Practical Test Research Articles

Facilitating Health-Promoting Self-Care in Older Adults: A Theory Synthesis.

The authors describe the development of a model that focuses on how primary care providers can facilitate health promotion in older adults. The health-promoting self-care in older adults (HPSOA) model was developed through a synthesis of key concepts from the Health Promotion model and the Modeling Role Modeling Theory. Walker and Avant's strategy for theory synthesis was used in its development. The model prioritizes rapport building to foster a trusting patient-provider relationship and focuses on long-term solutions to health promotion. Further model use through testing, research, and application in practice is recommended.

Incorporation of Cystatin C Testing in Clinical Practice: Real World Experience in Sweden

Incorporation of Cystatin C Testing in Clinical Practice: Real World Experience in Sweden

Influence of Prior Imaging Review on Recommendations for Additional Diagnostic Testing: Retrospective Analysis of Imaging Reports in a Chiropractic Radiology Practice

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess the influence of prior imaging review on recommendations for additional diagnostic testing in an academic chiropractic radiology practice. A secondary aim was to explore the influence of prior imaging review on radiographic interpretation. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed radiology reports generated from July 18, 2022, to July 18, 2023, from the Palmer College of Chiropractic main campus (Davenport, Iowa) clinic system. Imaging interpretation included an automated search for prior images in an internal picture archival and communication system (PACS). Images from regional health system databases were available and sought by radiologists when (1) unclear radiologic findings had potential clinical implications or (2) prior imaging could clarify potential problems detected in a clinical history. Data were abstracted to a secure adaptive electronic questionnaire and analyzed descriptively. ResultsWe reviewed 1712 radiographic and 165 musculoskeletal diagnostic ultrasound reports for 1552 unique individuals (811 [52.3%] females and 741 [47.7%] males) with a mean age of 42.1 years (range, 2-93 years). Prior imaging was described in 417 (22.2%) reports; 246 (58.9%) indicated images from internal PACS, 192 (46.0%) indicated images from external PACS, and 21 noted both internal and external PACS. Prior imaging findings were credited with answering a clinical question in 98 (23.5%), and a radiographic question in 228 (54.7%) of 417 reports. The process negated the need for follow-up diagnostic testing recommendations in 119 (28.5%) instances, leading to additional imaging recommendations in 19 (4.6%). ConclusionData obtained in this study suggest that comparing current and previous imaging may help reduce unnecessary additional imaging or follow-up diagnostic testing recommendations. Prior imaging review may also facilitate diagnostic confidence and interpretation clarity.

Orientation method based on lunar hour angle

Abstract Astronomical orientation is a crucial technique for obtaining high-precision azimuths. However, at night, this often relies on the North Star, which can be challenging to locate and identify. An orientation method is proposed based on the lunar hour angle as an alternative. By applying theories from astronomy and geodesy, we conduct an in-depth study of the key points and calculation steps for using a theodolite to measure the moon. By observing the moon’s edge and center and combining this with the observer’s geographic location and observation time, we calculate the lunar hour angle to determine the true north azimuth. To improve computational efficiency, an application has been developed to assist with observation and data processing. Practical applications and tests have validated the feasibility and effectiveness of this lunar hour angle-based orientation method. This method addresses the limitations of traditional North Star orientation, offering an efficient and convenient approach to orientation.

On the use of fractal geometry to boost galloping-based wind energy harvesting

In this study, we introduce fractal bluff bodies to galloping energy harvesters (GEH) to improve the performance of wind energy harvesting. Three basic sectional shapes are proposed for GEH, from which four fractal bluff bodies are developed. An aero-electro-mechanical model with distributed parameters is established to elucidate the underlying mechanism. Then numerical simulations and wind tunnel tests are conducted based on a fabricated prototype. Compared with the conventional galloping energy harvester with a cuboid bluff body (GEH-CB), the GEH with a fractal bluff body (GEH-FB) owns a lower cut-in wind speed and can generate higher voltages. The galloping critical wind speed for GEH-FB is reduced by 0.4 m/s. Furthermore, the output voltage can increase by 51.97% at the wind speed of 5 m/s. Especially, compared to the GEH-CB, the GEH-FB demonstrates a great advantage in terms of power density, being approximately 164.1% higher. Three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (3D-CFD) shows that the wake vortex area and the space between the adjacent vortices both increase, which explains the aerodynamic mechanism of a large aerodynamic force and a performance enhancement in wind galloping energy harvesting. Finally, some practical application tests exhibit the effectiveness of the proposed fractal galloping harvesters.

