Testing Standards Research Articles

A NEW APPROACH TO TENSILE TESTING OF GFRP BARS

Tensile testing is a critical procedure for evaluating the mechanical properties of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars, which emerged as an alternative to traditional steel reinforcement in reinforced concrete structures. While significant research has led to the development of testing standards for GFRP bars, their implementation often necessitates additional specimens and specialized equipment compared to their steel counterparts. This study proposes a new method for conducting GFRP tensile tests using standard equipment designed for conventional structural steel rebar testing. By employing existing devices, our approach offers a practical and cost-effective solution for assessing the tensile properties of GFRP reinforcement. This simplified testing method aims to enhance efficiency, facilitate wider adoption of GFRP bars in reinforced concrete structures, and contribute to the advancement of sustainable construction practices.

Estandarización de una prueba isotérmica como una nueva herramienta diagnóstica en México para la detección molecular de Chlamydia abortus en pequeños rumiantes

Ovine Enzootic Abortion (OEA) is caused by Chlamydia abortus and has recently been recognized as endemic in Mexico. Due to the impact of OEA on intensive lamb production, it is necessary to establish a sanitary control plan based on an efficient diagnosis. The loop-mediated isothermal amplification technique (LAMP) is a molecular test that can specifically identify C. abortus. The aim of this study was to standardize the LAMP technique for the specific detection of C. abortus from ovine vaginal exudate. Primers were identified and modified from an electronic database. The effective conditions of the technique were determined using synthetic DNA and positive biological samples by PCR as references. The assay detection limit was 1 × 10-5 of genetic material, equivalent to 8.5 copies. The standardized LAMP test is proposed as a novel molecular tool for the rapid and specific diagnosis of C. abortus infection from ovine vaginal exudate samples in Mexico.

How are the impact attenuation properties of men’s and women’s helmets affected after one season in professional ice hockey?

The purpose of this study was to investigate if the impact attenuation properties of ice hockey helmets change after being used for one season in a professional ice hockey league. Eighteen helmets from a male team and 10 helmets from a female team were compared to 13 new helmets. Every helmet was impact tested three times for two impact locations, side and front. The median peak linear acceleration for all front impacts were significantly higher ( p < 0.05) for the helmets from the female team compared to the helmets from the male team. Compared to the new helmets, both men’s and women’s helmets had significantly lower median peak angular acceleration ( p < 0.01) and peak angular velocity ( p< 0.001). For side impacts, the women’s helmets had significantly higher peak linear acceleration compared to the men’s and new helmets ( p < 0.001). Both men’s and women’s helmets had significantly higher peak angular acceleration compared to the new helmets ( p < 0.001), and women’s helmets also had significantly higher peak angular acceleration compared to men’s helmets. Compared to men’s and new helmets, the results show that women’s helmets have worse impact attenuation properties after one season. However, all used helmets satisfied the passing threshold for test standards and the differences in calculated injury risk were small. This information may assist in establishing recommendations for the expected lifetime usage for ice hockey helmets and support manufacturers to develop safer ice hockey helmets.

Determining the oxidation behavior of matrix graphite

This work presents the oxidation behavior of matrix graphite in air. Matrix graphite, graphite powder/flakes bonded by a small amount of non-graphitic carbon, surrounds coated fuel particles in order to form cylindrical fuel compacts (in prismatic core designs) or spheres (in pebble-bed reactor designs). This work focuses on oxidation tests conducted on two matrix graphite materials, one provided by Kairos Power and the other A3 matrix graphite. Some of the tests followed American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) oxidation testing standards using a vertical furnace system and others were performed in a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). It was determined that, at temperatures of 450 °C–700 °C, the oxidation rate of the Kairos matrix graphite follows the Arrhenius equation. In comparison with A3 matrix graphite, the Kairos matrix graphite shows better oxidation resistance at high temperatures (≥550 °C), but also a higher oxidation rate at low temperatures. Both the A3 matrix graphite and the Kairos matrix graphite materials may experience preferential oxidation of the partially graphitized binder. An oxygen penetration gradient was also observed when using the three characterization methods (i.e., optical microscope, x-ray tomography [XCT], and density profile by the lathe) enlisted in this research. The oxygen penetration depth increases with decreasing isothermal oxidation temperature, while the center of the oxidized samples (10% weight loss) remains almost untouched even at 500 °C.

