Test Samples Research Articles

Evaluation of wood coating performance and volatile organic compounds

The aim of this study was to evaluate the environment-performance relationship of surface coating applications on data obtained by measuring the emission rates of volatile organic compounds in polyurethane and water-based varnishes. For this purpose, polyurethane and water-based varnishes from five different companies were applied to the test samples of Entandrophragma cylindricum (sapele) and Piptadeniastrum africanum (dabema), both widely used in the production of urban furniture. Volatile organic compound, hardness and adhesion strength were measured during application. When evaluated in terms of performance, polyurethane varnishes showed superior hardness, while water-based varnishes demonstrated better adhesion after the UV test. The hardness values of polyurethane varnishes before and after the UV aging test were 15,9 s and 79,403 s, respectively, while forwater-based varnishes were , the values were 114,92 s and 75,406 s. The adhesion values of water-based varnishes were 2,885 MPa and 1,18 MPa before and after the UV aging test, and for polyurethane varnishes 3,13 MPa and 1,05 MPa for. When the environment-oriented results were evaluated, the ; emission values of volatile organic compounds in polyurethane varnish applications were found to be significantly higher than those in in water-based varnishes applications. While the total emission rate of volatile organic compounds detected in polyurethane varnishes was 53,63 mg/Nm3, while only one brand of water-based varnishes showed a measurable emission value, recorded at 0,0057 mg/Nm3. The volatile organic compounds emission values of other water-based varnishes were below the device detection limit (<0,0035 mg/Nm3), and therefore could not be measured.

Epidemiologic and genomic characterization of an outbreak of Rift Valley fever among humans and dairy cattle in northern Tanzania

Abstract Background A peri-urban outbreak of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) among dairy cattle from May through August 2018 in northern Tanzania was detected through testing samples from prospective livestock abortion surveillance. We sought to identify concurrent human infections, their phylogeny, and epidemiologic characteristics in a cohort of febrile patients enrolled from 2016-2019 at hospitals serving the epizootic area. Methods From September 2016 through May 2019, we conducted a prospective cohort study that enrolled febrile patients hospitalized at two hospitals in Moshi, Tanzania. Archived serum, plasma, or whole blood samples were retrospectively tested for RVFV by PCR. Human samples positive for RVFV were sequenced and compared to RVFV sequences obtained from cattle through a prospective livestock abortion study. Phylogenetic analysis was performed on complete RVFV genomes. Results Among 656 human participants, we detected RVFV RNA in four (0.6%), including one death with hepatic necrosis and other end-organ damage at autopsy. Humans infected with RVFV were enrolled from June through August 2018, and all resided in or near urban areas. Phylogenetic analysis of human and cattle RVFV sequences demonstrated that most clustered to lineage B, a lineage previously described in East Africa. A lineage E strain clustering with lineages in Angola was also identified in cattle. Conclusion We provide evidence that an apparently small RVFV outbreak among dairy cattle in northern Tanzania was associated with concurrent severe and fatal infections among humans. Our findings highlight the unidentified scale and diversity of inter-epizootic RVFV transmission, including near and within an urban area.

Analysis of the Effectiveness of Project-Based Seamless Learning Model on Concept Understanding

Aims: The aim of this study was to identify the effectiveness of project-based seamless learning model on concept understanding. Study Design: The research method used quantitative experimental design. Methodology: The research method used quasi experiment with research design nonequivalent pretest posttest group design, where there is an experimental group and a control group, the experimental group is given treatment and there is no treatment on the control group. The research subjects were 160 people, 80 people in the experimental group and 80 people in the control group. Data collection using tests conducted pretest and posttest. Data analysis used normality test, homogeneity test and independent sample t test. Results: The results of research and discussion, it can be concluded that there is an effective project-based seamless learning model on concept understanding. Based on the results of hypothesis testing on the posttest, the value on the posttest of the experimental group and the control group obtained a significance value of 0.002 <0.050. And also the difference in the average posttest score of the experimental group is 84.06, greater than the lower control group of 80.56. This proves that there are differences caused by the application of the learning model in the two groups. The experimental group used a project-based seamless learning model while the control group used a conventional model. Conclusion: there is the effectiveness of project-based seamless learning model on concept understanding. The hope is that the project-based seamless learning model can be applied at various levels of educational institutions or in various subject matters so that the quality of learning will be even better and continue to improve rapidly.

Participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program by people with severe mental illness, Australia, 2006–2019: a national data linkage study

AbstractObjectiveTo compare rates of participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) and follow‐up for people with severe mental illness with those for people without severe mental illness or not prescribed antidepressants.Study designRetrospective cohort study; analysis of de‐identified linked NBCSP, Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), and Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) data.SettingAustralia, 2006–2019.ParticipantsPeople aged 50–74 years (NBCSP‐eligible) with severe mental illness, defined as those dispensed two or more prescriptions for second generation antipsychotics or for lithium (PBS data), and a random sample of people aged 50–74 years eligible for Medicare‐subsidised services but never prescribed psychotropic medications (antipsychotics, lithium, antidepressants).Main outcome measuresNBCSP participation (returned faecal occult blood test sample), valid test result, positive test result, and follow‐up colonoscopy rates.ResultsA total of 119 475 people with severe mental illness and 1 090 574 control group people were included in our analyses. The proportion of women was larger in the severe mental illness group (51.3%) than the control group (48.7%), as were the proportions who lived in inner regional areas (23.5% v 19.1%) or in areas in the lowest socio‐economic quintile (21.8% v 14.7%). The NBCSP participation rate was lower among people with severe mental illness (adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69–0.84). The proportion of valid test results was smaller for people with severe mental illness (95.9% v 98.7%; adjusted IRR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.96–0.99), and the positive test result proportion larger (12.3% v 6.6%; adjusted IRR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.94–2.09). The proportion of positive test results followed by colonoscopy was smaller for people with severe mental illness (71.7% v 82.6%; adjusted IRR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.85–0.92).ConclusionsPeople with severe mental illness were less likely to participate in the NBCSP or to undergo colonoscopy after a positive test result than other Australians. These differences may contribute to higher colorectal cancer mortality among people with severe mental illness. The contributions of differences in cancer stage at diagnosis and subsequent treatment to higher colorectal cancer mortality require further study.

Synergistic Antiemetic Effects of Nerolidol on Domperidone, Hyoscine, and Ondansetron: In Vivo and in Silico Investigations on Receptor Binding Affinity

AbstractThe present study was designed to measure the potential antiemetic properties of nerolidol (NDL) via in vivo and in silico studies. To induce emesis copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4.5H2O) was administered at a dose of 50 mg/kg (orally) to 2‐day‐old chicks. The test sample (NDL) was given at two doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg. b.w. orally. Additionally, aprepitant (16 mg/kg), domperidone (6 mg/kg), hyoscine (21 mg/kg), ondansetron (5 mg/kg), and diphenhydramine (10 mg/kg) were given also orally as positive controls. To observe the modulatory effects of the test sample, combination therapies with reference drugs were also administered to three different groups of animals. Molecular docking and visualization of ligand‐receptor interaction were performed against several emesis‐inducing receptors (5HT3, D2, D3, H1, and M1‐M5) using diverse computational tools. Pharmacokinetics and drug‐likeness of the selected ligands were also calculated. Findings demonstrated that NDL significantly (p <0.05) dose‐dependently lessens the mean number of retches and delays the emetic onset in the chicks. The combined drug therapy with ondansetron exposed better antiemetic activity. In addition, in silico analysis, NDL has greater binding affinity (−7.3 kcal/mol) against M2 and M3 receptors. In conclusion, NDL exerted mild antiemetic activity with synergistic properties through muscarinic receptors.