A Very Simple and Feasible Colorimetric-Electrochemical Bimodal Method for H2O2 Detection in Human Serum

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) possesses disinfectant, antiseptic, deodorizing, and cleansing properties. It is commonly used to clean wounds, ulcers, abscessed sinuses, and pus in the ear. Herein, a colorimetric-electrochemical bimodal method for the detection of hydrogen peroxide in serum was constructed, when using a platinum sheet electrode electrocatalyzes H2O2 producing hydroxyl radical, resulting in oxidising TMB and giving a color and current change. After optimaztion, cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry and ultraviolet spectrophotometry constituting a colorimetric-electrochemical bimodal method were used to establish four linear relationships within the concentration range of 10.00–1000.00 μM. The limit of detection was found to be 3.33 μM. Additionally, the method’s recoveries ranged from 98.88% to 101.10% with a relative standard deviation of no more than 3.70% when using the standard addition method in serum, which indicates its potential for practical medical testing.

Grooved TiO2/ZrO2 ceramic fibers with thermal insulation and mechanical properties prepared by coaxial electrospinning

In this study, grooved TiO2/ZrO2 ceramic fibers were prepared via coaxial electrospinning, which exhibit enhanced thermal insulation and superior mechanical properties. The fibers were architected with a distinctive core-shell structure, comprising a TiO2 shell that serves as an effective radiation shield and a ZrO2 core that maintains mechanical robustness. The interdiffusion of Zr and Ti atoms at the interface facilitated a seamless transition between TiO2 and ZrO2, effectively inhibiting TiO2 grain coarsening and substantially enhancing the tensile strength of the fibers, exemplified by the 1.47 ± 0.08 MPa achieved in the TZ-5 sample. Through control of the injection rate during electrospinning, we optimized the fibrous morphology to attain a synergistic balance of strength, flexibility and thermal insulation. The fibers showcased exceptional thermal insulation properties with thermal conductivity values ranging from 0.0294 to 0.0278 W m−1 K−1 and an average infrared reflectance exceeding 87 %. Practical thermal insulation tests confirmed the superior insulation performance of the TiO2/ZrO2 fibrous membranes.

Exploring ammonia adsorption and filtration efficiency of ceramic membranes derived from weathered basalt: Fabrication analysis and application in wastewater treatment

This study aims to develop an innovative ceramic membrane derived from naturally-occurring weathered basalt (NWB) for the effective adsorption and filtration of ammonium ions (NH+4) from wastewater. The NWB was subjected to calcination to produce CWB-750 and further combined with activated carbon to form CWB-AC-950. Comprehensive characterization using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis revealed that CWB-AC-950 possessed a significantly high surface area of 121.7 m²/g and a minimal pore volume of 6.2 nm, indicating its enhanced adsorption capabilities. In practical filtration tests, CWB-AC-950 demonstrated a remarkable reduction in NH+4 concentration, decreasing it from an initial 30 mg/L to 15.25 mg/L. This substantial decrease underscores the membrane's efficiency in adsorbing and removing ammonium ions from contaminated water. Furthermore, the integration of activated carbon with calcined basalt not only improved the adsorption performance but also maintained the structural integrity and reusability of the membrane. These findings illustrate the potential of CWB-AC-950 as a promising and cost-effective medium for adsorption and filtration in wastewater treatment applications.The development of CWB-AC-950 contributes significantly to environmental remediation efforts by offering an efficient and low-cost alternative to conventional filtration materials. Its ability to maintain performance across multiple cycles underscores its potential for practical applications in large-scale wastewater treatment facilities, thus providing a sustainable solution to address the growing global water pollution crisis.

