Independent Testing Facilities Research Articles

An Analysis of Over-the-Counter Cannabidiol Products in the United Kingdom.

Introduction: Over-the-counter cannabidiol (CBD) products have seen unprecedented recent growth in the United Kingdom. However, analysis of these predominantly unregulated products from other countries tells us that they are often mislabeled or contain unlabeled and potentially dangerous chemicals. Thus, the aim of the present study was to analyze CBD oils available in the United Kingdom. Materials and Methods: Phytocannabinoids, residual solvent, and heavy metals were measured blinded in 29 widely available CBD products by an independent testing facility using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection for cannabinoids, Headspace-gas chromatography-flame ionization detector and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for residual solvents, and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry for heavy metals. Results: The mean advertised CBD content was 4.5%, and the actual mean measured CBD content of products was 3.2% (p=0.053, Mann-Whitney test). Only 11/29 (38%) products were within 10% of the advertised CBD content. Fifty five percent of products had measurable levels of the controlled substances Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (mean content 0.04%) or cannabinol (mean content 0.01%), as well as most other phytocannabinoid compounds including cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabidivarin (CBDV), and cannabidivarin acid (CBDVA). Detectable levels of N-pentane, ethanol, isopropanol, heptane, lead, and arsenic were found in many of the CBD products, but these were within acceptable levels. Conclusions: As demonstrated in other countries, the quality of over-the-counter CBD products in the United Kingdom can be substandard, particularly with regard to CBD content, and often contains levels of controlled substances. We recommend that these products be more strictly regulated for consumer welfare.

Outcome of ambulatory video-EEG monitoring in a ˜10,000 patient nationwide cohort

PurposeWe evaluate outcome of in-home diagnostic ambulatory video-EEG monitoring (AVEM) performed on a nationwide cohort of patients over one calendar year, and we compare our findings with outcomes of inpatient adult and pediatric VEM performed during the same year at two academic epilepsy centers. MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study. We obtained AVEM outcome data from an independent ambulatory-EEG testing facility. Inpatient VEM data from a 4-bed adult epilepsy center and an 8-bed pediatric epilepsy center were also included. Primary outcome measure was composite percentage of VEM records with epileptiform activity on EEG tracings or at least one video-recorded pushbutton event. We assessed patient-reported symptoms documented in AVEM event diaries. ResultsOf 9221 AVEM recordings performed across 28 states, 62.5% attained primary outcome. At least one patient-activated pushbutton event was captured on video in 54% of AVEM recordings (53.6% in adults, 56.1% in children). Epileptiform activity was reported in 1657 (18.0%) AVEM recordings (1473 [88.9%] only interictal, 9 [0.5%] only ictal, 175 [10.6%] both interictal and ictal). Most common patient-reported symptomatology during AVEM pushbutton events was behavioral/autonomic/emotional in adults and children. Compared to AVEM, inpatient VEM captured more confirmed representative events in adult and pediatric samples. ConclusionsAVEM is useful for non-urgent diagnostic evaluation of events.

SNS Cryogenic Test Facility Kinney Vacuum Pump Commissioning and Operation at 2 K

The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has built and commissioned an independent Cryogenic Test Facility (CTF) in support of testing in the Radio-frequency Test Facility (RFTF). Superconducting Radio-frequency Cavity (SRF) testing was initially conducted with the CTF cold box at 4.5 K. A Kinney vacuum pump skid consisting of a roots blower with a liquid ring backing pump was recently added to the CTF system to provide testing capabilities at 2 K. System design, pump refurbishment and installation of the Kinney pump will be presented. During the commissioning and initial testing period with the Kinney pump, several barriers to achieve reliable operation were experienced. Details of these lessons learned and improvements to skid operations will be presented. Pump capacity data will also be presented.

