Test Instrument Research Articles

Case report: Successful treatment with spesolimab of acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau in an older patient without IL36RN mutations

BackgroundAcrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau (ACH) is a rare, sterile pustular psoriasis variant refractory to many conventional treatments. The eruption typically occurs after local trauma or infection; other etiologies include neural, inflammatory, and genetic causes. Herein we reported a single case of a 64-year-old patient with ACH that was successfully treated with spesolimab for 19 weeks.Case summaryA 64-year-old Chinese male with no personal or known family history of psoriasis had recurrent episodes of redness, swelling, and pustules in the nail bed on seven fingers with progressive degeneration of the nails. The patient was monitored as to the evolution of the disease over half of a year before he referred his case to our attention. A diagnosis of ACH was made, allowing for the administration of local steroids and oral acitretin. However, after 3 months of acitretin treatment, no improvement was observed. In December 2023, this patient came to our inpatient department; his modified nail psoriasis severity index score was 32. Before starting treatment, a comprehensive set of laboratory and instrumental tests were all found to be negative. Moreover, whole-exome sequencing was performed in our patient, and it revealed no rare coding variant in IL36RN, CARD14, or AP1S3. Therefore, the patient was administrated with a dose of 900 mg spesolimab. After 10 days, the patient showed a significant decrease in discomfort and pain. In order to strengthen the therapeutic effect, he was given the second dose of 900 mg spesolimab after 4 weeks. After 19 weeks of spesolimab treatment, the patient’s nail lesions showed complete resolution, and no adverse effects were reported.ConclusionThe case report suggests that spesolimab may offer significant therapeutic benefits for ACH.

How Students Use Cognitive Structures to Process Information in the Algebraic Reasoning?

Cognitive processes are procedures for using existing knowledge to combine it with new knowledge and make decisions based on that knowledge. This study aims to identify the cognitive structure of students during information processing based on the level of algebraic reasoning ability. This type of research is qualitative with exploratory methods. The data collection technique used began by providing a valid and reliable test instrument for algebraic reasoning abilities for six mathematics education student programs at the Islamic University of Sultan Agung Indonesia. Subjects were selected based on the level of upper, middle, and lower algebraic reasoning abilities. The results showed that (1) students with the highest level of algebraic reasoning ability meet the logical structure of Logical Reasoning which shows that students at the upper level can find patterns and can generalize; (2) Students at the intermediate level understand the cognitive structure of Symbolic Representations, where students can make connections between knowledge and experience and look for patterns and relationships but have difficulty making rules and generalizations; (3) students at lower levels understand the cognitive structure of Comparative Thinking, where students are only able to make connections between prior knowledge and experience.

Full-Scale Fire Testing to Assess the Risk of Battery Electric Vehicle Fires in Underground Car Parks

Abstract Battery-only electric vehicle (BEV) fires have recently emerged as a significant safety concern in modern society, particularly when they occur in car parking spaces, where the consequences can be severe. While relatively few fatalities and injuries are reported, the associated economic losses are substantial. Car park structures present several challenges from a fire safety perspective, including high energy content, confined geometry, and difficulties in detecting and accessing to the fire’s origin due to smoke accumulation in spaces with limited ventilation and exits. This study investigates this fire hazard by conducting a full-scale fire test on a modern BEV in an instrumented test rig that simulates a segment of an underground car park. The data obtained were compared with standard fire curves to assess the hazard’s characteristics and with the data from a companion study to identify differences between BEV fires in underground and surface car parks. The primary difference observed was deflagration venting, which occurred shortly after the initial ignition of combustible gases accumulated beneath the ceiling, lasting until 13 min and 5 s. This phenomenon led to a rapid initial growth of the BEV fire, which burned more intensely for a shorter duration in the semi-enclosed configuration comparted to the open configuration. The enclosed fire recorded an average ceiling-jet temperature of approximately 1100°C and a peak incident heat flux exceeding 225 kW/m2. Additionally, thermal runaway within the lithium-ion battery cells was analysed to understand the adverse effects of the enclosed environment on thermal runaway propagation. This fire testing provides critical insights for developing firefighting strategies including the proper preparation of equipment and the design of fire protection systems. The principal findings could inform tactics for mitigating unforeseen fire risks and contribute to revisions of fire safety regulations.

