Test Method Research Articles

Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of Antibiotics with different Antibacterial Mechanisms using Electrochemical Signals of Heat‐Treated Escherichia Coli

AbstractElectrochemistry with purines as indicators may be a promising new method for antibiotic activity testing. However, the traditional electrochemical detection method (S‐LSV) requires a long accumulation time for purines and has low signal intensity. High‐temperature treatment of bacterial samples may significantly enhance the signal intensity and speed of detection. However, this process may also impact the structure and metabolism of bacteria. Further research is necessary to determine how electrochemical signals respond to antibiotic antibacterial activity. In this paper, the electrochemical detection method based on heat‐treated Escherichia coli (E. coli, H‐LSV) was used to investigate the effects of 11 antibiotics with four different antibacterial mechanisms on the electrochemical behavior of E. coli. The results showed that compared to the S‐LSV, the electrochemical signal of E. coli detected by the H‐LSV increased by 362%, and showed a strong linear relationship with bacterial counts up to 1.88×108 CFU/mL, with a detection limit of 1.15×106 CFU/mL. The electrochemical signal consistently correlated with changes in viable E. coli counts following treatment with the four different antibacterial mechanisms. HPLC analysis further confirmed that the changes in purine contents in bacteria after antibiotic treatment were consistent with the trends in electrochemical signals. The evaluation of antibiotic antibacterial ability by H‐LSV showed good consistency with results from plate counting and turbidity methods, but was closer to the results of plate counting. The inhibition rates of antibiotics on E. coli detected by H‐LSV and S‐LSV also showed high consistency, indicating that short‐term high‐temperature treatment of E. coli did not affect the response of the bacterium to the inhibitory activity of antibiotics.

Failure analysis and deformation characteristics of shield tunnel obliquely crossing ground fissure under earthquake

In order to study the deformation law and failure characteristics of shield tunnel obliquely crossing ground fissure under earthquake action, taking the shield tunnel of Xi ’an Metro Line 8 crossing f3 ground fissure as the engineering background, the 1: 20 shaking table model test method was used to analyze the strain of shield tunnel, the contact pressure with surrounding rock soil, the dislocation of segment and the axial force of bolt in detail, and the seismic damage mechanism and failure characteristics of shield tunnel obliquely crossing ground fissure were obtained. The test results show that under the action of earthquake, the shield tunnel has complex three-dimensional deformation characteristics, among which the vertical deformation is the most obvious. The deformation is mainly concentrated in the location of the ground fissure. The tensile strain and contact pressure of the hanging wall of the tunnel segment are greater than the strain value and contact pressure of the footwall. Because the vertical deformation of the tunnel is the largest, the bolts at the vault and the arch bottom are most obviously pulled. Excavation after the test, it can be seen that the tunnel appeared the phenomenon of ring joint opening, lining cracking and other damage. Under the action of the earthquake, the shield tunnel across the ground fissure is mainly subjected to tensile failure. The failure area is within 10 m from the ground fissure in the hanging wall and footwall, and the total length is 20 m. The closer to the ground fissure, the more serious the damage. The research results provide a scientific and reasonable reference for the subsequent construction and disaster prevention and mitigation design of Xi ’an Metro.

Experimental Study on the Flexural Performance of the Corrosion-Affected Simply Supported Prestressed Concrete Box Girder in a High-Speed Railway

Prestressed concrete box girders are commonly employed in the development of high-speed railway bridge constructions. The prestressed strands in the girder may corrode due to long-term chloride erosion, leading to the degradation of its flexural performance. To examine the flexural performance of corrosion-affected simply supported prestressed concrete box girders, eight T-shaped mock-up beams related to the girders used in the construction of high-speed railway bridges were manufactured utilizing similarity theory. Seven of the beams underwent electrochemical accelerated corrosion, and then each beam was subjected to failure under the four-point load test method. Measurements recorded and analyzed in detail during the loading process included the following: crack propagation, crack width at various loads, crack load, ultimate load, deflection, and concrete strain of the mid-span section. The results demonstrate that a corrosion rate of just 8.31% has a considerable impact on the structural integrity of the beams, as evidenced by a pronounced reduction in flexural cracks and a tendency towards reduced reinforcement failure. Furthermore, the corrosive process has a detrimental effect on mid-span deflection, ductility, and ultimate flexural bearing capacity, which could have significant implications for bridge safety. This study provides valuable insights for the assessment of flexural performance and the development of appropriate maintenance strategies for corroded simply supported box girders in high-speed railways.

