Technical Investigation Research Articles

Headaches in the emergency department \u2013a survey of patients\u2019 characteristics, facts and needs

Background and aimHeadache is very often the cause for seeking an emergency department (ED). However, less is known about the different diagnosis of headache disorders in the ED, their management and treatment. The aim of this survey is to analyse the management of headache patients in two different ED in Europe.MethodsThis retrospective survey was performed from September 2018 until January 2019. Patients were collected from the San Luca Hospital, Milan, Italy and the Ordensklinikum Barmherzige Schwestern, Linz, Austria. Only patients with a non-traumatic headache, as the primary reason for medical clarification, were included. Patients were analysed for their complexity and range of examination, their diagnoses, acute treatment and overall efficacy rate.ResultsThe survey consists of 415 patients, with a mean age of 43.32 (SD ±17.72); 65% were female. Technical investigation was performed in 57.8% of patients. For acute treatment non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were the most used, whereas triptans were not given. A primary headache disorder was diagnosed in 45.3% of patients, being migraine the most common, but in 32% of cases the diagnosis was not further specified. Life-threatening secondary headaches accounted for less than 2% of cases.ConclusionsThe vast majority of patients attending an ED because of headache are suffering from a primary headache disorder. Life-threatening secondary headaches are rare but seek attention. NSAIDs are by far the most common drugs for treating headaches in the ED, but not triptans.

Emissions from Combustion of Second-Generation Biodiesel Produced from Seeds of Date Palm Fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.)

Transportation is a vital necessity without which the entire world would come to a standstill. The fossil fuels used to power transportation are consumed at rates of approximately 100,000 times their rate of natural formation, and their consumption subjects the human environment and ecosystem to significant damage. As substitutes for fossil-based diesel, second-generation biodiesels can eliminate many of the challenges concerning first-generation biodiesels in terms of their high cost and the food versus fuel debate. The seeds of the date palm tree have significant oil content and are a promising prospective energy source. This study investigated the potential environmental benefits of this biofuel in terms of diesel tailpipe emission reduction. The various blends of palm date biodiesel were produced and matched to fuel standard requirements, resulting in four standard-compatible blends that were tested in a diesel engine at varying operating conditions for speed and load. Although the biodiesel emissions had lower concentrations of CO2, CO, and HC relative to fossil diesel, higher concentrations of NOx were detected. The results suggest that date-seed biodiesel could become a sustainable energy source for the transport sector, although further technical and economic investigations will be required before its wide deployment.

High-Throughput Anion Exchange Membrane Characterization at NREL

Alkaline fuel cells (AFCs) are of high interest because they utilize lower cost catalyst and separator materials relative to polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. AFCs require anion exchange membranes (AEMs) that have high alkaline chemical stability, high hydroxide ion conductivity, and adequate thermal/mechanical properties. While numerous AEMs have been developed as solid-state electrolytes for AFCs, there is still disagreement in literature on standard membrane testing procedures and optimal membrane chemistry to ensure peak long-term AFC performance. Currently, NREL is developing tools and protocols to allow for high throughput, parallel characterization of AEM materials. More specifically, NREL has received membranes from more than 10 partners and has tested more than 50 membranes using these approaches. This is allowing us to gain valuable insight into different backbone and cation strategies. In many cases these ex-situ results can be compared to fuel cell performance and durability. Technical investigations include conductivity, ion exchange capacity, mechanical performance, chemical stability, thermal properties, water uptake, swelling, and fuel cell performance. Structure-property relationships that are determined to improve membrane performance and durability will be discussed, lending insight into optimal backbone and cation strategies to employ in development of AEMs. Figure 1

Geochemical and technical investigation of some clay materials in the Bahariya Oasis, Western Desert, Egypt: Implication in the vitrified clay pipes industry