Establishment of new design criteria for GlidCop®X-ray absorbers

An engineering research program has been conducted at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) in order to determine the thermomechanical conditions that lead to crack formation in GlidCop®, a material commonly used to fabricate X-ray absorbers at X-ray synchrotron facilities. This dispersion-strengthened copper alloy is a proprietary material and detailed technical data of interest to the synchrotron community is limited. The results from the research program have allowed new design criteria to be established for GlidCop® X-ray absorbers based upon the thermomechanically induced fatigue behavior of the material. X-ray power from APS insertion devices was used to expose 30 GlidCop® samples to 10000 thermal loading cycles each under various beam power conditions, and all of the samples were metallurgically examined for crack presence/geometry. In addition, an independent testing facility was hired to measure temperature-dependent mechanical data and uniaxial mechanical fatigue data for numerous GlidCop® samples. Data from these studies support finite element analysis (FEA) simulation and parametric models, allowing the development of a thermal fatigue model and the establishment of new design criteria so that the thermomechanically induced fatigue life of X-ray absorbers may be predicted. It is also demonstrated how the thermal fatigue model can be used as a tool to geometrically optimize X-ray absorber designs.

Suggested Test Sequence Amendments of the Current ECSS E-ST-20-08C Standard for Bare Solar Cells Qualification

INTA-SPASOLAB as independent testing facility for more than 25 years has an extensive expertise in the certification and qualification of photovoltaic devices for space applications. Recently INTA-SPASOLAB has participated in the qualification of the latest technology upgrade of lattice-matched III-V GaInP/GaInAs/Ge triple-junction (TJ) bare solar cells manufactured by AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbH (Germany). This participation has consisted of carrying out test sequences of subgroup B, Beginning of Life (BOL) performance, C1 (Electron Irradiation) and P (Proton Irradiation) according to the current ECSS E-ST-20¬08C, Rev.1 reference standard.At these subgroup qualifications, some performance tests, in particular spectral response and electric performance tests, have been agreed to be either modified in the test sequence order or added, in order to understand better the evolution of the electrical cell parameter results.In this work, test sequence variations and obtained results on those subgroups B, C1 and P, are presented. The gained experience at this qualification and other previous work about solar cell characterization is used to suggest amendments.

Hemoshear, Llc: Series C Round Financing

The HemoShear case is designed to provide an opportunity for students to factor in the dilution of a potential Series D round in the valuation of the Series C round. It also highlights the issue of whether venture capitalists will treat the Series D round as a fourth round of funding or as a first round of institutional funding (i.e., a Series A round). This discussion is designed to illuminate the differences between goals and return requirements of angel investors and venture capitalists. Because the evolving nature of HemoShear's technology is not well captured by the VC or DCF methods of valuation, the case also mentions other pharmaceutical companies that used real options as a valuation approach, which is designed to be discussed qualitatively within the context of the other issues addressed in the case. This case is studied in Darden's “Entrepreneurial Finance” elective.HemoShear, LLC, is a start-up firm with promising technology that can give pharmaceutical companies advanced insight into the safety and efficacy of their new drug compounds. In March 2012, the firm seeks to raise $3 million in a Series C round from angel investors to scale the business, add key management staff, and move to a new facility. Prior to the Series C round, HemoShear had raised $700,000 in two friends-and-family rounds to complete proof-of-concept studies and establish an independent testing facility; another $8.4 million was raised in subsequent Series A and Series B angel rounds to fund continued development. Although the company has made significant strides in developing its research and business, it is likely that the firm will need to raise another $10 million in a Series D round in two or three years. At that point, having exhausted the resources of local angel investors, HemoShear may need to turn to venture capitalists to raise the Series D round funding. Excerpt UVA-F-1703 Oct. 7, 2013 HemoShear, LLC: Series C Round Financing In May 2012, HemoShear CFO Brian Campbell sat in his office considering how to present his company to potential investors for a Series C round of financing. In the four years since Campbell had discovered the company at an innovation conference in late 2007, HemoShear had incorporated; established a board of managers, an industry advisory board, and a scientific advisory board; raised $ 700,000 in two friends and family rounds to complete proof-of-concept studies; established an independent testing facility; and raised $ 8.4 million in subsequent Series A and Series B angel rounds to fund continued development. The company was now preparing to raise a minimum of $ 3 million to scale the business, add key management staff, and move to a new facility. Although HemoShear had achieved significant milestones over its short history, Campbell was not sure what valuation the company would receive from investors for the Series C round. Further, given the “game-changing” nature of HemoShear's technology and the immense optionality embedded in the product, Campbell was concerned that the conventional venture capital (VC) method might undervalue the company, and he planned to investigate alternative approaches to better capture its latent value. . . .