Metabolomics Reveal Key Metabolic Pathway Responses to Anxiety State Regulated by Serotonin in Portunus trituberculatus.

Anxiety refers to the pathological persistence and intensification of emotional responses to danger, affecting health from psychological and physical aspects. Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter involved in the onset of anxiety. To explore the biological changes in the formation of anxiety in crustaceans under the regulation of serotonin, we applied the open field-like test method for assessing anxiety states of larval Portunus trituberculatus, a highly aggressive crustacean species with a more simple neural structure compared with rodents and mammals. Compared with the control group, serotonin treatment resulted in a significant decrease in the time spent by the larvae in the central zone, suggesting anxiety-like behavior. Clonazepam treatment reversed this result and provided further evidence that the behavior of larval P. trituberculatus displayed anxiety. Moreover, a non-targeted metabolomic analysis found a significant alteration in the metabolites involved in tryptophan metabolism pathways associated with anxiety, including L-kynurenine, N-acetyl serotonin, and serotonin. These metabolites are involved in the serotonin pathway, the kynurenine pathway, and other pathways that affect anxiety through tryptophan metabolism. There were no significant differences in tryptophan metabolism levels between the control and clonazepam treatment groups. Our results demonstrate the possible existence of anxiety-like behavior in the larvae of P. trituberculatus from two perspectives. Being a species with a simpler neural structure than that of mammals, the larvae of P. trituberculatus offer a convenient model for studying the mechanisms of anxiety in crustaceans.

Proximate Analysis On Nile Tilapia Artificial Feed From Shrimp Waste

Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is the most widely cultivated freshwater fish because it can grow well in tropical countries and temperate regions. This research aims to create artificial feed that matches the nutritional parameters needed by nile tilapia. This artificial feed will use the basic ingredients of shrimp waste, with addition of oilcake, bran, starch flour, vitamins, squid oil, and water. There are four variables used to make artificial feed with different basic and additional ingredients, as well as varied processing techniques. After artificial feed is completed, proximate analysis will be carried out to test composition of crude fiber, carbohydrates, water, fat, ash, and protein using various methods. The test method for the composition of crude fiber, carbohydrates, fat, ash, and protein follows the method set by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Based on the results of proximate analysis, variable 1 (V1) has fulfilled the nutritional content of protein and moisture content needed by nile tilapia. This shows that artificial feed formulations from shrimp waste can be used because protein is an important element for nile tilapia growth, but the content of crude fiber, carbohydrates, fat, and ash exceeds ideal value for nile tilapia nutrition. This also occurs in variables 2, 3, and 4 that have not met nutritional needs, especially protein. However, the composition of artificial feed with shrimp waste and addition of meal, bran, starch flour, vitamins, and water in V1 can be further investigated to reduce the content of crude fiber, carbohydrates, fat, and ash.

Evaluation framework for bitumen-aggregate interfacial adhesion incorporating pull-off test and fluorescence tracing method