The present study aims to investigate the availability of using clay materials of the, upper Cenomanian El Heiz, Turonian-Santonian Naqb El-Sillim and Oligocene Radwan Formations in the Bahariya Oasis for the first time to use in the ceramic industry, especially vitrified clay pipes for sewers and drainage. Many technological methods were used to evaluate these raw materials, including mineralogical and geochemical data involving major and trace elements. Thermal analysis was also performed to study the properties of raw materials. Analyses on some physical and chemical properties was also done to evaluate clay properties, as shrinkage, water absorption, bulk density, apparent porosity and chemical resistance. Based on the results of chemical and mechanical properties, the Radwan Formation yielded the best results with respect to pipe manufacturing. It also had the best results for plasticity. This analysis enables to evaluate the percentage of water needed for its Formation and has a profound effect in reducing the energy needed for the drying process.

The relationship of the acromion to the distal clavicle in normal and symptomatic degenerated acromioclavicular joints.

Although degenerative osteoarthritis of the acromioclavicular joint is a common finding on technical investigations, not every patient experiences pain or function loss. The difference between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients is currently not elucidated. Therefore, we want to investigate the acromioclavicular relationship in normal, asymptomatic, and symptomatic degenerated ACJ. 84 normal ACJ, 39 asymptomatic degenerated ACJ, and 30 symptomatic degenerated ACJ were 3D reconstructed. The morphological dimensions and the relationship of the acromion and distal clavicle were measured using computational software. The reproducibility of this technique was evaluated using inter- and intra-observer reliability. The mean anteroposterior and superoinferior distance of both the clavicle and acromion was significantly larger in asymptomatic and symptomatic degenerative ACJ compared to the normal ACJ (p < 0.001). In symptomatic osteoarthritic ACJ, both the anterior and posterior borders of the acromion were significantly more anterior to the borders of the clavicle than in the normal group and asymptomatic group (p < 0.001). Subsequent ROC curve analysis resulted in a sensitivity of 86.7% and a specificity of 88.6% for anterior subluxation of the ACJ. This technique showed an excellent inter- and intra-observer reliability. In patients with degenerative ACJ, both the distal clavicle and acromion are enlarged. In asymptomatic patients, the AC relationship is the same as in normal patients, in contrast, in patients with symptomatic degenerative ACJ, the acromion is subluxated anteriorly compared to the clavicle.

Analytical characterization of 5,5\u2032-dibromoindigo and its first discovery in a museum textile

The exploitation of natural sources and later synthetic molecules to generate blue to purple coloration in textiles has a long history in the dyer’s craft. Natural indigoids such as indigo, woad, and Tyrian or shellfish purple served this purpose for millennia, but in the late 1800s synthetic analogs, in particular indigotin, quickly replaced natural sources. Halogenated versions of the dye were also created, and some like 5,5′-dibromoindigo were brought to market. Interestingly, these have not been significantly discussed in the literature, nor have they been found in forensic or technical art history investigations of textiles until now. This paper reports the first identification in a museum context of this unusual synthetic brominated analog of indigo, discovered on three twentieth century Japanese yukata. Analytical data collected on reference materials using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, UV–visible spectroscopy, Raman microspectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy are provided to assist with future identifications of this relatively unknown colorant. Density functional theory applied to 5,5′-dibromoindigo was used to confirm the experimental Raman spectrum.

RPAS Forensic Validation Analysis Towards a Technical Investigation Process: A Case Study of Yuneec Typhoon H

The rapid pace of invention in technology and the evolution of network communication has produced a new lifestyle with variety of opportunities and challenges. Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS) technology, which includes drones, is one example of a recently invented technology that requires the collection of a solid body of defensible and admissible evidence to help eliminate potential real-world threats posed by their use. With the advent of smartphones, there has been an increase in digital forensic investigation processes developed to assist specialized digital forensic investigators in presenting forensically sound evidence in the courts of law. Therefore, it is necessary to apply digital forensic techniques and procedures to different types of RPASs in order to create a line of defense against new challenges, such as aerial-related incidents, introduced by the use of these technologies. Drone operations by bad actors are rapidly increasing and these actors are constantly developing new approaches. These criminal operations include invasion of privacy, drug smuggling, and terrorist activities. Additionally, drone crashes and incidents raise significant concerns. In this paper, we propose a technical forensic process consisting of ten technical phases for the analysis of RPAS forensic artifacts, which can reduce the complexity of the identification and investigation of drones. Using the proposed technical process, we analyze drone images using the Computer Forensics Reference Datasets (CFReDS) and present results for the Typhoon H aerial vehicle manufactured by Yuneec, Inc. Furthermore, this paper explores the availability and value of digital evidence that would allow a more practical digital investigation to be able to build an evidence-based experience. Therefore, we particularly focus on developing a technical drone investigation process that can be applied to various types of drones.

