordinarily conducted to reveal optimisation potential for solar thermal collectors. At the same time, the ‘Solar Keymark Database’ contains more than 2,000 test reports from certified laboratories featuring properties including thermal efficiency, dimensions, or optical properties. This dataset offers untapped potential for statistical analyses as an alternative optimisation approach. Hence, this paper aims to provide a) the first statistical findings of solar thermal collector properties listed in the Solar Keymark Database and b) insights into statistical relations between these properties. The key correlations observed from the analysis of flat-plate collectors were between efficiency and both gross height (R=0.30) and gross area (R=0.27). We concluded that preferable collector designs may be featured with larger area to height ratios. The analyses of evacuated tube collectors revealed a strong correlation between efficiency and transversal incidence angle modifier (R=-0.65) as a result from different tube spacing. It was noticeable that the quasi-dynamic test method reported significantly higher efficiencies (7.14 percentage points) for evacuated tube collectors, which should be carefully considered for future test procedures. Overall, the statistical analysis was in accordance with conventional bottom-up analyses and revealed insightful dependencies for the present collector data.

Exploring the role of the Kölliker-Fuse nucleus in breathing variability by mathematical modelling.

The Kölliker-Fuse nucleus (KF), which is part of the parabrachial complex, participates in the generation of eupnoea under resting conditions and the control of active abdominal expiration when increased ventilation is required. Moreover, dysfunctions in KF neuronal activity are believed to play a role in the emergence of respiratory abnormalities seen in Rett syndrome (RTT), a progressive neurodevelopmental disorder associated with an irregular breathing pattern and frequent apnoeas. Relatively little is known, however, about the intrinsic dynamics of neurons within the KF and how their synaptic connections affect breathing pattern control and contribute to breathing irregularities. In this study, we use a reduced computational model to consider several dynamical regimes of KF activity paired with different input sources to determine which combinations are compatible with known experimental observations. We further build on these findings to identify possible interactions between the KF and other components of the respiratory neural circuitry. Specifically, we present two models that both simulate eupnoeic as well as RTT-like breathing phenotypes. Using nullcline analysis, we identify the types of inhibitory inputs to the KF leading to RTT-like respiratory patterns and suggest possible KF local circuit organizations. When the identified properties are present, the two models also exhibit quantal acceleration of late-expiratory activity, a hallmark of active expiration featuring forced exhalation, with increasing inhibition to KF, as reported experimentally. Hence, these models instantiate plausible hypotheses about possible KF dynamics and forms of local network interactions, thus providing a general framework as well as specific predictions for future experimental testing. KEY POINTS: The Kölliker-Fuse nucleus (KF), a part of the parabrachial complex, is involved in regulating normal breathing and controlling active abdominal expiration during increased ventilation. Dysfunction in KF neuronal activity is thought to contribute to respiratory abnormalities seen in Rett syndrome (RTT). This study utilizes computational modelling to explore different dynamical regimes of KF activity and their compatibility with experimental observations. By analysing different model configurations, the study identifies inhibitory inputs to the KF that lead to RTT-like respiratory patterns and proposes potential KF local circuit organizations. Two models are presented that simulate both normal breathing and RTT-like breathing patterns. These models provide testable hypotheses and specific predictions for future experimental investigations, offering a general framework for understanding KF dynamics and potential network interactions.

Оценка анизотропии физико-механических характеристик грунта

The paper raises the problem of soil sampling and determination of physical and mechanical characteristics during the performance of a screw reinforced concrete pile. Anisotropy of physical and mechanical characteristics has a significant effect on the performance of structures. This raises the question of the correct application of soil characteristics sampled by the standard method. The standard method of soil sampling using a cutting ring involves vertical cutting of the sample according to its natural occurrence. The subsequent physical and mechanical characteristics obtained do not reflect the anisotropy of the tested soil. At the same time, construction norms and regulations regulate to take into account the anisotropy of materials and soils when taking into account the nonlinearity of soil models, as well as the calculation of the "structure-foundation" system. For this purpose, a number of tests were carried out in which soil sampling differed from the classical method. Soil sampling was carried out using standard cutting rings at 90º and 45º angles from the vertical according to the natural soil occurrence. Physical and mechanical characteristics of the obtained samples were compared with control samples selected by the standard method. During the tests, the identified differences were subjected to analysis and determination of patterns for subsequent formation of conclusions and the ability of applications and extrapolation of physical and mechanical characteristics for future tests and calculations.