Head‐to‐head comparisons of cognitive screening tests administered in primary care centers

AbstractBackgroundCognitive screening tests are often used in primary care to aid in the decision whether further investigation is needed. The most widely used tests, MMSE and the Clock Drawing Test (CDT), were developed more than 40 years ago and there is a need to update the primary care neuropsychological toolbox. The objective for this pilot study was to examine the diagnostic accuracy of AD for different cognitive tests administered at primary care centers.MethodThe BioFINDER Primary Care Study consecutively recruits patients with cognitive complaints (SCD, MCI, or mild dementia) at different primary care centers in Sweden. Cognitive tests are examined as well as plasma AD‐biomarkers. A test battery including MMSE, MoCA, CDT, Verbal fluency tests, TMT A and B, Symbol Digit Test, ADAS 10‐wordlist and Recall of Picture Test (RPT) are administered to all patients at their respective primary care center. Patients are then referred to a memory clinic where they undergo a full clinical work‐up (including neuropsychological assessment, lumbar puncture or Aβ‐PET, MRI and an examination by a physician specialized in dementia diseases) after which a diagnosis is made (blinded to the tests done in primary care). A clinical diagnosis of AD is supported by CSF or PET findings. The diagnosis of AD, either at the MCI or mild dementia stage, was here used as the dependent variable in logistic regression models with the different cognitive tests as predictors (adjusted for age, sex, education). Comparisons of AUC were performed using DeLong statistics.ResultIn this pilot study the first 276 recruited patients were analyzed (Table 1). Four tests, MMSE (AUC = 0.73, P <0.01), MoCA (AUC = 0.71, P <0.05), ADAS 10‐wordlist (AUC = 0.80, P <0.001) and RPT (AUC = 0.79, P <0.001), performed significantly better than the basic model (age, sex, education) in predicting a diagnosis of AD. Both the ADAS 10‐wordlist and RPT performed significantly better than MMSE (P <0.05). Adding the CDT to MMSE did not improve the AUC (0.73).ConclusionIn a diverse population, as seen at primary care centers, brief tests of memory may provide better accuracy in detecting AD than standard of care tests as MMSE and MoCA.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF SAMPLES MANUFACTURED FROM CRUSHED POLYMER WASTE ON A 3D PRINTER WITH A SCREW EXTRUDER

The article conducts an experimental study of samples made from crushed polymer waste on a 3D printer with a screw extruder. General information about the experimental study is given. An analysis of literary sources on the study of mechanical properties of products manufactured by FDM technology on 3D printers was carried out. Two 3D printers were chosen for the production of experimental prototypes, one of which prints with filament, the other with granules or crushed polymer waste. The equipment for determining the accuracy of printed samples has been selected. The measuring part of the tearing machine for taking tensile diagrams of polymer samples has been improved. A strain gauge for force measurement and an optical encoder for displacement measurement are installed in it. A digital electronic system for data collection from sensors based on the Arduino Uno microcontroller was developed. Software for experimental data processing was created. The general view of the experimental setup is given. It is proposed to use uniaxial tension to evaluate the mechanical characteristics of the test samples printed on a 3D printer. Current international standards for tensile testing of plastics are described. To determine the mechanical tensile characteristics, samples in the shape of a blade were made from polymer materials ABS and TPU. The parameters for printing test samples made from these materials are set. With the use of the developed installation, the failure diagrams of samples (blades) made of crushed polymer waste and filament of ABS and TPU plastics with different amounts of internal filling were obtained. In the form of tables, the values of the mechanical characteristics of the samples produced by the 3D printing method from ABS and TPU polymers with different internal filling obtained during the uniaxial tensile test are presented. A photo of the places of breakage of ABS plastic blades, taken using a digital camera, is given. An analysis of the structure of the samples was carried out on them. Experimental test samples were made using two 3D printers to determine the accuracy of 3D printing. Measurements were made in different planes of the test cube using a digital electronic caliper. The obtained results were compared with the created model. Ways to improve print accuracy are described.

A systematic review of the biopsychosocial dimensions affected by chronic pain in children and adolescents: identifying reliable and valid pediatric multidimensional chronic pain assessment tools.