Pengaruh Sistem Aplikasi Berbasis Web Etos Terhadap Kinerja Karyawan Operasional Dalam Kegiatan Bongkar Muat pada PT. Prima Nur Panurjwan

Loading and unloading operations include the transportation of goods using land transportation. To carry out these freight transportation activities, the method or service procedure requires the availability of appropriate facilities or equipment. Effective and efficient employee performance is needed by a company because that will advance a company. Employees are expected to work more effectively, with easier access to the information needed, and better coordination between teams. This study aims to discuss the effect of the Electronic Terminal Operation System (ETOS) application system on the performance of operational employees in loading and unloading activities at PT Prima Nur Panurjwan and find out employee perceptions of the ETOS application system affecting the performance of operational employees in loading and unloading activities. This research uses quantitative methods, with questionnaire and observation data collection techniques and data analysis patterns using instrument tests, classical assumption tests, simple regression analysis, determination tests, and t tests. The results of this study validate the research hypothesis that there is a significant influence between the ETOS application system on employee performance at PT Prima Nur Panurjwan.

Fetal growth restriction: features of anamnesis, outcomes of pregnancy and childbirth

Background. Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a serious medical and social problem, which is associated with high perinatal morbidity and mortality, as well as long-term consequences for offspring. To date, there are no absolute instrumental tests for accurately predicting the condition of the fetus, which justifies the relevance of this study.Objective. To study the features of the anamnesis, the course of pregnancy, and the outcome of childbirth in women with fetal growth restriction.Materials and methods. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a continuous sample of 200 women who were delivered at the Clinic of the South Ural State Medical University (Chelyabinsk) in 2022. All the women were divided into two groups: group 1 - 30 women with FGR, group 2 - 170 women without FGR. The outcomes of pregnancy and childbirth were studied (the results were obtained by means of a questionnaire, analysis of medical documentation: the book of a pregnant woman, the history of childbirth).Results. There was a low effectiveness of the prognosis of FGR both according to the results of the analysis of anamnestic risk factors and according to laboratory and instrumental screening programs at 11-13,6 weeks of gestation. A low percentage of coverage with drug prevention was registered in the high-risk group of FGR (55%). We found that FGR is associated with other placental disorders, which more often began in the second trimester with changes in uterine and fetal blood flow and progressed as the gestation period increased. Fetal growth restriction is associated with severe preeclampsia, high incidence of premature birth, cesarean section, hypotrophy and severe asphyxia of newborns.Conclusion. The absence of significant anamnestic risk factors, the low effectiveness of predicting fetal growth retardation based on the results of programmatic screening at 11-13,6 weeks require the development of new modern methods for predicting pathology. Research should focus on the development of new fetal diagnostic tools that can improve the accuracy of predicting critical fetal conditions, as well as on the introduction of innovative therapeutic measures aimed at improving placental hemodynamics, which will further optimize the timing of delivery.

The Feasibility of TOAFL Instrument as a Measuring Tool for Reading Skills of Students Faculty of Education

Evaluation of Arabic language learning requires a valid and reliable instrument to measure students' abilities accurately. This study aims to analyze the feasibility of the ITMAM (Ikhtibar Tahdid Mustawa al-'Arabiyyah lil Muta'allimin) instrument as a measuring tool for the Arabic reading skills of STITMA Yogyakarta students. The research method uses a descriptive quantitative approach by analyzing 60 questions tested on 311 students using SPSS version 25 software to test validity, reliability, level of difficulty and discriminatory power. Analysis is needed to ensure the quality of the test instrument that can provide accurate measurement results and become the basis for effective learning evaluation. The results showed that all questions were valid and reliable, with 65% having a moderate difficulty level, 37.7% at an easy level and 3.3% at a difficult level. The results of the Discriminatory Power Test showed that 60% of the questions were accepted well and 40% needed revision so the ITMAM instrument is suitable for use as a standard evaluation tool for Arabic reading ability with several improvements to certain questions.