Commissioning and operation of the horizontal test apparatus at SNS

The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) has built, commissioned and operated a Horizontal Test Apparatus (HTA) vessel in the Radiofrequency Test Facility (RFTF) test cave. It can be operated at 4.5 K using the independent Cryogenic Test Facility (CTF). The HTA is designed to be a single cavity version of an SNS cryomodule with the ability to demount and replace the cavity. It provides the functionality for testing a single dressed SNS medium or high beta Superconducting Radiofrequency (SRF) cavity. The HTA is currently being used in support of R&D for in-situ plasma processing of the cavity's inner niobium surface. The design and commissioning of the HTA at 4.5 K will be presented as well as results from operating the HTA including cool-down, warm-up and steady state operations. Results from plasma processing a warm SCRF cavity in-between cold HTA tests will also be reported.

Intercomparison dripper testing within the INITL

The International Network of Irrigation Testing Laboratories (INITL) undertook a laboratory intercomparison testing exercise of three sets of drippers in the period 2013 and 2014. The four testing facilities that participated in this exercise are based in following countries: Australia, Brazil, France and China. The objective of the testing programme was to compare results from different independent testing facilities to enable individual laboratories identify potential opportunities for improvement of their performances. This would also facilitate the INITL to make proposals for harmonisation of the testing methods. The maximum coefficient of variation, cv, at the manufacturer's recommended operating pressure of 100kPa, was found to be 3.76%, which was significantly smaller than the 7% recommended by ISO 9261 [5] as the maximum allowable variation of the flow rate of the test sample. The emitter exponent was determined to be approximately 0.5 which is consistent with results obtained from past studies. At the operating pressure of 100kPa, it was found that although the average flow rates from the participating laboratories were similar, there was a difference in the dispersion of data. Datasets for the 4Lh−1 dripper model fitted a normal distribution model, while on the other hand, some datasets for the 2 and 8Lh−1 dripper models were not normally distributed. A higher dispersion of measurements can be interpreted as a higher instability of the testing conditions. The variance for the 2Lh−1 dripper model was found to be homogeneous, while non-homogeneous for the other two models. The latter implies that at least one of the laboratories presented an uncertainty of measurement significantly different from the others. The measurement uncertainty undertaken in this study demonstrated that there were opportunities to improve the measurement process. Recommendations and suggestions for harmonisation of test procedures and improvements in individual laboratories are also identified in this paper.

Experimental Demonstrations of Spontaneous, Solar-Driven Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