Pediatric chronic pain is a complex experience that is often challenging to describe and measure. Multidimensional tools that evaluate the biopsychosocial impact of chronic pain in pediatric patients can help clinicians to prioritize and tailor interdisciplinary pain care; yet, the psychometric value and clinical utility of such tools has not yet been systematically studied in the literature. The purpose of this review was to identify multidimensional biopsychosocial tools used in pediatric chronic pain, synthesize their reliability and validity evidence, and draw on this evidence to describe the relationships between chronic pain and biopsychosocial domains. The search involved 2 phases to (1) identify eligible tools and (2) conduct a measured forward citation search of tool development articles. Tool eligibility was guided by the Multidimensional Biobehavioral Model of Pediatric Pain and study eligibility was focused on primary chronic pain diagnoses unrelated to disease. Data extraction was focused on reliability and validity evidence of eligible tools, guided by the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing. Results yielded 6 tools that included 64 eligible studies, highlighting 84 significant relationships between pain and functional interference across 11 biopsychosocial variables. All tools were shown to have good internal consistency and evidence of validity, primarily through relationships to other variables. Of the 6 tools, the most brief and easy to use were the most under studied. Further psychometric research is warranted for these tools to investigate their clinical utility and psychometric properties in guiding and prioritizing pain care for children and adolescents.

Manufacturing of multi material wall via fused filament fabrication: An insight characteristics

AbstractPolylactic acid has found its way into innovative engineering application in aerospace, defense and drone technologies through its unique characteristics such as high strength, low density and easy availability. Carbon fiber reinforced polylactic acid are polymeric composites with polylactic acid as base matrix that has distinctive properties such as extreme durability and high strength to weight. Fused filament fabrication is a type of additive manufacturing technique that comes under material extrusion. Multi material is an engineering concept that enables fabrication of structure that has varying functional properties along a certain direction. This engineering material combines the seemingly incompatible properties of two different material. The aim of this study is to provide insight on the mechanical behavior of multi material wall manufactured through fused filament fabrication. The coupons were prepared and tested in accordance with American society for testing and materials standards. The mechanical tests revealed that multi material possess better mechanical properties than polylactic acid and was on par with carbon fiber reinforced polylactic acid. The images from optical microscope was used to analyse bonding, buckling and fracture morphologies. These results would provide idea such that this multi material could either replace existing material or have its own new application.

Evaluation of ultimate load - bearing capacity of piles based on static compression test and pile dynamic analysis (PDA)

Determining the load bearing capacity of piles from field tests is a reliable method that allows for the verification of load carrying capacity according to theoretical calculations, thereby the ultimate load-bearing capacity of the piles can be evaluated, serving as the basis for selecting the design load-bearing capacity that is suitable for the site conditions. Among the various pile load testing methods, static compression testing is a traditional method known for its high reliability and early adoption. However, when piles are constructed at significant depths or large diameter drilled piles have higher load bearing capacities, static compression testing encounters difficulties due to the large experimental load and extends testing times. In contrast, the pile dynamic analysis method (PDA) introduced by the Case Institute of Technology in the United States in the 1960s determines the load bearing capacity of piles based on stress wave propagation theory in elastic bars. It offers several advantages, including shorter testing times and no need for static loading, making it suitable for challenging terrain conditions. Nowadays, this method is widely used and integrated into the design guidelines and testing standards of many countries. In this article, base on the results of axial static compression tests and PDA method on reinforced concrete piles and drilled piles at several real project to compare and evaluate the load bearing values of the piles and assess the reliability of the testing methods.

The measurement and practical effectiveness of noise attenuation kits for mobile equipment

The control of noise emissions from mobile equipment in quarry and mine sites plays a critical role in mitigating noise impacts to meet project noise limits while maximizing production capacity. To meet stringent noise limits, sites are commonly required to reduce noise emissions from mobile plants. This is typically achieved through the implementation of retrofit noise attenuation kits. This paper explores a number of case studies in which noise attenuation kits are installed, comparing sound power level measurement methodologies and assessing the effectiveness of attenuation kits through the analysis of resulting reductions in sound power level. Case studies involve the application of sound power tests in accordance with ISO test standards, and the comparison of practical results against theoretical predictions to assess the true effectiveness of attenuation kits.