Synergistic engineering of heteroatomic N-doping and PPy modification in flower-like vanadium sulfide anode enables stable sodium storage

Vanadium sulfide, an appealing anode candidate for sodium ion batteries (SIBs), still encounters considerable volume fluctuation and sluggish Na+ diffusion kinetics, which inevitably gives rise to unsatisfactory rate capability and severe capacity decay. Herein, we successfully designed and constructed an outstanding sodium-storage feature and exceedingly stable anode for SIBs in the form of three-dimensional flower-like architecture composing of phosphorus doped VS2 wrapped by conductive elastic polypyrrole (PPy) layer (i.e., P-VS2@PPy). Through leveraging the multifunctional synergistic effect of composition and structure, involving enhanced electronic conductivity, reduced volumetric fluctuation, accelerated charge/ion transfer efficiency, and remarkable surface-capacitive behaviors can guarantee significantly enhanced electrochemical sodium-storage ability of P-VS2@PPy composites. As a consequence,such P-VS2@PPy is endowed with desirable rate characteristic accompanied with long-period cyclic lifespan (436.7 mAh/g at 20.0 A/g after 2600 cycles), which far outperform contrastive P-VS2 and pure VS2 samples. Meticulous kinetic analysis combined with theoretical simulations conclude that phosphorus doping and PPy coating have substantial effects on strengthening ionic and electron diffusion kinetics. Thorough examination and analysis of the insertion and conversion mechanisms of P-VS2@PPy was conducted through ex situ tests, revealing superior reversible phase transformation between original VS2, intermediate NaVS2, and final Na2S/V. Additionally, a practical application test demonstrates that sodium ion full-cell and hybrid capacitor based on P-VS2@PPy anode showcase significant capacity contribution and outstanding specific energy output, capable of effortlessly lighting up a LED screen.

Similarity-driven adversarial testing of neural networks

Although Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are among the most important algorithms of computer vision and the artificial intelligence-based systems, they are vulnerable to adversarial attacks. Such attacks can cause dangerous consequences in real-life deployments. Consequently, testing of the artificial intelligence-based systems from their perspective is crucial to reliably support human prediction and decision-making through computation techniques under varying conditions. While proposing new effective attacks is important for neural network testing, it is also crucial to design effective strategies that can be used to choose target labels for these attacks. That is why, in this paper we propose a novel similarity-driven adversarial testing methodology for target label choosing. Our motivation is that CNNs, similarly to humans, tend to make mistakes mostly among categories they perceive similar. Thus, the effort to make models predict a particular class is not equal for all classes. Motivated by this, we propose to use the most and least similar labels to the ground truth according to different similarity measures to choose the target label for an adversarial attack. They can be treated as best- and worst-case scenarios in practical and transparent testing methodologies. As similarity is one of the key components of human cognition and categorization, the approach presents a shift towards a more human-centered security testing of deep neural networks. The obtained numerical results show the superiority of the proposed methods to the existing strategies in the targeted and the non-targeted testing setups.

Metal-organic framework-derived hierarchical flower-like DyCo-layered double hydroxide amalgamated nitrogen-doped graphene for diphenylamine detection in fruit samples: Theoretical density functional theory interpretation

Diphenylamine (DPA) is an environmental pollutant that can be potentially toxic. As a result, it is crucial to use basic and affordable analytical techniques to detect DPA. Electrochemical detection of DPA is a cost-effective and simple method. Modifying the electrodes with nanomaterials can enhance the electrochemical characteristics and sensitivity of the sensor. Herein, metal-organic framework (MOF) derived dysprosium cobalt-layered double hydroxide integrated nitrogen-doped graphene (DyCo-LDH/NG) is reported for the fabrication of the DPA sensing platform. The electrochemical oxidation of DPA is enhanced by the exceptional electrocatalytic activity and electron transfer properties of the DyCo-LDH/NG nanocomposite. Interestingly, the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with DyCo-LDH/NG nanocomposite demonstrates a large linear detection range (0.05-470μM) and a low limit of detection (0.012µM). The density functional theory (DFT) study is employed to examine the energy levels and electron transfer sites of DPA during the electro-oxidation process. Furthermore, the practical efficiency test of the developed DPA sensor demonstrates a substantial recovery in fruit samples.