There is significant recent interest in understanding the science and developing technologies associated with solar-driven photoelectrochemical water splitting with the goal of producing hydrogen as a potential carbon-neutral transportation fuel [1]. One specific implementation of this concept is an integrated or monolithic device that operates spontaneously, without added electrical bias [2]. Experimental demonstrations of such systems date back to the mid-1970s [3], and, since that time, there have been improvements in both the functional understanding and performance of the devices. This presentation will review laboratory demonstrations of spontaneous, solar water splitting. There are a number of design considerations which arise when considering the full solar to fuel conversion system. These include the type and number of semiconductor junctions used to generate the requisite photovoltage, the use of co-catalysts, the electrolyte conditions, a product separation method such as a membrane, and the geometric layout and size of components. To date, all approaches which have a solar to hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiency of >5% employ either 2 or 3 semiconductor junctions arranged in a voltage-additive tandem configuration. The degree of integration varies widely, as well as the definition of this term. Some demonstrations employ isolated photovoltaic elements connected by wires to hydrogen and oxygen evolution catalysts that are in contact the electrolyte. Others employ a more integrated strategy, with the photocathode and/or the photoanode in near or direct contact with the electrolyte. A small subset of devices employ a mechanism, such as a proton or anion conducting membrane, to separate products and yield a pure H2 stream. Reported STH conversion efficiencies range from <1% to 18%. In most cases, these are calculated by measuring current densities and assuming 100% Faradaic efficiency, though H2 production rates are measured directly in some reports. It will be emphasized that STH values are not validated by an independent test facility as is the case with solar photovoltaic efficiency “world records” [4]. Device longevities under operation will also be discussed. Again, while there is not an accepted protocol for reporting device lifetime, it will be shown that few reports demonstrate operation for >24 hours. Standard and accepted international guidelines and protocols for evaluating and reporting device metrics for complete and integrated solar water splitting systems would be of great value in quantifying technological progress in the field. 1. M. G. Walter, E. L. Warren, J. R. McKone, S. W. Boettcher, Q. Mi, E. A. Santori, and N. S. Lewis, Chem. Rev. 110, 6446 (2010). 2. J. Rongé, T. Bosserez, D. Martel, C. Nervi, L. Boarino, F. Taulelle, G. Decher, S. Bordiga, and J. A. Martens, Chem. Soc. Rev. 43, 7963 (2014). 3. A. J. Nozik Applied Physics Letters 29, 150 (1976). 4. M. A. Green, K. Emery, Y. Hishikawa, W. Warta, and E. D. Dunlop, Prog. Photovoltaics Res. Appl. 22, 701 (2014). Figure 1

A Mechanical Study on Tennis Racquets to Investigate Design Factors that Contribute to Reduced Stress and Improved Vibrational Dampening

There are a multitude of factors that will affect the mechanical performance and stress transfer to a tennis player's upper extremities. Variations in frame design, materials, string tensioning, ball stiffness, impact locations, and player technique are just some of the potential variables that can result in a significant increase or decrease of stress transfer and vibration from the racquet to the player. To better understand the significant contributing design factors that influence shock and vibration transmission to the racquet handle upon impact, such testing was conducted in a standardized and repeatable manner to evaluate and compare the shock and vibration patterns for multiple frame designs from a variety of high performing tennis racquets. Multiple racquet frame designs from six different manufacturers were mechanically tested in an ISO17025 certified third-party independent test facility by qualified mechanical and biomechanical engineers. A consistent mass drop technique was employed to provide controlled impact to the center of the head of each mounted racquet. The impact load and duration were plotted and a Fourier Transform Analysis was conducted on each data file. The results of this study showed statisticall y significant reductions in vibrational dampening time and lower vibrational amplitudes following the initial impact shock for the triple core designs. This evaluation provided consistent baseline comparisons for different handle designs in a manner that demonstrated multi-layered cores of the racquet handle performed better than hollow designs with respect to vibration and force attenuation.

Medicare Payment Is Contingent on Appropriate Supervision of Diagnostic Tests and Proper Use of Radiologist Assistants: Is Your Practice Meeting the Current Requirements?

The Medicare rules governing the supervision of diagnostic tests have changed over time, as have the skills and training of radiologist assistants, who may have the education and clinical skills to deliver surgical and invasive procedures often performed as part of a radiology practice. However, for the purposes of Medicare coverage, radiologist assistants are not yet recognized as independent providers or suppliers whose services are reimbursed separately from those of radiologists. As a result, services rendered by radiologist assistants are significantly limited by the Medicare physician supervision requirements and other Medicare billing rules. The authors describe the Medicare coverage and payment rules for working with radiologist assistants in hospital and nonhospital settings for both diagnostic testing and surgical or invasive procedures. The article also includes a summary of the current Medicare supervision requirements for a diagnostic test on the basis of the place of service: hospital, physician office, or independent diagnostic testing facility.