PENYIDIKAN TINDAK PIDANA KORUPSI DAN KERUGIAN KEUANGAN NEGARA DALAM OPTIK HUKUM PIDANA

Abstract This research emphasizes Corruption is a criminal act that is of a specific nature both in the context of actions and the party handling the investigation of the crime. This study aims to provide information on the first, How to investigate corruption in the criminal law optics; Second, how to investigate state financial losses in optical criminal law his research was conducted with normative research with primary and secondary data analyzed qualitatively. The results of the study indicate that legal investigations in eradicating criminal acts of corruption and state financial losses remain the authority of police investigators, as well as prosecutors and prosecutors, with technical investigation and prosecution procedures as stipulated in the formal criminal law of the Criminal Procedure Code and Law 31/1999 jo. Law 20/2001. While law enforcement in eradicating corruption that is the authority of the Corruption Eradication Commission is an exception to the authority of police investigators. Keywords: Investigation, Corruption, Criminal law

High-Throughput Anion Exchange Membrane Characterization at NREL

Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) are of high interest because they utilize lower cost catalyst and separator materials relative to proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). AEMFCs require anion exchange membranes (AEMs) that have high alkaline chemical stability, high hydroxide ion conductivity, and adequate thermal/mechanical properties. NREL has developed protocols to allow for high throughput, parallel characterization of AEM materials. More specifically, NREL has received membranes from more than 10 partners and has tested more than 50 membranes using these approaches. In many cases these ex-situ results can be compared to fuel cell performance and durability. Technical investigations include conductivity, ion exchange capacity, mechanical performance, chemical stability, thermal properties, water uptake, and swelling. Structure-property relationships that affect membrane performance and durability will be discussed, lending insight into optimal backbone and cation strategies to employ in development of AEMs.

A technical investigation of the shanghai composite index

A technical investigation of the shanghai composite index

Authentic - False. Correlation between Graphics and Physico-Chemical Painting Techniques Expertise in Artwork Analysis

Art is a specific human activity that aims at producing aesthetic values and using specific means of expression. Moreover, arts are distinguished by the material used (painting - color, sculpture – stone or wood, literature – words, music – sound or note), but they share the artistic image underlying the act of creation. Authentic - False in artworks should not only focus on the substrate, the paints, the background, the lacquer, but also on the technique used to verify that it corresponds to that of the painter. The resolution of these problems cannot be conceived without the use of laboratory techniques that reflect a predominant place in the observations of the person skilled in the art. Therefore, the identification of technical investigations should be carried out systematically for each expertise. These expertises can be simple, convenient and efficient. In this paper is presented an overview of trace evidence and chemical painting techniques used in artwork and the applicability of chromatography, spectroscopy, X-ray radiography, neutron autoradiography and conoscopic holography as a tool for investigations of the material composition of the paintings. X-ray radiography and neutron autoradiography, for example, are nondestructive techniques which enable determination the structure of the components and also the material composition. The applications of these techniques answer the questions when, where, or by whom such a painting was made.

Lightweight and Durable PVDF-SSPF Composites for Photovoltaics Backsheet Applications: Thermal, Optical and Technical Properties.