The interfacial adhesion between bitumen and aggregate is crucial to maintain the mechanical performance of asphalt pavement. Numerous indicators characterize the bonding ability of bitumen to aggregate; however, indicators based on limited conditions are used infrequently to effectively evaluate the interfacial adhesion between bitumen and aggregate. This study introduces a method to assess adhesion and moisture damage resistance at the bitumen-aggregate interface by combining the pull-off test with the fluorescence tracing method. The improved pull-off test considers different bitumen film thicknesses, ambient temperatures, material combinations, and moisture damage conditions, and the fluorescence tracing method and surface energy parameters are utilized to precisely detect the extent of bitumen adherence to the aggregate. The findings of this study are summarized as follows. (1) The bitumen stripping ratio characterizes the influence of ambient temperature and bitumen film thickness, and the pull-off strength/work quantifies the influence of ambient temperature and material combination. (2) The indicators derived from surface free energy theory exhibit lower sensitivity to material combinations compared with the pull-off performance indicators, with a coefficient of variation for both adhesion and stripping work of approximately 6 % compared to 14.29 %–70.13 % for the pull-off performance indicators. (3) The pull-off strength indicator dominates the pull-off performance evaluation, with the bitumen stripping ratio necessary at 0°C and pull-off work significant at 40°C to evaluate adhesive properties. In addition, the bitumen stripping ratio increment should be considered alongside pull-off strength loss ratio when estimating anti-moisture damage performance. (4) The fluorescence tracing method shows great potential in terms of enhancing the accuracy of bitumen stripping ratio detection in the pull-off test, with bitumen stripping ratio discrepancies at 0°C–40°C ranging from 0.98 % to 7.16 % for 70#-Limestone and 2.10–9.21 % for 70#-Granite. The methodology presented in this study represents a promising framework to determine the interfacial adhesive properties of asphalt mixtures with high accuracy.

Measurements and analysis of the radar cross section of chaff dipoles

AbstractA free space test method to measure the Radar Cross Section (RCS) of single dipole elements is presented. The method is such that dipoles can be measured over a large range of frequencies, in free space and without the need of an anechoic chamber. The setup employs with a Vector Network Analyser (VNA) synchronised to a rotating turntable that controls the position of the transmitting and receiving antennas and the polarisation of the irradiated electric field. Measurements are collected for chaff dipoles made of copper wire, microwire and aluminised glass, from 5 to 11 GHz, to allow a comparison of chaff RCS properties with respect to chaff material and method of fabrication. Measurements of the copper wire chaff also allowed a comparison with existing theoretical predictions of chaff reflectivity. An analysis and a comparison of the results is presented. Results show that the experimental trends of the chaff RCS curves agree with the theoretical RCS curves for perfectly conducting wires. They also show that copper wire provides the strongest reflective chaff followed by the aluminised glass and the microwire.

Design of Bayesian evaluation test for missile damage effectiveness based on multiple damage level standards

The qualified missile damage effectiveness is an important guarantee for giving full play to combat effectiveness. In order to test whether the missile damage effectiveness meets the standard, it is particularly necessary to carry out damage effectiveness identification test research. In view of the limitation that the existing "single-shot damage probability" damage effectiveness quantitative characterization index is difficult to fully describe the missile damage effectiveness based on a single damage standard, considering the different damage level results formed by a single missile hitting the target, the damage effectiveness is characterized by the probability of occurrence of different damage level results. Missile identification from the perspective of multiple damage level standards is conducive to comprehensive inspection of missile damage effectiveness. In addition, in order to overcome the problem of insufficient information in small sample missile assembly tests, the Bayesian method is combined with the system contribution degree to fuse multi-source prior information in the identification test design, and a test scheme with full information utilization and controllable risks for both parties is designed. The example shows that compared with the quantitative characterization index of a single damage standard, this study can fully describe the missile damage effectiveness, and compared with the improved binomial distribution hypothesis test method, the superiority of this method is verified.

Discovery and analysis of the relationship between organic components in exhaled breath and bronchiectasis