Evaluation of the Environmental Protection Agency/National Weather Service Ultraviolet Index Forecast against independent UV measurements: Phoenix Arizona (2000-2006)

The effectiveness of the National Weather Service (NWS) Ultraviolet Index (UVI) forecast is evaluated for one of the largest United States metropolitan areas that annually experiences exceedingly large dosages of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, Phoenix Arizona (AZ). Data were collected from Arizona Desert Testing LLC sited at Wittmann AZ, the Volkswagen Arizona Proving Grounds sited at Maricopa AZ and Atlas Material Testing Technology LLC, DSET Laboratories sited at New River AZ. In general, over 50% of the variance (r = 0.709) in UV radiation is shared between the datasets from the three independent facilities although the geographic distances between sites are relatively large. Overall correlations between the NWS UVI forecasts and the data from the three independent testing facilities are surprisingly weak when the annual cycle is removed from all datasets with less than 21% of the variance in UV data accounted for by the NWS UVI forecast. The lowest correspondence occurred during the summer months with June displaying the lowest correlations, often insignificant at the 0.05 level. To account for these lower correlations, we considered daily sky cover and air quality observations of particles with a diameter less than 10 µm (PM10). Our analyses suggest that large amounts of PM10 present during the late spring and early summer are a likely cause for low correspondence between the NWS UVI and UV data in June. Given the unexpectedly low overall correlations, optical depth may need to be better incorporated in the NWS UVI forecast process through pollution forecasts in order to increase the correspondence between the NWS UVI and actual UV irradiance. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society

Exudate-handling mechanisms of two foam-film dressings

To investigate the fluid-handling mechanisms of film-backed foam dressings. The fluid-handling properties of two dressings (ActivHeal Foam Island, Advanced Medical Solutions, and Allevyn Adhesive, Smith & Nephew) were compared using a standard laboratory technique, which provided comparative data on the dressings' absorbency and moisture vapour transmission. Movement of exudate through one of the dressings was also investigated in vivo using ultrasound. The fluid-handling data obtained in the laboratory were compared with exudate rates for various wound types reported in the literature to predict wear times for above products. Absorbencies of the two dressings were broadly comparable. After 24 hours, under the test conditions, ActivHeal retained a mean of 3.44 g (SD 0.04) of the test solution and Allevyn Adhesive 4.32 g (SD 0.04), but a major difference was detected in the permeability of the two products: 12.35 g (SD 0.42) of the test solution evaporated through the back of Allevyn over 24 hours compared with 1.67 g (SD 0.11) through ActivHeal (p<0.0001). The results of the preliminary ultrasound study suggest that, in the clinical situation, exudate migrates away from the wound surface and accumulates beneath the outer film. The difference in fluid-handling properties of the two dressings was due to the presence in one of an 'intelligent' polyurethane film component, the permeability of which varied in response to the presence of liquid. The data suggested that the film's permeability was such that the product might be expected to cope with even the most heavily exuding wounds for an extended period, but this performance would be influenced in vivo by factors such as the size of the dressing relative to the wound, and local environmental conditions, which would affect moisture vapour transmission. The somewhat unexpected finding that fluid tended to accumulate beneath the outer film during clinical use suggested the possibility of an 'osmotic pump' effect.

E-Glass—Polypropylene Pultruded Nanocomposite: Manufacture, Characterization, Thermal and Mechanical Properties

Polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites consisting of E-glass are manufactured by the process of pultrusion. Thermal and mechanical characterization of nanocomposite has been performed and compared with that of traditional microcomposites. In addition, the nanocomposite is characterized by means of optical micrographs (OPM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TGA and DSC results show that nanoclay improves the thermal stability in the system without any deviation in glass transition temperature and melt temperature. Initially, PP and nanoclay are melt intercalated using a single-screw extruder and the pultruded nanocomposite is fabricated using extruded preimpregnated (pre-preg) tapes. Compression tests are performed as mandated by ASTM guidelines with 1—10 wt% of nanoclay in fiber reinforced PP. OPM are taken to examine the failure surfaces. TEM results reveal the intercalated morphology. Mechanical tests are performed at an independent testing facility for baseline pultruded PP nanocomposite with 0 wt% nanoclay and modified pultruded PP nanocomposite with 3 wt% nanoclay. The tests show significant improvement in compressive strength (~122%) and shear strength (~60%) in modified pultruded PP nanocomposites in comparison with baseline properties. Uni-axial tensile tests show a minor increase in tensile strength (~3.4%). Multi-scale simulations of nanoclay—polymer interface behavior are currently in progress in order to understand the strength enhancement mechanism.