Formulation and Physical Quality Testing of Candles Combining Essential Oils of Red Roses (Rose Hybrid) and White Roses (Rose Alba) as Aromatherapy

Background: There are many aromatherapy options on the market, one of which is in the form of aromatherapy candles. Aromatherapy candles are made using several ingredients and use essential oils that have an aromatherapy scent, a combination of red rose and white rose essential oils. These essential oils are used not only for the treatment and prevention of disease, but also for their effects on mood, emotions, and a sense of well-being.
 Method: In this experimental study, a comparative test was carried out between 5 concentration variations of red rose and white rose essential oils with F1 = 1%:5% ; F2= 2%:4% ; F3= 3%:3% ; F4= 4%:2% ; and F5= 5%:1%, using the same basis. Then an evaluation was carried out by testing the physical quality of the candle aromatherapy preparations which included organoleptic tests, melting point tests, burn time tests, and hedonic tests. 
 Result: The organoleptic test on formulas 1 and 5 produced an even color, no cracks and a characteristic odor, but in formulas 2,3 and 4 the color was uneven and there were depressions. In the melting point test, all formulas are within the standard candle time range, namely 540C, the average burn time test is not more than 2 hours and the preference test is on formula 5.
 Conclusion: The final result is a formula that meets all testing standards, namely 5%:1% formula 5, in which the ratio of essential oils of red roses and white roses is and the ratio of paraffin and stearic acid is 54%:40%.

Measurable Residual FLT3-ITD before Allogeneic Transplant for Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Background: In the past year, multiple studies have demonstrated the drastically increased risk of relapse and death in patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) who have persistent FLT3 internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutations detectable in clinical remission by next generation sequencing (NGS). Translating this evidence into a change in clinical practice requires both widely available testing and a clear understanding of the clinical implications of FLT3-ITD detection at defined threshold levels. In the largest of the recent studies (Pre-MEASURE, PMID: 36881031), we performed FLT3-ITD MRD detection in blood DNA collected from 608 patients at the time of first remission (CR1) prior to allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (alloHCT). To evaluate cross-assay comparability and the impact of residual disease burden levels, we performed analysis on this cohort using a commercially available FLT3-ITD MRD NGS assay. Methods: Of the 608 patients aged 18 or older from the Pre-MEASURE study who received an alloHCT for FLT3-ITD mutated AML during CR1 at a CIBMTR reporting site in the USA between the years of 2013-2019, patients not experiencing non-relapse mortality and with sufficient DNA from pretransplant blood available were included in this analysis. A commercially available testing kit (IVS, Invivoscribe, San Diego, CA), which can detect FLT3-ITD MRD by NGS for up to 21 patients on one Illumina MiSeq flow cell, was used to establish a workflow following clinical testing standards and validated to detect ITDs down to a variant allele fraction (VAF) of at least 0.005%. Results were compared to those previously reported using an anchored multiplex PCR-based (AMP) targeted NGS assay. Overall survival (OS) and cumulative incidence of relapse were estimated with the day of transplant as time 0 using Kaplan-Meier estimation (log-rank tests) and Cox proportional hazards models. Results: A total of 451 patients were included in this study, of which 173 (38%) experienced relapse (median: 5.2 months; range 0.7-52.1) and 133 (29%) died (median: 10.7 months; range 2-53.8) post-alloHCT. The IVS assay identified 232 FLT3-ITD variants with a median VAF of 0.005% (range 0.0002-44%) and length of 51bp (range 5-228). IVS positive patients had a median of 1 FLT3-ITD variant (range 1-15) and median maximum VAF of 0.01% (range 0.0003-44%). Utilizing the same VAF cutoff of 0.01% for MRD positivity for the IVS test as used in the Pre-MEASURE study, patients testing positive prior to alloHCT exhibited higher rates of relapse (79% vs 31%, p<0.0001) and decreased survival (29% vs 77%, p<0.0001) at 3 years compared to testing negative. These results closely align with those previously reported using the AMP assay (Figure A). The IVS test has a superior limit of detection compared with the AMP test, allowing investigation of alternative VAF thresholds. In total, 151 patients (33.5%) were FLT3-ITD MRD positive by IVS of which only 75 (17%) had VAF ≥0.01%. A threshold-free approach for the IVS test improved the ability to identify patients at risk of relapse, predicting 63% of relapses within 6 months of transplant compared to 43% with the 0.01% cutoff, but resulted in decreased specificity as 42% of all positive patients relapsed within 6 months vs. 57% with the 0.01% VAF cutoff. In multivariable analysis, IVS FLT3-ITD MRD status was associated with both relapse and overall survival (Figure B). Additionally, stratifying patients by their level of residual FLT3-ITD disease burden prior to alloHCT revealed a dose-dependent increase in risk for death (Figure B) and relapse. Any detectable level of residual FLT3-ITD over 0.001% VAF exhibited increased risk, with VAFs ≥0.01% being the highest. Conclusions: In this analysis of patients with AML from the Pre-MEASURE study, we show cross-assay evidence that the detection of residual FLT3-ITD variants in pre-transplant blood during CR1 is associated with significantly increased risk of relapse and death after alloHCT. The highly sensitive assay used in this study could identify ~2/3 of patients who relapsed within 6 months and demonstrated that a dose-dependent correlation between residual FLT3-ITD level and adverse clinical outcomes exists, with VAF ≥0.01% representing the highest risk. This evidence provides strong justification for NGS-based AML MRD clinical testing for persistent FLT3-ITD prior to alloHCT to identify patients at high risk of post-transplant relapse and death.