Determinan Produktivitas Kerja Karyawan PT. Perkebunan Nusantara XIII

This study aims to analyze the influence of leadership style, work discipline and work motivation on work productivity. The sample in this study was 87 people who were employees of Perkebunan Nusantara XIII Kebun Ngabang. The data collection technique used was by distributing questionnaires. The results of the instrument test stated that the data in this study were valid and re-labeled. The classical assumption test stated that in this study it was normally distributed, free from multicollinearity and heteroscedasticity. The results of the study showed that: (1) Leadership style has a positive and significant effect on work productivity. (2) Work discipline has a positive and significant effect on work productivity. (3) Work motivation has a positive and significant effect on work productivity. These results have an impact on further researchers to assess work productivity in various companies and use other variables besides those in this study. The results of this study give the impression that PT Perkebunan Nusantara XIII Kebun Ngabang needs to optimize leadership style, work discipline and work motivation in order to create work productivity so that it can create good company performance.

The Influence of Leadership Style and Work Discipline on Employee Performance in Regional Government Offices

This study aims to analyze and understand how leadership style and work discipline can affect employee performance partially and simultaneously in providing maximum service to the community. This study uses a quantitative approach with descriptive statistical methods, Data collection techniques are carried out by conducting observations and distributing questionnaires, while data analysis techniques used in this study are data quality instrument tests, classical assumption tests, multiple linear regression analysis, and hypothesis tests. The results of the study indicate that leadership style and work discipline have a positive and significant influence on employee performance. Therefore, it can be said that the variables of leadership style and work discipline affect employee performance at the Jaya District Office, Depok.

Clinical and Electromyographic Characteristics of Pediatric Laryngeal Dyskinesia.

To report the clinical and laryngeal electromyographic (LEMG) parameters of children with laryngeal dyskinesia (LD) and its prevalence among laryngeal mobility disorder (LMD) requiring full airway examination. Retrospective uncontrolled study. Tertiary pediatric center. Eligible children (<17 years old) were stridulous patients suspected of LMD (16 years period). We included those diagnosed with LD according to previously described criteria by Denoyelle et al, followed up for at least 3 months, who were assessed endoscopically and LEMG. LEMG scores, and the prevalence of LD in all LMD who required airway exam under anesthesia. clinical resolution, McGill scores, and instrumental swallowing test. A total of 44 patients (<17 years) were identified. Of these, 29 were included (25 boys; median age: 9.83 months [0.42-116.58]). LD constituted 18.58% of all patients during the study period. Asymmetry of movement and LEMG between the 2 sides was noted (the right side was more affected). Seventeen had swallowing difficulties (13 abnormal instrumental tests), and 27 snored (mean McGill score 3). The median follow up was 49.96 months (range: 5.25-243.25). Symptoms improved in all patients, but one, by the last follow-up date. LD is prevalent among LMD and is mostly self-limiting. We noted asymmetry of LEMG grades between the 2 sides of the larynx, male predominance, and functional deficits in sleep and swallowing. The diagnosis requires a complete endoscopic exam with LEMG. Conflating this entity with bilateral laryngeal paralysis has likely impacted the documented epidemiology and natural history.

The development and testing of a screening instrument for psychosocial needs assessment within acute psychiatric care

A new instrument (PSH-7) was developed and tested in practice for the standardised assessment of psychosocial support needs in acute psychiatric care.Based on a mixed-methods approach, this instrument was tested in a cross-sectional study (N=84) using quantitative (descriptive evaluation and univariate analysis of variance) and qualitative methods (qualitative content analysis) for its suitability for practical use.The PSH-7 proved to be a suitable instrument for recording the need for help. Loneliness, lack of daily structure and unemployment are the most frequently mentioned needs for help in the context of acute psychiatric care.The study supplements the international findings on the connection between psychosocial stress factors and the maintenance of mental illness. There should be an early focus on perspective planning and the organisation of a sustainable outpatient support network.

Response of Differently Structured Dental Polymer-Based Composites to Increasingly Aggressive Aging Conditions.