Influence of Electrode Surface Area and Processing Time on Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Total Suspended Solid (TSS) Reduction in Tofu Wastewater Using Electrocoagulation

Electrocoagulation is a wastewater treatment process that uses electrochemical working principles to remove contaminants in solutions or wastewater. Where at the anode (negative current) metal ions are released into solution, while at the cathode (positive current) an electrochemical reaction occurs, namely the release of H2 (hydrogen) gas. Factors that influence the electrocoagulation process include electrode type, current strength, electrode cross-sectional area, process time, voltage, stirring, distance between electrodes, and acidity level (pH). The objective of this research is to investigate the effect of the surface area of the electrode and processing time on the COD and TSS of tofu wastewater. In this research, tofu industry liquid waste was processed using the electrocoagulation method using fixed variables including, Fe-Fe type electrodes, 4 electrodes, acidity level at 4, tofu liquid waste temperature at 25 ̊ C, distance between electrodes 2 cm, electrode thickness 2 mm, test sample of 4 liters and current strength of 13 V. The changing variables used are electrode cross-sectional area (70 cm² and 60 cm²) and processing time (30, 45, 60, 75, 90 minutes). In this study, the best conditions for reducing COD and TSS levels were obtained with a cross-sectional area of ​​70 cm² and a process time of 60 minutes for reducing COD levels and 30 minutes for reducing TSS levels. With a reduction in COD levels of 690.66 mg/L and a reduction in TSS levels of 181.25 mg/L. The results of reducing COD levels do not meet the tofu industry wastewater quality standard of 300 mg/L, and the results of reducing TSS levels meet the tofu industry wastewater quality standard of 200 mg/L.

The Effect of Interactive Learning Media on Students' Understanding of Basic Mathematical Concepts in SDN 1 Tebaban

This study aims to determine the effect of the use of interactive learning media (wordwall) on the understanding of basic mathematical concepts of grade IV students at SDN 1 Tebaban. This type of research is a quantitative research of experimental methods with a quasi-experimental design of pretest-posttest control group design. The population of this study is class IV A and IV B which totals 35 students. The sample of this study uses a saturated sampling technique. The data collection technique in this study uses observation sheets, questionnaire sheets and pretest and posttest test sheets. The data analysis techniques in this study include observation and questionnaire data analysis, descriptive analysis, normality test, variance homogeneity test and independent samples test. The results of the observation sheet showed that the students' understanding of basic mathematical concepts in the experimental class reached 75% ('Very Good'), higher than the control class which only reached 62.99% ('Good'). Based on the results of the questionnaire, the use of wordwall interactive media was proven to be more effective in improving students' understanding than mind mapping learning media and teaching aids in the control class, with 91% of students in the experimental class supporting the use of wordwalls, compared to 80% in the control class. The t-test showed a value of Sig. (2-tailed) 0.02, so that the alternative hypothesis was accepted, indicating a significant influence of interactive learning media on the understanding of mathematical concepts of grade IV students at SDN 1 Tebaban.

Life Cycle Assessment and Experimental Mechanical Investigation of Test Samples for High-Performance Racing Boats

This paper investigates the environmental impact and mechanical performance of two composite sandwich structures, named Series 1 and Series 2, used in high-performance racing boats. Mechanical tests, including four-point bending and drop impact tests, were performed. It was found on a general basis that Series 2 has higher load-bearing capacity and limited deflection. Series 1, which has a higher density, was able to absorb more impact energy but was more susceptible to damage. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted to evaluate the environmental impact associated with the materials, considering also the testing phase, which plays an important role in the life cycle of materials and structures for advanced marine applications. In addition, two performance indexes were introduced to correlate the mechanical and environmental properties of the analyzed materials. This study emphasizes the importance of considering the testing phase in LCA, as the energy-intensive nature of mechanical testing contributes significantly to the overall environmental impact. The introduced indexes allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the balance between mechanical performance and environmental sustainability. The findings suggest a trade-off between mechanical performance and sustainability, calling for further research into recyclable composites and greener manufacturing processes to balance these competing priorities.

Rapid Dual-Gene Detection of Burkholderia gladioli and Subspecies Cocovenenans in Fresh Noodles and Tremella Using CRISPR-Cas12a/Cas13a.