Experience with development and evaluation of corona-suppression systems for HV rotating machines

This paper presents the results of a project aimed at the development of reliable corona-suppression systems for high voltage rotating machines. These systems are based on both conducting and semi-conducting dry and B-stage tapes as well as paints of different resistivity. Three groups of anti-corona systems were developed; namely, paint (on the slot portion) - paint (on the slot exit) system, paint (on the slot portion) - tape (on the slot exit) system, and tape (on the slot portion) - tape (on the slot exit) system. Sample results of standard evaluation and acceptance tests are presented. The accelerated life-aging test was run on test coil samples at the National Electric Coil HV testing facility. A numerical 2-dimensional finite difference model for the electric potential and field analysis along the end-turn zone was developed and the model results are used as guidelines through the design process of the grading system. Laboratory test results on randomly selected sample coils were confirmed by an independent testing facility. The proposed corona-suppression systems were applied on thousands of production coils.

Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories

Riverbank Acoustical Laboratories (RAL) is located in Geneva, Illinois. Constructed in 1918, RAL became the world’s first independent laboratory dedicated to the science of architectural acoustics. Riverbank owner, philanthropist Colonel George Fabyan, built the laboratory for its designer, professor Wallace Clement Sabine. The scientific efforts of this renowned Harvard physicist earned him two distinguished titles, acknowledged today as the father of the science of architectural acoustics and the first ‘‘modern day’’ acoustical consultant. The unit of absorption is a Sabin. When the professor died in 1919, his distant cousin, Dr. Paul Earls Sabine, became RAL’s director. Retired in 1947, Dr. Sabine turned the operations over to the IIT Research Institute. RAL provides a wide range of acoustical testing services for over 600 clients. The majority of RAL tests are industrial related. RAL provides clients with an accredited, independent testing facility, not associated with any manufacturer or product. Part of RAL’s outstanding credibility reflects upon their policies of maintaining strict confidence and proprietary rights for all clients. RAL is accredited by NVLAP, The City of Los Angeles, and others. Also of interest to many clients is RAL’s museum dedicated to the Science of Architectural Acoustics. The ASA officially sanctioned the museum in 1989.

Valve fugitive emissions: The challenge ahead

The problem of controlling fugitive emissions from valves, particularly from stem seals, is acknowledged by the sealing industry, valve manufacturers and end users alike as one of the most important technical challenges facing them now that the replacement of asbestos is seals and gaskets reaches completion. The introduction of a new ISO standard on fugitive emissions from valves, due for circulation in its final draft form by the end of 1999, will focus attention on valve stem seal emissions as end users look to compliance with the standard. In this article, Suresh Kakaiya of the National Engineering Laboratory (NEL) describes its independent test facility, developed for product certification and development with a view to meeting the new standard, and explains how this has highlighted some of the challenges ahead for the sealing industry.

Temporal Validation of Distributed Computer Control Systems

An independent test facility is described, which simulates the environments of distributed computer control systems with special emphasis on the exact modeling of the prevailing time conditions. Its main application areas are software verification and safety licensing. Following the black-box approach, just by providing worst case oriented input patterns to integrated hardware-software-systems and monitoring the corresponding outputs, the time behavior of such control systems can be determined precisely. High accuracy time information is provided by employing a hardware supported timer synchronized with legal time, viz., Universal Time Coordinated, as received via satellite from GPS, the global navigation and positioning system.

Half cell 'SSC' 40 mm aperture magnet string

An attempt was made to verify that SSC (Superconducting Super Collider) magnets (dipoles) can be installed, leak checked, cooled to LHe temperature, energized, and quenched as a string in a tunnel type environment. The data given here were obtained during a controls and system check-out run. This run basically had all of the proper accelerator controls as well as, in the background, an independent magnet test facility monitor and protection. Early data are presented on the heat loads of some circuits and quench performance of the two magnet strings used. The heat loads found were high and the quench performance appeared to be better than expected. After disassembly occurred, obvious causes were present for some of the heat load. >