The Telephone Language Screener (TLS): standardization of a novel telephone-based screening test for language impairment.

This study aimed at developing and standardizing the Telephone Language Screener (TLS), a novel, disease-nonspecific, telephone-based screening test for language disorders. The TLS was developed in strict pursuance to the current psycholinguistic standards. It comprises nine tasks assessing phonological, lexical-semantic and morpho-syntactic components, as well as an extra Backward Digit Span task. The TLS was administered to 480 healthy participants (HPs), along with the Telephone-based Semantic Verbal Fluency (t-SVF) test and a Telephone-based Composite Language Index (TBCLI), as well as to 37 cerebrovascular/neurodegenerative patients-who also underwent the language subscale of the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-L). An HP subsample was also administered an in-person language battery. Construct validity, factorial structure, internal consistency, test-retest and inter-rater reliability were tested. Norms were derived via Equivalent Scores. The capability of the TLS to discriminate patients from HPs and to identify, among the patient cohort, those with a defective TICS-L, was also examined. The TLS was underpinned by a mono-component structure and converged with the t-SVF (p < .001), the TBCLI (p < .001) and the in-person language battery (p = .002). It was internally consistent (McDonald's ω = 0.67) and reliable between raters (ICC = 0.99) and at retest (ICC = 0.83). Age and education, but not sex, were predictors of TLS scores. The TLS optimally discriminated patients from HPs (AUC = 0.80) and successfully identified patients with an impaired TICS-L (AUC = 0.92). In patients, the TLS converged with TICS-L scores (p = 0.016). The TLS is a valid, reliable, normed and clinically feasible telephone-based screener for language impairment.

Reproducible and fully automated testing of nocifensive behavior in mice

Pain in rodents is often inferred from their withdrawal from noxious stimulation. Threshold stimulus intensity or response latency is used to quantify pain sensitivity. This usually involves applying stimuli by hand and measuring responses by eye, which limits reproducibility and throughput. We describe a device that standardizes and automates pain testing by providing computer-controlled aiming, stimulation, and response measurement. Optogenetic and thermal stimuli are applied using blue and infrared light, respectively. Precise mechanical stimulation is also demonstrated. Reflectance of red light is used to measure paw withdrawal with millisecond precision. We show that consistent stimulus delivery is crucial for resolving stimulus-dependent variations in withdrawal and for testing with sustained stimuli. Moreover, substage video reveals "spontaneous" behaviors for consideration alongside withdrawal metrics to better assess the pain experience. The entire process was automated using machine learning. RAMalgo (reproducible automated multimodal algometry) improves the standardization, comprehensiveness, and throughput of preclinical pain testing.