Burkholderia gladioli pv. cocovenenans is a notable foodborne pathogen that poses a significant risk to food safety. Contaminated food requires distinct classification and treatment procedures for non-pathogenic B. gladioli and its pathogenic subspecies cocovenenans. Hence, establishing a rapid and sensitive detection method to distinguish them is necessary. In this study, we aimed to establish a method combining the CRISPR-Cas12a/Cas13a dual system with recombinase aided amplification for rapid, specific and sensitive detection of non-pathogenic B. gladioli and pathogenic subspecies cocovenenans in food. First, a RAA-CRISPR-Cas12a/Cas13a method was developed and its feasibility was assessed. Next, specificity was analyzed using 23 strains of B. gladioli and 5 non-target strains. Following this, sensitivity was evaluated by preparing gradient dilutions of B. gladioli pv. cocovenenans bacterial solutions. At last, real food test samples, including fresh noodles and tremella artificially contaminated with B. gladioli pv. cocovenenans, were utilized for method validation and sensitivity comparison. The established RAA-CRISPR-Cas12a/Cas13a method exhibited high specificity and achieved 100% accuracy in detecting species B. gladioli and its subspecies cocovenenans. This rapid method could be finished within 45 min with a detection limit of 10° CFU/mL for bacterial concentration. Additionally, it achieved detection limits of 102 CFU/g for fresh noodles and 103 CFU/g for tremella. The rapid RAA-CRISPR-Cas12a/Cas13a method demonstrated high specificity and sensitivity in detecting and disgusting species B. gladioli and subspecies cocovenenans in both food test samples and post-cultivation colonies. The RAA-CRISPR-Cas12a/Cas13a method presented in this study offers a novel molecular approach for the rapid, accurate and sensitive detection of B. gladioli and its subspecies cocovenenans in foods.

Evaluating the antidiabetes and antioxidant activities of halogenated Schiff bases derived from 4-(diethylamino)salicylaldehyde: in vitro antidiabetes, antioxidant and computational investigation

Six Schiff bases with general name 5-(diethylamino)-2-(((halophenyl)imino)methyl)phenol (where halo = 4-fluoro (H1), 2-fluoro (H2), 2-bromo (H3), 4-bromo (H4), 4-chloro (H5) and 3-chloro-4-fluoro (H6)) were prepared by the condensation reaction between 4-(diethylamino)salicylaldehyde and suitable halogenated aromatic amines. The six halogenated Schiff bases were elucidated using different spectroscopic techniques and the structure of H3 and H6 were confirmed using single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The bond lengths of C7–N1, C7–C8 and C8–C9 obtained from structural analysis for both compounds depicted their enol-tautomeric characteristic form. The Hirshfeld analysis revealed that H‧‧‧H intermolecular contacts contributed most towards the Hirshfeld surfaces of both H3 (47.6%) and H6 (39.9%). Quantum chemical calculation studies showed that H1 and H2 have the highest and lowest energy band gap (∆E = 3.80 eV for H1 and ∆E = 3.73 eV for H2), depicting H2 and H1 as the most and least chemically reactive respectively among all the compounds. α-Amylase and α-glucosidase assay were used to evaluate the antidiabetes prowess of the synthesized compounds. All the compounds exhibited lower IC50 values than acarbose (reference drug) in α-amylase assay experiments and H5 with lowest IC50 value of 63.54 μM could be suggested to have the highest α-amylase inhibitory potential among the test samples. For α-glucosidase assay, H1–H6 displayed good antidiabetic potential. However, none of the compounds outshined acarbose with H6 having highest α-glucosidase inhibitory potential when compared to others i.e., IC50 of H6 = 60.89 μM and IC50 of acarbose = 51.42 μM. We measured the antioxidant potential of H1–H6 exploring 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO) and ferric reducing ability power (FRAP) assays. The DPPH as well as NO radical scavenging assay showed that all the compounds exhibited excellent antioxidant results with some of the compounds surpassing catechin (reference drug). Compound H5 with IC50 values of 30.32 mM and 31.73 mM outshined catechin with IC50 values of 31.17 mM and 140.62 mM for DPPH and NO assays respectively. All the compounds fell within the threshold of Lipinski’s Ro5 projecting them as orally bioavailable and less toxic future therapeutics.