It is hypothesized that the way nano- and micro-hybrid polymer-based composites are structured and cured impacts the way they respond to aging. A polymer-ceramic interpenetrating network composite (Vita Enamic/VE), an industrially polymerized (Brillinat CriosST/BC), and an in situ light-cured composite with discrete inorganic fillers (Admira Fusion5/AF5) were selected. Specimens (308) were either cut from CAD/CAM blocks (VE/BC) or condensed and cured in white polyoxymethylene molds (AF5) and subjected to four different aging conditions (n = 22): (a) 24 h storage in distilled water at 37 °C; (b) 24 h storage in distilled water at 37 °C followed by thermal cycling for 10,000 cycles 5/55 °C (TC); (c) TC followed by storage in a 75% ethanol-water solution; and (d) TC followed by a 3-week demineralization/remineralization cycling. CAD/CAM samples were also measured dry before the aging process. Three-point bending test, quantitative and qualitative fractography, instrumented indentation test (IIT), SEM, and reliability analyses were used. Uni- and multifactorial ANOVA, Tukey's post hoc test, and Weibull analysis were performed for statistical analysis. A significant (p < 0.001) and very strong effect of the parameter material was observed (ηP2 > 0.9). VE exhibited two to three times higher elastic moduli and hardness parameters compared to BC and AF5, which were comparable. Strength was highest in BC but was accompanied by high beam deformation. The effect of aging was comparatively smaller and was more evident in the IIT parameters than in the flexural strength or modulus. Reliability was high (m > 15) in VE and BC, regardless of aging protocol, while it was significantly reduced in AF5 following aging protocols b-d. TC was the method of artificial aging with a significant impact on the measured parameters, while demineralization/remineralization cycling had little or no impact. The degradation of composites occurred irrespective of the structuring and curing method and manifested in a low deterioration in the measured properties.

Tenderness in meat and meat alternatives: Structural and processing fundamentals.

The demand for meat alternatives based on ingredients sourced from nonanimal materials with equivalent quality of muscle tissue is increasing. As more consumers switch to meat alternatives, a growing body of research has investigated the tenderness and related texture attributes in plant-based meats to increase consumer acceptance. A deeper understanding of tenderness including the differences and similarities between meat and meat alternatives is crucial to developing products that meet consumer expectations, as it directly influences consumer acceptance. Meat tenderness is commonly quantified using sensory evaluation and instrumental tests and is influenced by various factors such as the intrinsic features of the animal before the slaughter, naturally occurring proteolysis during the post-slaughter process, and several tenderization techniques. In contrast, meat alternative tenderness can be actively tailored through the selection of ingredients and the operating conditions of the structuring process. Especially, extrusion parameters such as moisture content and barrel temperature can greatly modulate tenderness-related attributes. Postprocessing methods that have traditionally been utilized for tenderizing have also been applied to meat alternatives, but more studies are needed to fully reveal the underlying mechanisms. This review offers an overview and critical discussion on tenderness, covering the structural origins, influencing factors, analytical methods, oral processing, and tenderization processes for both meat and meat alternatives. The discussion is based on the existing knowledge of muscle tissue, which evolves to critically reviewing how this understanding can be applied to the textural attributes of meat alternatives and what kind of novel tenderization techniques can be developed for these new sustainable food products.

The chemical assessment of surfaces and air (CASA) study: using chemical and physical perturbations in a test house to investigate indoor processes.

The Chemical Assessment of Surfaces and Air (CASA) study aimed to understand how chemicals transform in the indoor environment using perturbations (e.g., cooking, cleaning) or additions of indoor and outdoor pollutants in a well-controlled test house. Chemical additions ranged from individual compounds (e.g., gaseous ammonia or ozone) to more complex mixtures (e.g., a wildfire smoke proxy and a commercial pesticide). Physical perturbations included varying temperature, ventilation rates, and relative humidity. The objectives for CASA included understanding (i) how outdoor air pollution impacts indoor air chemistry, (ii) how wildfire smoke transports and transforms indoors, (iii) how gases and particles interact with building surfaces, and (iv) how indoor environmental conditions impact indoor chemistry. Further, the combined measurements under unperturbed and experimental conditions enable investigation of mitigation strategies following outdoor and indoor air pollution events. A comprehensive suite of instruments measured different chemical components in the gas, particle, and surface phases throughout the study. We provide an overview of the test house, instrumentation, experimental design, and initial observations - including the role of humidity in controlling the air concentrations of many semi-volatile organic compounds, the potential for ozone to generate indoor nitrogen pentoxide (N2O5), the differences in microbial composition between the test house and other occupied buildings, and the complexity of deposited particles and gases on different indoor surfaces.