The prevalence of patients with bronchiectasis (BE) has been rising in recent years, which increases the substantial burden on the family and society. Exploring a convenient, effective, and low-cost screening tool for the diagnosis of BE is urgent. We expect to identify the accuracy (ACC) of breath biomarkers (BBs) for the diagnosis of BE through breathomics testing and explore the association between BBs and clinical features of BE. Exhaled breath samples were collected and detected by high-pressure photon ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry in a cross-sectional study. Exhaled breath samples were from 215 patients with BE and 295 control individuals. The potential BBs were selected via the machine learning (ML) method. The overall performance was assessed for the BBs-based BE detection model. The significant BBs between different subgroups such as the severity of BE, acute or stable stage, combined with hemoptysis or not, with or without nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM),P. aeruginosa(P.a) isolation or not, and the BBs related to the number of involved lung lobes and lung function were discovered and analyzed. The top ten BBs based ML model achieved an area under the curve of 0.940, sensitivity of 90.7%, specificity of 85%, and ACC of 87.4% in BE diagnosis. Except for the top ten BBs, other BBs were found also related to the severity, acute/stable status, hemoptysis or not, NTM infection,P.aisolation, the number of involved lobes, and three lung functional parameters in BE patients. BBs-based BE detection model showed good ACC for diagnosis. BBs have a close relationship with the clinical features of BE. The breath test method may provide a new strategy for BE screening and personalized management.

Novel antifouling paint formulation based on Ca2​Cr2O5​ and CaMnO3​ NPs as a protective pigment

This work focused on the preparation of novel antifouling paint based on Ca2Cr2O5 and CaMnO3 NPs as a safe protective pigment which were replaced with cuprous oxide. Three paint formulations were prepared for comparison, a blank formula without an antifouling agent (F1), a commercial antifouling formula based on 100% cuprous oxide as an antifouling agent (F2), and AF formula based on 75% Ca2Cr2O5 and CaMnO3 NPs and 25% Cu2O. The high performance and durability of the paints based on the prepared pigments were evident from their impact resistance, adhesion, pending, hardness, and chemical resistance, which were compared to the blank formula (F1). The corrosion resistance of the painted films was also investigated using the salt spray test method, and the results were promising compared to the blank and standard formulations. All painted steel plates were exposed to seawater through field tests in the Suez Canal at Port Said for up to 6 months. The results showed that the paints based on F2 and F3a, b enhanced the antifouling activity through six months of exposure. The obtained results demonstrated greater efficiency of the painted steel-based F3a than F1 and F3b, and being comparable to the standard formula (F2).

Characterization of Three-Dimensional Strong Force Chain Properties of Mineral Aggregate Mixtures Based on the Discrete Element Method

The skeleton structure composed of mineral aggregates is the main body to bear and transfer external loading in asphalt mixtures. To investigate the loading transfer mechanism of the mineral aggregate skeleton, the uniaxial penetration test and Discrete Element Method (DEM) were conducted for the Mineral Aggregate Mixture (MAM) to analyze its mechanical behavior. The three-dimensional strong force chain (SFC) was identified and evaluated based on the proposed recognition criterion and evaluation indices. The results indicate that 4.75 mm should be the boundary to distinguish the coarse and fine aggregates. The skeleton composed of aggregates located on SFCs has better bearing and transferring loading capacity due to its SFC number, average length, and total length decreasing with an increase in the aggregate size. Compared to SMA-16 and OGFC-16, AC-16 exhibits a higher number and total length of its SFC, a smaller average length of its SFC, and a lower average strength of its SFC. Consequently, AC-16 has a lower bearing and transferring loading capacity than that of SMA-16 and OGFC-16. In addition, approximately 90% of SFCs can only transfer external loading downward through 3–5 aggregates. The average direction angle of the SFC formed by fine aggregates is significantly higher than those formed by coarse aggregates. This indicates that the load transfer range of MAM composed of fine aggregates is noticeably larger, leading to lower loading transfer efficiency.

Hybrid Refractive and Diffractive Testing Method for Free-Form Convex Mirror in High-Resolution Remote-Sensing Cameras

The development of high-resolution and large field of view remote-sensing cameras is inextricably linked to the application of free-form mirrors. The free-form mirror offers higher design of freedom and is more effective at correcting aberrations in optical systems. The surface shape error of a free-form mirror directly affects the imaging quality of remote-sensing cameras. Consequently, a high-precision free-form mirror detection method is of paramount importance. For the convex free-form surface mirror with a large aperture, a hybrid refractive and diffractive testing method combining computer-generated holography (CGH) and spherical mirrors for high-precision null test is proposed in this paper. When comparing the effect of error and the detection sensitivity of different designs, the results showed that the influence of the system error is reduced by about 42% and the sensitivity is increased by more than 2.6 times. The proposed method can achieve higher testing accuracy and represents an effective and feasible approach for the surface shape detection method.