Autonomous Vibrationless Temperature-Controlled Cryosystem for Optical Studies with a Spectroscopic Ellipsometer

Introduction. Ellipsometry is a highly sensitive, non-destructive optical method used to study the optical and structural properties of materials and thin films.Problem Statement. At the Institute of Semiconductor Physics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the first in Ukraine serial spectroscopic ellipsometer SE-2000 (manufactured by SEMILAB Ltd., Hungary) has been employed for research, but its measurement capabilities are currently limited to room temperature.Purpose. This research aims to expand the functionality of the SE-2000 by creating a temperature-controlled cryosystem that operates within a temperature range from –195 оC to +80 оC (approximately 80—353 K).Materials and Methods. An autonomous, precision, vibrationless, cryosystem has been designed and manufactured for low-temperature optical investigations in reflection mode, based on a gas-flow cryostat. The cryosystem includes a cryostat, a microprocessor temperature controller, and an adjustment table.Results. The cryostat operates on a gas-flow principle. A laminar gas flow is generated by excess pressure achieved through the heating of cryogenic liquid by a heater-evaporator in the feeder tank. The flow intensity is regulated by adjusting the power supplied to the heating element, eliminating vibrations in the cryostat and sample. The heat exchange chamber is positioned at the top of the nitrogen tank, with the test sample mounted in horizontal plane. Incident and reflected light beams interact with the sample from the upper hemisphere. Sample positioning is adjustable via translational motion along three Cartesian coordinates and by tilting the cryostat with the help of the adjustment table.Conclusions. This system is suitable for use in optical devices that operate in specular reflection mode, with access to the sample surface from the upper hemisphere.

Interhemispheric asynchrony of NREM EEG at the beginning and end of sleep describes evening vigilance performance in patients undergoing diagnostic polysomnography.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is associated with deficits in vigilance. This work explored the temporal patterns of OSA-related events during sleep and vigilance levels measured by the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT) in patients undergoing Polysomnography (PSG) for suspected OSA.
Approach: The PVT was conducted prior to in-laboratory PSG for 80 patients suspected of having OSA. Three groups were formed based on PVT-RT-outcomes and participants were randomly allocated into Training (n=55) and Test (n=25) samples. Sleep epochs of non-rapid-eye movement (NREM) Electroencephalographic (EEG) asynchrony data, and REM and NREM data for respiratory, arousal, limb movement and desaturation events were analysed. The data were segmented by sleep stage, by Sleep Blocks (SB) of stable Stage N2, Stage N3, mixed-stage NREM sleep, and, by Time of Night (TN) across sleep. Models associating this data with PVT groups were developed and tested. 
Main Results: A model using NREM EEG asynchrony data segmented by SB and TN achieved 81.9% accuracy in the Test Cohort. Models based on interhemispheric asynchrony SB data and OSA data segmented by TN achieved 80.6% and 79.5% respectively. 
Significance: Novel data segmentation methods via blocks of NREM sleep and TN have improved our understanding of the relationship between sleep, OSA and vigilance. &#xD.

CHARACTERIZATION OF CLAYS FROM “MINES MARITSA IZTOK” AS RAW MATERIALS FOR CERAMIC INDUSTRY

The chemical and phase compositions of the clays from coal mining were evaluated by XRF and powder XRD method, respectively. Hot Stage Microscope was used to estimate the thermal behaviour. In addition, the thermal losses of the clays after 1 h thermal treatment at different temperatures were measured. This preliminary analysis elucidates potential prospects for using some of clays as raw materials for ceramic industry. It seems that samples which are montmorillonite type are more plastic, while the others, where higher sand content is observed, and the drying shrinkage is negligible could be characterized as less plastic. The initial results for the thermal behaviour and the structure of a brick sample (obtained by mixing two types of clays) and a foamed geopolymer are also reported. The first sample shows a beginning of the firing shrinkage at about 1000°C, while the second demonstrates intensive bloating after 950°C, leading to specimen with about 56 % closed porosity. Finally, X - ray Computed Tomography and SEM was used to highlight the structure of some test samples.