Assessment of moisture resistance and bonding behavior of cup lump rubber modified asphalt mixture containing wax-based surfactant

Abstract The present study evaluates moisture induced damage potential using a sessile drop method and a pneumatic adhesion tensile testing instrument (PATTI). The bonding behavior of the aggregates (granite and limestone) and cup lump rubber modified asphalt binder (CMB) with wax-based surfactant (WS) was evaluated. The results revealed that the granite aggregate exhibited a higher work of adhesion compared to the limestone. In the dry condition, the addition of more than 0.15% WS to the CMB reduced the work of adhesion and the bonding strength. Using the sessile drop method, the moisture resistance of the limestone aggregate with the CMB and WS was enhanced, but the bonding strength was reduced. The incorporation of WS reduced the surface free energy (SFE) regardless of the aging conditions and made the aggregate surface more hydrophobic for the increased interfacial adhesion. Incorporating WS in the CMB improved the work of adhesion under the wet condition, thus indicating that WS is an effective anti-stripping agent. Considering its comprehensive properties in the CMB, the amount of WS should be limited to 0.15%.

In-situ strength testing of deep-sea superficial sediments using a high-resolution ball penetrometer

Deep-sea engineering requires precise evaluation of seabed sediments properties. However, traditional in-situ testing instruments struggle to identify low-strength sediment and cannot operate effectively beyond 6000 m. This study introduced a high-resolution ball penetrometer designed to assess in-situ undrained shear strength of deep-sea sediments. Firstly, the penetrometer integrated optical fibers as core sensing components with a pressure differential structure. Subsequently, the resolution and pressure resistance of the penetrometer were thoroughly examined. The penetrometer’s performance was evaluated through the laboratory, harbor basin, and deep-sea tests. Finally, the penetrometer was utilized to investigate sediment properties in a deep-sea mining area. The results demonstrate that: (a) the penetrometer’s design allows sensors to perform under pressure up to 120 MPa; (b) the pore water pressure and penetration resistance sensors maintain resolutions 0.1 kPa and 0.5 N, respectively; (c) it detects subtle changes in sediment properties more effectively than conventional T-bar and CPTu; (d) it is especially suited for testing ultra-soft sediments; (e) the sediment in the Western Pacific mining area exhibits variability, including stratified structures and weak layers.

TRAINING MODEL OF EVASION TECHNIQUES IN DOUBLE ART CATEGORY OF PENCAK SILAT BASED ON ATTACK MACHINE

Pencak silat, as a traditional martial art, has evolved into a modern combat sport that is now featured in various national and even international events. This research has developed 11 training models for evasion techniques in the double category of pencak silat using the Attack Machine and an Instrument Test to measure the speed of evasion techniques, named the Attack Machine Test. This research was conducted using the Research and Development method. The research procedure followed the ADDIE model, which includes Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. Data collection involved 30 active students specializing in the art category, particularly doubles, using testing and measurement techniques as the Instrument Test for collecting pretest and posttest data (Attack Machine Test). The data analysis presented includes descriptive quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis. The results of this study show that the average pretest score was 58.3 and the posttest score was 67.5, with standard deviations of 21.104 and 17.555, respectively. In the t-test table for Equality of Means, with a significance level of &lt; 0.05 for the One-Sided p Mean Difference Two-Sided p Std. Error Difference, it indicates the significant improvement in training effectiveness and reaction speed in the double category.

Development of Particle Board Biocomposite From Coffee Skin and Tofu Dregs With Polyethylene Plastic Adhesive As Furniture Interior

The need for particle board interiors is still in great demand to be used as wood-sourced interiors. In line with this, currently the problem of waste is still a fairly complex problem, both organic and inorganic waste. Coffee rinds and tofu pulp are organic wastes that have not been optimally utilized. Therefore, research was conducted on the manufacture of particleboard from coffee rinds and tofu pulp with PP plastic adhesive which aims to reduce the rate of deforestation due to tree felling as raw material for interior manufacturing and to control the environment by utilizing waste in the community into functional products. This study aims to determine the best formulation of particleboard made from Polyethylene plastic, coffee bean hulls and tofu pulp. Tofu dregs need to be preserved by soaking the dregs for 48 hours in a 5% glycerol solution and 15% NaCl solution in a 50:50 ratio. Then soaked for 48 hours. soaking 15.121%. To determine a good particleboard formulation, a physical evaluation of the particleboard was carried out including particleboard density test, water absorption test, moisture content test, thickness development test and instrumentation testing using SEM to see the surface structure of the particleboard. Based on the results of physical testing, the best formulation of particleboard biocomposites was obtained, namely the ratio of 70:30 (% w/b) (70% of tofu pulp and coffee bean skin and 30% of PET plastic) which is in accordance with SNI 03-2105-2006 standards. Biocomposite particleboard formulation 70:30 (% w/b) has a density of 0.60186 gr/cm3, water absorption of 95.395%, moisture content of 2.248% and an increase in thickness after soaking of 15.121%.