Effective Determination of Diosmin Using Nitrogen Doped Carbon Dots as Probe Based on Internal Filtering Effect.

The establishment of a convenient and efficient testing method is crucial and needed for the monitoring of diosmin. In this study, nitrogen doped carbon dots (N-CDs) with the particle size distribution of 2.5-5.7nm and the average diameter of 4.1nm were successfully synthesized using a simple strategy. N-CDs exhibited excellent and stable fluorescence performance with the quantum yield of 22.33%. Correspondingly, a fluorescence analytical method was developed for diosmin determination using N-CDs as probe. UV-vis absorbance spectroscopy and the evaluation of internal filtering parameters verified that the mechanism causing the quenching of N-CDs was an internal filtering effect (IFE). The concentration of diosmin can be directly evaluated based on the quenched fluorescence intensities. After optimizing experimental conditions, it was found that the fluorescence quenching efficiency ((F0-F)/F0) of N-CDs exhibited a good linear relationship with the concentration of diosmin (CDiosmin) in the range of 3.0-50µg/mL. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.86µg/mL based on 3σ/slope (n = 13). This method was successfully applied to accurately determine the content of diosmin in diosmin tablets and human plasma samples with good reproducibility. It stands out for its simplicity, speed, and acceptable determination performance.

Quadriceps Strength Testing Practices & Barriers During Return to Sport from ACL Reconstruction: A Survey of Collegiate Athletic Trainers.

Quadriceps strength is a key outcome for guiding rehabilitation and return to sport-specific activities after ACL reconstruction (ACLR) surgery. 1) Describe the quadriceps strength testing practices and barriers college athletic trainers (ATs) are using and experiencing when returning patients to sport-specific activities after ACLR. 2)Compare testing methods between college ATs working in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I setting and other college settings. Cross-sectional. Online survey. 243 full-time collegiate ATs who had primarily overseen/directed an ACLR rehabilitation in the past five years (age: 34.8±10.7, years of AT practice: 11.7±9.3, NCAA division I setting: 56%). Our survey included four sections: Demographics, General ACLR rehabilitation practices, Quadriceps strength testing methods & criteria, and Quadriceps strength testing barriers. Knee muscle strength was the most common (98%) outcome collegiate ATs use when determining whether an ACLR patient is ready to progress to sport-specific activities. Manual muscle testing (MMT) was the most used testing method (57%), followed by isokinetic dynamometry (IKD) (48%), repetition max (RM) testing (35%) and handheld dynamometry (HHD) (22%). Most ATs (63-64%) used >90% side-to-side symmetry as their return to sport-specific activities criteria. Lack of equipment needed (83%), lack of financial means (28%), and lack of training/education (20%) were the barriers that most limited ATs use of IKD testing, the gold-standard testing method. Compared to ATs in other settings, a greater proportion of ATs working in the NCAA Division I setting used IKD testing (65% vs 28%) and a smaller proportion used MMT (47% vs 70%). While almost all college ATs considered knee muscle strength an important outcome to assess when returning patients to sport-specific activities after ACLR, quadriceps strength testing practices were highly variable among ATs and may be impacted by access to necessary resources.