Seed-Specific Dynamics: Unraveling Progeny Emergence Patterns in <em>Tribolium castaneum</em> (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) Infestations

Edible seeded crops are important nutrient source for both human and animals. Among the various causes of grain losses before consumption, stored-product pests claim an important place. Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) damages a wide array of food commodities including grains, during storage, but the information on progeny emergence on certain commodities still remains unexplored. A laboratory experiment was conducted to evaluate the progeny development of T. castaneum in commonly used edible seeds during storage. Twenty, one-month-old T. castaneum adults were introduced to 30 g samples of each seed type, with four replicates tested. Except for dhal and groundnut, all the other edible seed types were used only as whole seeds. Test samples of dhal and groundnut were used in their whole form as well as 50% broken seeds. Samples were maintained at 30±1°C and 65±1% relative humidity. After 7 days, adults were removed, and samples were kept for progeny development. Progeny adults and larvae were counted at 30 and 60 days. The adult progeny emergence was highest in oats, sesame and proso millet (Meneri). Larval emergence was higher in dhal (50% broken), groundnut (50% broken), barley and proso millet (Meneri). These findings provide important insights into the infestation of edible seeds by T. castaneum and opens-up avenues for adopting suitable methods to protect these during storage. As the presence of broken seed enhances the progeny development of T. castaneum, preventing such occurrences during grain processing and maintaining cleanliness are important practices during postharvest operations.

Comparison of quench correction methods for 90Sr/90Y assessment in waters after nuclear incident

One important matter of environmental radioactivity monitoring is the accuracy and precision of the 90Sr/90Y measurement techniques. When Cherenkov counting is carried out in coloured waters, the reduction in detection efficiency can cause significant errors in the obtained results. Two colour quench correction methods were considered in this study: the conventional SCR (Sample Channels Ratio) technique and the Muonic peak method. The latter indicates the quench level via the position of the muonic peak in the cosmic background spectrum. So far, there have been no reports about the Muonic peak method’s implementation in Cherenkov counting of 90Sr/90Y in waters. The performance, limitations, advantages, and drawbacks of two methods have been compared based on the analysis of coloured spiked test samples. The Muonic peak method provided similar accuracy as the SCR method in test samples. The adequacy and effectiveness of both techniques have been confirmed during 90Sr routine monitoring in the event of a nuclear emergency or radioactive leakage from nuclear facilities.

Effect of initial temperature damage on the static and fatigue performance of all-lightweight shale ceramsite concrete

The effects of initial temperature damage on the static and compressive fatigue properties of LC30 all-lightweight shale ceramsite concrete (ALWSCC) were studied. The curing conditions ranged from -5 °C to -30 °C without antifreeze, with an elevated temperature range of 100 °C to 400 °C applied after 28 days of standard curing. We tested the static strength, elastic modulus, and stressstrain curves of ALWSCC, as well as its uniaxial compression fatigue life and ƐN curves under different stress levels. The credibility of data from only three test samples per condition was statistically analyzed, and we explored how temperature, aggregate properties, and concrete pore structure affect performance. The results indicate that the impact of temperature on the static and fatigue performance of ALWSCC can be described by a unified damage model. The Hillerborg characteristic length effectively captures the brittleness induced by temperature changes. Using the two-parameter Weibull equation and various fatigue equations that account for failure probability and temperature, the fatigue life predictions were accurate. Although low and high temperatures affect ALWSCC differently, temperature effects combined with static and fatigue loads further accelerate its deterioration.

Deep learning method for predicting the complex nonlinear dynamics of passively mode-locked fiber laser

The dynamic evolution processes are highly complicated nonlinear dynamic processes in passively mode-locked fiber laser systems. Here, an artificial intelligence (AI) model is employed to predict the complex dynamic processes, which uses the long short-term memory network method, serving as an alternative to the numerical calculation of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE). We specifically emphasize the complex evolution processes under different gain saturation energies, comparing the results predicted by the AI model with those simulated by the NLSE. The predicted results of the AI model are in good agreement with the simulated results of NLSE. The root mean square errors of test samples in this study are all below 0.15. Furthermore, with GPU acceleration, the AI model achieves a mean simulation time of 0.452 s for 6000 roundtrips, approximately 2391 times faster than the numerical solution of NLSE executed on a CPU.