A proposal for similitude in characterizing fatigue delamination behavior with fibre bridging of carbon-fibre reinforced polymer composites

Methods based on fracture mechanics have been widely used in fatigue delamination growth (FDG) characterization of composite laminates. These methods are based on the similitude hypothesis. It is therefore important to have appropriate parameters to well represent the similitude, which is useful for fatigue delamination test standard development aimed by Technical Committee 4 of the European Structural Integrity Society (ESIS TC4) and the ISO/TC61/SC13. In the present study, discussions on similitude parameters for fibre-bridged fatigue delamination interpretation have been conducted via fatigue data with fibre bridging at different R-ratios. The results clearly demonstrate that the strain energy release rate (SERR) indeed applied around the crack front, rather than the total applied SERR, should be employed to represent the similitude for FDG interpretation with large-scale fibre bridging. Particularly, the use of Δ√Gtip can well determine fibre-bridged delamination behavior of a given R-ratio, but it is not valid for FDG at different R-ratios in accordance with the similitude principles. A new similitude parameter, in terms of both Δ√Gtip and the maximum SERR Gmax_tip, was therefore proposed to appropriately represent FDG behavior with fibre bridging at different R-ratios. This study can not only provide database, but also give important insights for the development of mode I fatigue delamination test standard of composite laminates.

PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE INCORPORATED WITH SELF-HEALING AND INTERNAL CURING AGENTS

In this study, effects of collective addition of self-healing and internal curing agents on the strength and permeation properties of concrete were determined. The internal curing agent Polyethylene Glycol (PEG 400) was added at 2% of cement based on weight and a mixture of Bentonite, Quick lime and Magnesium oxide were replaced for cement at 5% each as self-healing agent. Six mixes were investigated which includes a control mix (water curing), a mix with PEG 400 (with and without water curing), a mix with self-healing agents (water curing) and a mix integrated PEG 400 and self-healing agents. (With and without water curing) The density of concrete and strength parameters like compressive, flexural and tensile strengths were found by conducting experiments using the procedures given in testing standards. Permeation features were also studied by subjecting the concrete to water absorption and sorptivity tests. Density values lowered because of internal curing agents. The integration of internal curing and self-healing agents have adverse effects on density, strengths, water absorption and sorptivity co-efficients but there is an improvement in the mentioned properties when the specimens were cured in water.

Developing A Core Strength Training Program to Improve Badminton High Clear Stroke for University Students

Background and Aims: With the continuous development of badminton, international competitions have become increasingly confrontational and competitive, which places higher demands on athletes' physical fitness and technology. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to add core strength training and traditional strength training to badminton high clear stroke skill training, compare the test results after training, and find a more effective strength training method to improve badminton high clear stroke skill. Materials and Methods: This study took 40 students (20 boys and 20 girls) out of 230 students (20 boys and 20 girls) in the 2022 special badminton class of Guangxi Medical University. This study introduces the test standard of badminton high clear stroke technology, focusing on the theory of badminton strength training. Through interviews with 5 experts, the high clear stroke technical test standards, physical fitness test standards, and training plans were determined (IOC test result is 0.925±0.1438). The training experiment lasted 8 weeks. Results: (1) Compared with traditional strength training, core strength training can improve students' physical fitness. (2) Core strength training has a more significant effect on improving badminton high clear stroke skills than traditional strength training. Conclusion: The core muscle strength exercise added to the badminton training program was created by the researcher and validated with 5 experts by IOC technique the IOC was 0.925±0.1438. The Program was confirmed by the execution of a group pretest and posttest experimental design The subject was 40 students who tested with a high clear stroke test, then took the score to rank the subjects descending and sampling with systematic method into 2 groups. The experiment operated for 8 weeks, 2 sessions a week, and 2 hours a session. Collect high clear stroke test and fitness test scores after the last class.