Bottleneck Effect Analysis in Indigenous Poonchi Chicken Located Near International Border of India and Pakistan

Background: Poonch is the remotest district of Jammu, India located near to line of control with Pakistan. Poonchi chicken is the first native poultry breed of Jammu region which is being characterized and registered with National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources. Present study is the first study on genetic bottleneck assessment in Poonchi chicken population using recommended microsatellite markers. This study in Poonchi chicken would be of immense use in tracing evolutionary origin and formulating effective conservation strategies for genetic diversity within breeds. Methods: Blood samples were collected randomly from Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu for DNA extraction and analysis. Microsatellite markers selected for the analysis were ADL0268, MCW0206, MCW0081, ADL0278, MCW0069, MCW0248, MCW0111, MCW0222, MCW0016 and LEI0094. To evaluate the Poonchi chicken for mutation drift equilibrium, Bottleneck software was used. Infinite allele model (IAM), two phase model of mutation (TPM) and stepwise mutation model (SMM) tests were done. Mode shift test was also used as another method of qualitative test for allele frequency. Result: Total number of alleles observed were 72, with the total number alleles ranged from 6 to 9. The results of all three models (IAM, TPM, SMM) in Sign test depicted the heterozygosity was more in the expected number of loci in Poonchi chicken as 5.97 (P less than 0.05), 5.93 (P less than 0.05), 5.90 (P less than 0.05) respectively. Whereas for Wilcoxon rank test the IAM, TPM and SMM revealed significant values of (P less than 0.05) deviation indicating that all the loci deviate from mutation-drift equilibrium. Mode shift test graph obtained depicted a slight shift from normal L-shaped curve indicating recent bottleneck effect in Poonchi chicken. This might have resulted in the loss of number of effective alleles which suggests a need of planning and implementing an effective breeding policy in order to preserve and promote this native breed.

Development of a High-Resolution Melting Method for the Detection of Clarithromycin-Resistant Helicobacter pylori in the Gastric Microbiome.

Background: The issue of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) resistance to clarithromycin (CLR) has consistently posed challenges for clinical treatment. Hence, a rapid susceptibility testing (AST) method urgently needs to be developed. Methods: In the present study, 35 isolates of H. pylori were isolated from 203 gastritis patients of the Guangzhou cohort, and the antimicrobial resistance phenotypes were associated with their genomes to analyze the relevant mutations. Based on these mutations, a rapid detection system utilizing high-resolution melting (HRM) curve analysis was designed and verified by the Shenzhen cohort, which consisted of 38 H. pylori strains. Results: Genomic analysis identified the mutation of the 2143 allele from A to G (A2143G) of 23S rRNA as the most relevant mutation with CLR resistance (p < 0.01). In the HRM system, the wild-type H. pylori showed a melting temperature (Tm) of 79.28 ± 0.01 °C, while the mutant type exhibited a Tm of 79.96 ± 0.01 °C. These differences enabled a rapid distinction between two types of H. pylori (p < 0.01). Verification examinations showed that this system could detect target DNA as low as 0.005 ng/μL in samples without being affected by other gastric microorganisms. The method also showed a good performance in the Shenzhen validation cohort, with 81.58% accuracy, and 100% specificity. Conclusions: We have developed an HRM system that can accurately and quickly detect CLR resistance in H. pylori. This method can be directly used for the detection of gastric microbiota samples and provides a new benchmark for the simple detection of H. pylori resistance.

Reduction in Floor Impact Noise Using Resilient Pads Composed of Machining Scraps.

Floor impact noise is a significant social concern to secure a quiescent living space for multi-story building residents in South Korea. The floating floor, consisting of a concrete structure on resilient pads, is a specifically designed system to minimize noise transmission. This floating structure employs polymeric pads as the resilient materials. In this study, we investigated the utilization of helically shaped machining scraps as a resilient material for an alternative approach to floor noise reduction. The dynamic elastic modulus and loss factor of the scrap pads were measured using the vibration test method. The scrap pads exhibited a low dynamic elastic modulus and a high loss factor compared to the polymeric pads. Heavyweight impact sound experiments in an actual building were conducted to evaluate the noise reduction performance. The proposed pads showed excellent performance on the reduction in the structure-borne vibration of the concrete slab and resulting sound generation. The analytical model was used to simulate the response of the floating floor structure, enabling a parametric study to examine the effects of the resilient layer viscoelastic properties. Both experimental and analytical evidence confirmed that the proposed scrap pads contribute to the development of sustainable solutions for the minimization of floor impact noise.