Photovoltaic module backsheets are characterized according to their thermal, optical, mechanical, and technical properties. This work introduces new fabricated backsheets for PV modules using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) reinforced with short sugar palm fiber (SSPF) composites. The preparation of composites undergoes multiple phases of fabrication. Thermal, optical, and technical investigations of their properties were conducted. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, in-situ scanning probe microscopy (SPM), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermal mechanical analysis (TMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and prolonged technical testing were accomplished to expansively understand the complex behavior of composites under various conditions. The optical properties of PV backsheets are critical components in determining the reflectance, absorbance, and transmittance of light. The PVDF–SSPF composites exhibited exceptional compatibility and thermal stability, further revealing a homogenous composite structure with enhanced interfacial bonding between the short fiber and polymer matrix.

An in-depth technical and medical investigation of facial injuries caused by car accidents

BackgroundMany studies have investigated the issue of facial injuries caused by car accidents, but only a few have addressed the technical and clinical aspects of such accidents and injuries in depth. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors and protective elements for facial injuries in car accidents. MethodsWe analysed the technical and clinical data of patients with facial injuries caused by car accidents over a 16-year period (2000–2016) and investigated the following factors: sitting position, sex, age, accident time, use of a seatbelt, deployment of the front airbag, direction of impact, speed at the time of collision, and occurrence and location of facial injuries. ResultsOf the 1291 patients involved in car accidents who were included in our study, 291 (22.5%) had suffered facial injuries. We found a significant association between occurrence of facial injuries and sex, speed at the time of collision, impact from the back, seatbelt usage, and deployment of the front airbag. In accidents occurring at speeds over 40 km/h, automobile security measures had no significant influence on the occurrence of facial injuries in drivers and front-seat passengers. In accidents occurring at speeds between 0 and 20 km/h, seatbelt usage (without airbag deployment) solely showed a significant protective influence against the occurrence of facial injuries (odd ratio [OR], 0.130; confidence interval [CI], 0.038–0.451). In contrast, patients who were in accidents at speeds between 21 and 40 km/h suffered significantly fewer facial injuries when wearing a seatbelt with the front airbag being deployed (OR, 0.245; CI, 0.091–0.665) or undeployed (OR, 0.216; CI, 0.084–0.561). ConclusionMale sex and a high speed at the time of collision are significant risk factors for the occurrence of facial injuries. The security measurements evaluated in this study only exerted a protective influence at low speeds (below 40 km/h). This indicates a possible weakness of these security systems with regard to preventing facial injuries. Engineers could benefit from these findings and improve the efficiency of existing security measures and eventually help decrease the incidence of facial injuries.

Lifesaving rockets in Sweden. A century of operation

The industrialization in the early 19th century gave rise to a major growth in sea-way transportations in European waters. A direct result of this was a rapid increase in sea disasters, in particular in coastal areas. The United Kingdom was the first nation to implement rescue services around its coasts, and several optional systems, in addition to traditional rescue boats, like rockets, mortars and cannons were tested. By the mid 1840's the “rocket apparatus” was implemented as a standard at many British rescue stations. The first rocket type used was the Dennett-rocket, which was of a design similar to the Congreve rockets. Rocket systems were later also designed in several other European countries with need of effective sea rescue systems.1855 the first rescue station in Sweden was taken into service equipped with a rescue boat and a rocket apparatus of Dennett fabrication. During the following century some 40 rescue stations around the Swedish coast were equipped with rocket apparatus. Over the years to come a number of different new rocket systems were tested and some implemented. Some of the Swedish rescue stations have been preserved and are today museums and it turns out that in total some 40 rockets of different types and ages have been preserved at these museum stations. The official records of all activities conducted over a century have also been saved.The today existing rockets have undergone a detailed technical investigation as for the design, performance and operation. Steps of improvements and potential influence of the general advancements of the solid rocket technology over more than a century, from the Congreve type rockets to the rockets in service at the mid of last century, have been analysed. Basically any improvements were made in small steps to advance the handling of a simple but reliable system and less to implement latest advancements in rocket technology. Like the latest rockets preserved, manufactured in 1950 and 1952, the major bulk of rockets used until the mid 20's century were of a Congreve-similar design with the stick guidance concept. The simplicity and conservative evolution to improve the range is also reflected in the use of a “compound”-type of staging for two- and three-stage rockets.