Acoustic Emission Energy Release Rate Model for Classification of Damage Development in Large Fiber Reinforced Plastic Composite Structures

Acoustic emission identification of fracture mechanisms in composite materials is of great importance for the practical assessment of the serviceability of aerospace structures, such as unmanned aerial vehicles, rocket motors, and others. Many scientific research studies conducted in recent decades have demonstrated the unique capabilities of the Acoustic Emission (AE) method to detect and identify different failure mechanisms, including fiber breakage, matrix cracking, and delaminations in fracture tests of composite specimens. However, testing large composite structures, in many cases, can be accompanied by multiple time-overlapped fracture events activated simultaneously, resulting in considerable difficulties in the classification and assessment of combined prolonged AE signals. In this work, we propose the Energy Release Rate (ERR) model for the classification of AE activity related to fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) composite fracture. The model identifies accurately both micro-scopic and macro-scopic fracture mechanisms in large aerospace structures having complex composition of materials. The model is practically applied using several machine learning methods and provides a simple means to identify and discriminate typical fracture mechanisms and their combinations. Specifically, we describe ERR model, the choice of most informative AE parameters, the choice of suitable machine learning classification methods, their training and testing on FRP specimens, and validating the model in practical tests of large full-size FRP composite structures.

Metacognitive Knowledge: The Effect of Strategy Evaluation Matrix on University Students’ Reading Comprehension Performance

Understanding written texts is problematic for many university students studying English as a Foreign Language. It is not just about having an extensive vocabulary; students also need tools and strategies to comprehend expository texts. One such tool is the Strategy Evaluation Matrix (SEM), which integrates cognitive strategies and metacognitive knowledge. Research has shown that SEM significantly enhances students' reading comprehension performance. By utilizing SEM, students can improve their understanding of written texts. This study aims to investigate the impact of SEM on students’ reading comprehension performance. To achieve this, a post-test-only nonequivalent control group design was used. Two intact groups from the first semester at the Faculty of Languages, Letters, and Arts, Kenitra, Morocco (FLLAK) were selected. The sample consisted of 66 students in both the control and the experimental groups, using a convenient sampling technique. Data for this study were collected using a TOEFL iBT reading comprehension practice test (i.e. the post-test). Results were analyzed using SPSS version 29 and indicated a significant difference between the experimental and the control groups. Students who were instructed to use SEM while reading and answering comprehension questions scored higher compared to those who did not use it. Therefore, employing SEM in reading comprehension indicates that our educational system should consider integrating psychological tools and theories in the teaching and learning of English as a Foreign Language, specifically in the domain of reading comprehension.

ONLINE PRACTICE TEST BANK SOLUTION: A WEB-BASED REVIEW PLATFORM FOR LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE PRACTITIONERS

Test construction and test administration in most institutions still adopt the traditional pen-and-paper method of examination, which is very tedious (Kotwal et al., 2016). Its lengthy process can limit the time instructors in devoting to their proactive instruction and assessment. The general purpose of the study is to develop an Online Practice Test bank for Library and Information Science Practitioners. To actualize the Online Practice Test bank, the researcher followed the three phases of the modified rapid application model: Planning or Analyze Phase, Design and Development or Prototyping Phase, and Testing. The result of the study revealed that the developed system was able to execute its different operations. Specifically, by providing an avenue to the contributors/review masters and the reviewees to communicate and interact regarding the different reviewers provided. The reviewees can also track their progress through the learning analytics feature of the system. The contributors/review masters can monitor if the review materials they have provided has efficient test items by accessing the test item analysis. The system also has undergone functionality testing through conducting test cases, which have also gained positive remarks. Based on the results of the developed Online Practice Test bank, it is concluded that the system attained its three objectives in having integrated features that would be a great help, especially to the future licensed professional librarians as they will have a platform where they do their review and assess their knowledge on the six core subjects of library science. It is therefore recommended that mobile or android-based user modules must be developed for it to be more accessible to the users. And also an automated intervention or scaffolding for coping with the results from the performance of the review. And it must have an option or platform for contributors outside the institution who want to share their review materials relevant to the Library and Information Science profession.