The Research of Diesel Engine Assembly Consistency Influence NOx Emission Based on Uniform Design Method

ABSTRACT Diesel engines need to meet the higher emission requirement according to the Euro VI emission standards, and changes in the assembly tolerance of diesel engines will affect the consistency of nitrogen oxides(NOx) emissions. To study the influence of assembly tolerance on NOx emission, a heavy diesel engine was used as the research prototype. The combustion model of the diesel engine was simulated by the Converge software and calibrated with the bench test data. Because the combustion system parameters have a significant impact on emissions, a three-factor eleven-level uniform design is arranged with three parameters, including compression ratio, fuel injection nozzle extension height and injection advance angle. The regression analysis method is used to obtain the relationship between the parameters and NOx emissions. The R2 test value of the regression equation is 0.916 and the F test value is 43.5, which shows that the results of the analysis are very effective. Then the single factor test method is applied to analyze the varying laws of compression ratio, nozzle extension height and fuel injection advance angle on NOx emissions, and the results reveal the inherent law similar to the regression equation. According to the Euro VI emission standards and the law of diesel engine emission performance consistency, the tolerance variation range of the key dimensions of the assembly parameters is obtained.

Analisis Pengaruh Komposisi Pegawai Dan Tarif Gaji Terhadap Belanja Pegawai

The amount of employee expenditure burden in the State Budget (APBN) increases from year to year, the increase needs to be observed whether it is due to the rapid growth in the number of Civil Servants (PNS) or other causes such as recent government policies in terms of improving PNS income and welfare by adjusting PNS salary rates. This study aims to determine whether the increase in employee expenditure is more due to the increase in the number of PNS or PNS salary rates. The purpose of this study is to explain whether there is a significant influence between employee composition and salary rates on employee expenditure. This study is a quantitative study with statistical analysis. The data collection method used is through document and literature review methods, based on the source, the document is included in the secondary data category. The data testing method uses a normality test with the One-Sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test method. The data analysis method uses descriptive statistical analysis and hypothesis testing uses Multiple Linear Regression. Based on the results of the study with a significance level of 5%, the following conclusions were obtained: (1) There is a positive but insignificant influence between the number of PNS group I on employee expenditure; (2) There is a positive but insignificant influence between the number of PNS group II on employee expenditure; (3) There is a positive but not significant influence between the number of class III civil servants on employee expenditure; (4) There is a positive and significant influence between the number of class IV civil servants on employee expenditure; (5) There is a positive and significant influence between class I salary rates on employee expenditure; (6) There is a positive and significant influence between class II salary rates on employee expenditure; (7) There is a positive and significant influence between class III salary rates on employee expenditure; (8) There is a positive and significant influence between class IV salary rates on employee expenditure; (9) There is a positive but not significant influence between employee composition and salary rates; (10) There is a positive and significant influence on the number of class I civil servants, the number of class II civil servants, the number of class III civil servants, the number of class IV civil servants, class I salary rates, class II salary rates, class III salary rates and class IV salary rates together on employee expenditure.

A Novel Neural Network Prediction Model for Mineral Content Based on the Data of Elemental Logging and Well Logging

The mineral content of shale plays an important role in the study of reservoir characteristics. Obtaining high-precision mineral content data from a simple and straightforward method is helpful for the study of reservoir properties. Due to the complex and varied elemental combination of minerals and the lithological diversity in different formations, there are limitations in the traditional statistical methods for predicting mineral content. In this study, a multi-source fusion dataset is constructed first using a detailed workflow to process multi-source data from elemental logging and conventional well logging from the Funing shale formations in China. A hybrid neural network model consisting of a back-propagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN) and gated recurrent unit (GRU) structure, with a custom constraint loss function, is developed to predict the mineral contents. The results show that the predictive performance of this hybrid multi-source model performs statistically significantly better than that of the BP-ANN and GRU models using single source data. In addition, the accuracy of the hybrid model is further improved by using the custom constraint loss function. This method provides high-resolution distributions of mineral content compared to the X-ray powder diffraction testing method. It will help enhance the understanding of the formation.