Small punch test size reduction to enable high flux irradiation

Screening and qualification of new nuclear materials with superior irradiation resistance requires expensive irradiation exposure and post-irradiation examination before consideration into industrial nuclear structural components. The development of miniaturized test methods is needed for enhanced cost/time efficient testing, while enabling comparative and robust material property estimation in a timely and high throughput manner. The Small Punch Test (SPT) is drawing much interest, especially since the publication of an European standard. Motivated by this standard, a new SP test sample geometry is proposed in order to reduce the material volume to be tested, hences increasing the number of samples that can be introduced in an irradiation rig is proposed. The modified sample diameter has been reduced from 8 to 5.35 mm. The qualification of this new design is described here together with a detailed description of the SPT setup modification as compared to the reference setup of the EN standard. Finite element analyses and a series of experiments have been conducted using both standard and reduced size SP samples to demonstrate that the modified test gives estimates of the basic mechanical properties with the same magnitude of error and validates the modified sample geometry for usage in irradiated material testing.

An optimized spectral reconstruction method for shift excitation Raman differential spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy is a powerful analytical method, but when the composition of the test sample is intricate, the original spectral data may contain noise and fluorescence background interference, making it more difficult to extract Raman spectral information from the original spectra. Especially the fluorescence background signal, which is typically several orders of magnitude stronger than the Raman signal, can even overwhelm or obscure the Raman signals, thereby impeding the qualitative or quantitative analysis of the Raman spectra. One effective method for removing the fluorescence background is shift excitation Raman differential spectroscopy (SERDS), which typically involves measuring two raw Raman spectra using slightly different excitation wavelengths, combined with reconstruction algorithms, to obtain Raman spectra free from fluorescence interference. For this purpose, a reconstruction method based on Tikhonov regularized least squares (TRLS) was developed in this study, which mitigated the oscillations caused by the direct unconstrained least squares (DULS) reconstruction method. The method was verified and optimized using four groups of artificial datasets with different characteristics. By selecting an appropriate value for parameter α, the relative standard deviation (RSD) of the reconstructed datasets was lower than that of the artificial datasets in most cases. Additionally, we evaluated the performance of the TRLS reconstruction algorithm based on a quantitative model of real Raman spectral datasets, assessing the algorithm’s performance from three perspectives: the root mean square error (RMSE), the correlation coefficient (R), and the ratio of prediction to deviation (RPD). The quantitative results indicate that using the TRLS method for reconstruction enhances both prediction accuracy and practicality. In summary, findings from both simulated data and actual experiments demonstrate that the TRLS-based reconstruction method substantially improves the stability and reliability of differential Raman spectra reconstruction.

HPV infection status among women of all ages in Jinshan District, Shanghai

Objective We explored the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection among women in Jinshan District, Shanghai. Methods We analyzed all HPV testing samples sent from our unit between December 2023 and April 2024. We reported the HPV prevalence overall, by age, and by subtype. Results In total, 3788 women aged 16 to 90 years had HPV test results. The prevalence of infection with any HPV subtype was 17.9%. The HPV prevalence by age group was: ≤30 years, 15.4%; 31–40 years, 14.7%; 41–50 years, 17.0%; 51–60 years, 22.4%; >60 years, 31.0%. Among HPV-positive women, 80.6% had infection with one subtype, 16.4% had dual infection, and 3.1% had three or more subtypes detected. We found 640 cases (16.9%) of infection with high-risk HPV subtypes and 139 cases (5.04%) of infection with low-risk HPV subtypes. The most common high-risk subtypes were HPV 52, 53, 58, and 16; the most common low-risk subtypes were HPV 81, 70, and 42. Conclusion We detected ≥1 HPV subtype among most women in our study. The prevalence of HPV was lowest in younger women and highest in women age >60 years. Tailored strategies for older women are needed to prevent HPV infection and cervical cancer.