OBJECT, SUBJECT AND TASKS OF JUDICIAL ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL EXAMINATION OF ACCIDENTS RELATED TO ELECTRIC INJURY

Ensuring the high quality, completeness and correctness of the expert's conclusions based on the results of the investigation of accidents involving electrical intrusion, in the diversity of the actual circumstances of the occurrence of the event, in the huge range of electrical appliances and a large number of technical regulations in their application is impossible without a clear definition and understanding by the expert of the fundamental Fundamentals of expert science, which primarily concern the object, subject and task of examination.&#x0D; The need for their detailed consideration is conditioned by the complex nature of the knowledge used in this area: in the field of electrical engineering and in the field of labor protection and safety of life.&#x0D; The analysis of the scientific literature and the developments of scientists in this field is associated with insufficient development of issues of a clear and comprehensive definition of the terms “subject” and “object” of judicial complex expert examinations, in particular, examination of cases of electrical injuries. The author summarizes the various results of theoretical research and, taking into account expert practice, conducting an examination, offers to determine the subject and object of forensic engineering examination related to electrical injury.&#x0D; Considering the typical tasks of a forensic examination, attention is drawn to the growing tendency of setting a specific task regarding the prediction of the occurrence of a certain negative event to resolve. The necessity is grounded and it is proposed to supplement the classification of expert tasks in the engineering and technical investigations of cases of electrical intrusion with a new kind - prognostic problems.

Investigations on density and surface roughness characteristics during selective laser sintering of Invar-36 alloy

Invar-36 is used in several applications ranging from aerospace parts to LNG tanks owing to its inherent properties such as low thermal expansion. However, in practice, most of the Invar-36 components are machined from bulky wrought workpieces, rendering it an expensive material. In this case, additive manufacturing of this alloy to a near-net shape would be very useful in promoting its usage. On the contrary, very limited literature is available that reports on the 3D printability of this alloy. Therefore, the main objective of this research was to comprehend the influence of various selective laser sintering (SLS) process parameters on density and surface roughness of the printed Invar-36 coupons followed by statistical analysis and optimization study. For this, a linear relationship has been made between the density/surface roughness and the energy density during the process. Further, the S/N ratio plots have been implemented for technical investigations of density and surface roughness i..e., from top and side face values. Finally, the optimization has been performed by using nature inspired algorithms i.e., Moth Flame Optimization and Dragonfly Algorithm Optimization. The overall results depicts that the least dense coupon consisted of partially bonded particles exhibiting first kind of balling phenomenon whereas the most dense coupon largely contained voids/pores, characteristic of the printing process.

Aventurine Lacquer on a Baroque Furniture Ensemble from Kassel, Germany

ABSTRACTAn exceptional piece of furniture from about 1700 is housed in the historic collection of the Landgraves of Hessia in the Museumslandschaft Hessen Kassel. This furniture is made of four parts: a gilded base, a cabinet with a gallery, an obelisk-shaped cabinet and a clock with a Minerva statuette on top. It is more than two metres high and is decorated with a variety of Asian and European motifs executed in different decorative techniques. Apart from tortoiseshell imitation lacquer there are also three different aventurine lacquer techniques. Red aventurine lacquer, green aventurine lacquer imitation with a pane of glass, and a brass- as well as a copper-coloured aventurine lacquer were used. The results of the technical investigation are presented.