ЩОДО ОДНОГО ПІДХОДУ ДО ВИРІШЕННЯ ПИТАННЯ АВТОМАТИЗОВАНОГО БУДУВАННЯ СХЕМИ ПОСИЛАНЬ РЕЛЯЦІЙНИХ БАЗ ДАНИХ

Introduction. The current trend of continuous integration of various areas of scientific and practical human activity contributes to the constant increase in the complexity of problems, the successful solution of which becomes possible only through the use of large volumes of information, as a rule, geographically distributed across multiple database files. In this case, the need to know the locations and features of the interaction of its components becomes of fundamental importance when organizing the most convenient and efficient ways to access it. In some cases, to meet such needs, you can use the services of existing products (Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, FileMaker Pro, Oracle Database, dBASE, etc.). Sometimes, using a specialized SQL language or its dialects, it is more convenient to create a “handmade” one that will satisfy the stated requirements. If the user desires or needs to know the location of the information used in the work, understand the logic of the mechanism for obtaining it, and evaluate the effectiveness of the ways of its delivery to constantly monitor its current and future nomenclature and quantity, its developments can help, which can provide more detailed information, than known means. As experience shows, obtaining an integral and effective solution to this set of closely interrelated issues becomes possible only with the availability of a purely specialized software tool for the automated construction of link diagrams, which is a multifunctional, operational, easy-to-learn, and easy-to-use user environment. Endowed with the ability at any time and with minimal user participation to visualize on the screen the current structure of the created database with the required degree of clarity, detail, and ease of perception, such an environment should become a means of operational analysis and assessment of ways of possible modification of the database itself in the direction of creating a more effective one in practical terms, regarding the variant of its structure. Purpose. Research and practical testing of the existing capabilities of approaches, methods, algorithms, and software modules that were developed during the creation of a universal information software technology for working with undirected graphs of the “mixed forest” type. To evaluate the efficiency and feasibility of using these approaches to improve a set of integrated software tools for the automated construction of relational database link diagrams with minimal user participation in this process. Methods. Database systems, apparatus of graph-tree theory. Result. A new approach is proposed, and the result of its software implementation is presented in the form of a “pilot” version of a set of software tools for the automated construction of relational database link schemes. The basis of the approach is techniques, methods, algorithms, etc. which were created and implemented programmatically in a new, universal information software technology for working with (temporarily) undirected graphs of the “sour cream forest” type. , Software package (SP) makes “formal” the user’s participation in the process of building link diagrams. By greatly reducing the time required for this and providing more than 90% savings in the technical resources of the computer used, SP makes it possible to take into account data tables, the total number of fields of which is limited only by the latter’s capabilities. A positive conclusion about the suitability of such an approach will become an incentive for its further improvement in the form of specialized information software technology as an effective means of solving the problems of constructing relational database link schemes.

Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Bilastine 20mg versus Fexofenadine 180mg for Treatment of Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: Randomized Controlled Study.

Antihistamines has always remained the mainstay drug treatment for Allergic Rhinitis (AR). Bilastine is a novel, non-sedative antihistamine with a super-selective H1 receptor antagonist property. Both bilastine and fexofenadine are second generation antihistamine drugs commonly used to manage AR and Chronic Urticaria (CU). Autologous Skin Serum Test (ASST) is a practical test for histamine release in CU. These tests have been studied in AR patients with limited data studies. 114 patients diagnosed with perennial AR were recruited and divided into two groups of 57 each. One group was started Bilastine 20mg once a day and other group, fexofenadine 180mg once a day. Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) was calculated at presentation and two weeks of antihistamine therapy. ASST was hypothesized to be the test for AR and performed at the time of presentation and at two weeks follow-up. Intergroup and Intragroup assessment of TNSS, ASST and its variables were done using unpaired and paired t test respectively. Patients showed reduction in symptoms of AR with both antihistamines. A significant improvement of sneezing and rhinorrhoea was seen in Fexofenadine group as compared to Bilastine group. TNSS showed statistically significant improvement in both the groups. ASST had statistically significant reduction in both the groups. Both Bilastine and fexofenadine were found to be effective in reduction of symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Bilastine was found to be more effective in overall as well as sneezing and rhinorrhoea noted two weeks after therapy. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-024-04770-0.