Exploration of Students' Abilities in Solving Mathematical Literacy Problems on Geometry Material Using Polya's Steps

Students face challenges in understanding the minimum competency assessment (AKM) mathematical literacy questions, as they struggle to interpret and solve the problems effectively. This difficulty stems from their low comprehension of the questions and limited problem-solving skills, particularly when confronted with questions differing from the examples provided by the teacher. This study investigates students’ abilities to solve AKM mathematical literacy questions using Polya’s problem-solving steps. The research is descriptive with a qualitative approach, involving a population of all Grade VIII students at SMP 21 Bengkulu City during the 2023/2024 academic year. The sample consisted of 30 students from class VIII.3 and 30 from class VIII.6. Data collection included test and non-test (interview) methods, utilizing AKM-based test instruments and Polya step-guided problem-solving tasks. Results indicated that 44 students (73.33%) demonstrated low ability, 11 students (18.33%) showed medium ability, and only 5 students (8.33%) exhibited high ability in solving AKM literacy questions. Overall, students’ problem-solving skills were categorized as low, with notable difficulties in planning, executing, and reviewing solutions to mathematical problems.

Android based karateka physical test instrument

This study aims to develop an android-based karate athlete physical test instrument. This study uses the Research and Development research method, namely the ADDIE development model, which includes the Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate stages. This study involved several experts consisting of karate experts, physical standard experts, linguists, and media experts to validate the developed instrument. In addition, this study also involved a number of karate athletes in the implementation and evaluation process. The research data collection technique was carried out through a questionnaire. From the five stages carried out, this study succeeded in producing an android-based karate athlete physical test instrument according to the needs in the field. From the evaluation of the suitability of the android-based karate athlete physical test instrument based on the assessment of karate experts, physical standard experts, linguists, and media experts, it was found that the developed instrument was declared feasible for use. These results are also supported by the results of trials on athletes in small groups and large groups also stating that the android-based karate athlete physical test instrument developed is feasible for use. Based on these results, this study concludes that the android-based karate athlete physical test instrument developed is ready for use. The detailed results of the analysis, design, develop, implement, and evaluate stages are explained in this article.

SURVEY OF PHYSICAL FITNESS LEVELS OF CLASS V AND VI STUDENTS OF JATIBATUR I STATE PRIMARY SCHOOL

This research was motivated by the absence of data on the level of physical fitness of students at SD Negeri Jatibatur 1, Gemolong District, Sragen Regency. So this research aims to determine the level of physical fitness of students at SD Negeri Jatibatur 1, Gemolong District, Sragen Regency. The subjects in this research were 28 students in grades V and VI, consisting of 14 male students and 14 female students. The research method used in this research is a test survey method, using the Indonesian physical fitness test instrument. The Indonesian physical fitness test (TKJI) includes a 40 meter sprint, hanging bent elbows, lying down for 30 seconds, jumping upright and a long run of 600 meters. The data analysis technique in this research uses standard physical fitness norms from TKJI to measure students' physical fitness levels. The results of this study obtained a classification for the level of physical fitness of students class V and VI, most of which were in the medium category, 14 children (50%), the poor category, 9 children (32.1%), the good category, 4 children (14.3%), the 1 child (3.6%) is very poor, and 0 children (0%) are in the very good category. The conclusion of this research is that the level of physical fitness in class V and VI students at SD Negeri Jatibatur 1, Gemolong District, Sragen Regency is in the medium category. The researcher's suggestions for physical education teachers and schools are to improve and implement programs oriented towards fostering and improving students' physical fitness.