Monitoring of explosive residues in lake-bottom water using Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Sampler (POCIS) and chemcatcher: determination of transfer kinetics through Polyethersulfone (PES) membrane is crucial

Between 1920 and 1967, approximatively 8200 tons of ammunition waste were dumped into some Swiss lakes. This study is part of the extensive historical and technical investigations performed since 1995 by Swiss authorities to provide a risk assessment. It aims to assess whether explosive monitoring by passive sampling is feasible in lake-bottom waters. Polar organic chemical integrative sampler (POCIS) and Chemcatcher were first calibrated in a channel system supplied with continuously refreshed lake water spiked with two nitroamines (HMX and RDX), one nitrate ester (PETN), and six nitroaromatics (including TNT). Exposure parameters were kept as close as possible to the ones expected at the bottom of two affected lakes. Sixteen POCIS and Chemcatcher were simultaneously deployed in the channel system and removed in duplicates at 8 different intervals over 21 days. Sorbents and polyethersulfone (PES) membranes were separately extracted and analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS. When possible, a three-compartment model was used to describe the uptake of compounds from water, over the PES membrane into the sorbent. Uptake of target compounds by sorbents was shown not to approach equilibrium during 21 days. However, nitroaromatics strongly accumulated in PES, thus delaying the transfer of these compounds to sorbents (lag-phase up to 9 days). Whereas sampling rate (RS) of nitroamines were in the range of 0.06–0.14 L day−1, RS of nitroaromatics were up to 10 times lower. As nitroaromatic accumulation in PES was integrative over 21 days, PES was used as receiving phase for these compounds. The samplers were then deployed at lake bottoms. To ensure that exposure conditions were similar between calibration and field experiments, low-density polyethylene strips spiked with performance reference compounds were co-deployed in both experiments and dissipation data were compared. Integrative concentrations of explosives measured in the lakes confirmed results obtained by previous studies based on grab sampling.

Investigation of the distortion factor for Bussgang noise cancellation iterative receivers

SummaryOrthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing (OFDM) is considered an efficient modulation approach in the field of wireless systems. However, the significant high peak to average power ratios (PAPR) are one of the prominant shortcomings of the OFDM systems leading to severe signal distortions and acute power inefficiency. Iterative receivers, which use Bussgang algorithm approach along with clipping at the transmitter, have been presented in the literature. This methodology is majorly receiver based in order to compensate the effects of the clipping noise that was added at the transmitter. These receivers are used to analyse the distortions of clipping noise directly subtracting from the signals that are received in order to get the original signal. We demonstrate in this study a detailed and technical investigation of the Bussgang noise cancellation (BNC) receiver along with some significant results. Simulation results are presented to show that the BNC iterative receiver does not estimate the accurate clipping noise, and the performance may be improved if at the receiver end, it is somehow capable to analyze the precise clipping noise for each OFDM signal.

Technical and economic investigation of chemical scrubber and bio-filtration in removal of H2S and NH3 from wastewater treatment plant

A detailed techno-economic comparison of a chemical scrubber (CS) and a bio-filter (BF) was conducted over a 45-day time period at a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), Yazd city. The assessment of emissions quantity indicated that odor emissions from the Yazd WWPT mainly consist of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and ammonia (NH3). It was also found that odor gaseous loading changes corresponding to water consumption pattern in society (R2 = 0.922) for H2S and (R2 = 0.978) for NH3. The highest level of 25 and 3 ppm for H2S and NH3, respectively were detected at specific times during the day. The BF system was continuously supplied with Yazd WWPT's off-gas treatment while the CS was only examined at the times during the day when the gas emissions are at the highest level. The removal efficiency of NH3 and H2S were found to be affected by their respective loading rate. Additionally, among the various oxidants examined in the CS, the NaOCl solution showed the best results in terms of removal efficiency and compatibility. The experiment revealed almost complete removal of NH3 while the H2S removal efficiency remained above 95% for both systems regardless of the operating conditions. This study clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of both systems in treating actual waste gases containing H2S and NH3. By comparing the gas loading rate of both systems and considering limitations of the BF system, the CS seems to be more efficient applicable odor control technology from a technical viewpoint. From the economic viewpoint, comparisons revealed that chemical usage and operating expenses were costly parts of the CS and the BF, respectively. The economic indexes of 1.58 €.m−3. h−1 and 2.57 €.m−3. h−1 were obtained for the BF and CS, respectively, reflecting cost-effectiveness of the BF system.