Preparation of carboxy sulfonic acid‐containing copolymer scale inhibitors and their scale inhibition effect on CaCO3

AbstractFree radical polymerization was selected to obtain a promising copolymer scale inhibitor IA‐AM‐SAS with good water solubility and temperature and salt resistance, which is suitable for the treatment of surface pipeline water in oil fields, using itaconic acid (IA), acrylamide (AM), and sodium acrylsulfonate (SAS) as the monomers. The structure of the synthesized copolymer was verified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance hydrogen spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric results showed that the copolymer does not undergo significant thermal degradation at temperatures below 356°C, indicating that the copolymer has good thermal stability. The molecular weights of the polymers at different monomer ratios were measured using gel permeation chromatography and the relationship between the molecular weights and scale inhibition performance was discussed. The results showed that the scale inhibition effect was best when the monomer molar ratio n(IA): n(AM): n(SAS) was 0.5:2:1.5 and the number of average molecular weight of the prepared copolymer was 7712 g/mol, and the inhibition efficiency of CaCO3 was 84.02% when IA‐AM‐SAS was at a concentration of 30 mg L−1, and the inhibition rate was measured by the standard of static scale inhibition test in the oilfield measured. The range of conditions (PH, Ca2+ concentration, water temperature, and time) of the static scale inhibition test was then expanded using a one‐way controlled variable experiment to explore the performance of IA‐AM‐SAS scale inhibitors under different water quality conditions. The scale inhibition mechanism was explored by scanning electron microscopy, x‐ray diffraction, and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Briefly, the combination of multiple functional groups enables IA‐AM‐SAS to be applied in complex and challenging environments.

Control technologies to prevent aerosol-based disease transmission in animal agriculture production settings: a review of established and emerging approaches.

Transmission of infectious agents via aerosols is an ever-present concern in animal agriculture production settings, as the aerosol route to disease transmission can lead to difficult-to-control and costly diseases, such as porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus and influenza A virus. It is increasingly necessary to implement control technologies to mitigate aerosol-based disease transmission. Here, we review currently utilized and prospective future aerosol control technologies to collect and potentially inactivate pathogens in aerosols, with an emphasis on technologies that can be incorporated into mechanically driven (forced air) ventilation systems to prevent aerosol-based disease spread from facility to facility. Broadly, we find that control technologies can be grouped into three categories: (1) currently implemented technologies; (2) scaled technologies used in industrial and medical settings; and (3) emerging technologies. Category (1) solely consists of fibrous filter media, which have been demonstrated to reduce the spread of PRRSV between swine production facilities. We review the mechanisms by which filters function and are rated (minimum efficiency reporting values). Category (2) consists of electrostatic precipitators (ESPs), used industrially to collect aerosol particles in higher flow rate systems, and ultraviolet C (UV-C) systems, used in medical settings to inactivate pathogens. Finally, category (3) consists of a variety of technologies, including ionization-based systems, microwaves, and those generating reactive oxygen species, often with the goal of pathogen inactivation in aerosols. As such technologies are typically first tested through varied means at the laboratory scale, we additionally review control technology testing techniques at various stages of development, from laboratory studies to field demonstration, and in doing so, suggest uniform testing and report standards are needed. Testing standards should consider the cost-benefit of implementing the technologies applicable to the livestock species of interest. Finally, we examine economic models for implementing aerosol control technologies, defining the collected infectious particles per unit energy demand.

Analysis of Internal Boiler Water Treatment Maintenance System on Boiler Operation in KM. Bukit Raya

Boilers are auxiliary machines on ships that are usually used to produce pressurised steam that is needed on ships, namely for heating fuel, lubricating oil, and heating water for accommodation and machinery. In the operation of boilers on ships, it is determined by the quality of water to produce good boiler performance. The purpose of this research is to analyse the boiler water treatment system to determine the quality of ship boiler water using water quality testing standards based on the American Society Mechanical Engineer (ASME). Standard parameters set by ASME are pH and conductivity measurements, Alkalinity measurements, Hardness measurements, Silica and iron measurements in ship boiler water KM. Bukit Raya. From the results of the analysis of boiler water taken from sampling feed water boilers on ships KM. Bukit Raya shows the results of the analysis of boiler water on pH with the measured pH value still in the standard set by ASME, namely 10.5-11.5, boiler water analysis of hydrate alkalinity in samples 1,2,4 is still within ASME standards 200 - 400 ppm while the measurement of hydrate alkalinity exceeds the standard set by ASME of 420 ppm, excessive hydrate alkalinity will cause scale formation, boiler water to calcium obtained for samples 1-3 still meet ASME standards, namely trace, analysis of boiler water to Magnesium obtained for samples 1-3 still meet ASME standards, namely trace, analysis of boiler water to silica obtained silica measurements are still within the standards set by ASME 150 max