Development of Relation and Function e-Modules Based on Contextual Learning Integrated with Islamic Values

This research aims to develop an e-module about relations and functions based on contextual learning that is integrated with Islamic values ​​that are valid, practical, and interesting. The research carried out is development research (R&D) using the ADDIE model, which goes through 5 stages, namely analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The research subjects were class VIII students at MTs Arafah Bitung, North Sulawesi. The data obtained was analyzed descriptively, and percentage data was used to represent the results. The research results show that the e-module developed on relation and function material is valid, practical, and interesting. The validity test obtained an average feasibility percentage of 86.8%. The practicality test obtained an average feasibility percentage of 90.1%. Meanwhile, the attractiveness test obtained an average feasibility percentage of 87.7%. The relations and function e-module specifications developed include understanding the concepts of relations and functions and presenting relations and functions based on integrated contextual learning of Islamic values. This proves that the e-module is suitable for use as teaching material and a means of independent education in the learning process.

Drone E-Job Sheet Development: Geospatial Engineering Remote Sensing Subject

This research aims to produce an E-Job Sheet Drone Product for the Class XI Geospatial Engineering Remote Sensing Subject by carrying out feasibility tests, practicality tests, and product effectiveness tests. The research and development methodology uses the 4D development model (four-D models), namely definition, design, development, and dissemination, so that the development design is developed. This research was carried out at SMK Negeri 1 Percut Sei Tuan in class XI Geomatics Engineering in the Remote Sensing (Inderaja) subject. The research results show: (1) E-Jobsheet Drone, suitable for use in remote sensing learning for class XI at SMK Negeri 1 Percut Sei Tuan; (2) Drone E-Jobsheets have proven effective in improving student learning outcomes for class XI at SMK Negeri 1 Percut Sei Tuan compared to conventional learning methods. The application of learning media in the form of E-Jobsheet Drones requires students who are ready to learn independently so that they can achieve optimal learning outcomes by utilizing this media effectively

Development of Mini Virtual Aquatic Ecosystem Learning Media Assisted by Professional 3D Pageflip Software

This development aims to produce a mini virtual learning media product for aquatic ecosystems assisted by professional 3D pageflip software. The development research model used is the Four-D (4D) model, which consists of 4 stages including: (1) define stage, (2) design stage, (3) develop stage, practicality testing is carried out. , and the dissemination stage was not carried out due to time constraints. The trial subjects in this research involved 36 students of SMAN 9 Mataram class X1, and involved teachers as user practitioners and observers to assess the implementation of learning. The data collection techniques used consisted of learning implementation questionnaire sheets, teacher response questionnaire sheets and student responses. The data analysis used is quantitative and qualitative. Based on the results of the practicality test, it can be concluded that the virtual aquatic ecosystem mini media is very practical to use. The teacher's response showed a percentage of 89.32 in the very practical category, and the student response showed a percentage of 86.04 in the very practical category. Meanwhile, learning implementation is 90%, and non-implementation is 10%.

PENGEMBANGAN MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN ULAR TANGGA SMART UNTUK MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR MATEMATIKA SEKOLAH DASAR KELAS I

This research was conducted to develop a smart snakes and ladders learning media aimed at improving the learning outcomes of first-grade students. The study was designed to assess the validity, practicality, and effectiveness of using the snakes and ladders media in teaching. The research method applied is research and development using the ADDIE model, which consists of five steps: analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The analysis techniques used are (1) validity testing, (2) practicality testing, and (3) effectiveness testing. Based on the research, the results are as follows: (1) the scores from content and media experts were 88%, (2) limited trial responses showed 86% from teachers and 89% from students, (3) a limited scale evaluation yielded 85% with an effective category, and a broader scale evaluation resulted in 86%. These results demonstrate that the developed smart snakes and ladders learning media can positively influence the learning outcomes of students at SDN 1 Ngadi.