Test Execution Research Articles

Balance telerehabilitation and wearable technology for people with Parkinson’s disease (TelePD trial)

BackgroundBalance impairments, that lead to falls, are one of the main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Telerehabilitation is becoming more common for people with PD; however, balance is particularly challenging to assess and treat virtually. The feasibility and efficacy of virtual assessment and virtual treatment of balance in people with PD are unknown. The present study protocol has three aims: I) to determine if a virtual balance and gait assessment (instrumented L-shape mobility test) with wearable sensors can predict a gold-standard, in-person clinical assessment of balance, the Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest); II) to explore the effects of 12 sessions of balance telerehabilitation and unsupervised home exercises on balance, gait, executive function, and clinical scales; and III) to explore if improvements after balance telerehabilitation transfer to daily-life mobility, as measured by instrumented socks with inertial sensors worn for 7 days.MethodsThe TelePD Trial is a prospective, single-center, parallel-group, single-blind, pilot, randomized, controlled trial. This trial will enroll 80 eligible people with PD. Participants will be randomized at a 1:1 ratio into receiving home-based balance exercises in either: 1) balance telerehabilitation (experimental group, n = 40) or 2) unsupervised exercises (control group, n = 40). Both groups will perform 12 sessions of exercise at home that are 60 min long. The primary outcome will be Mini-BESTest. The secondary outcomes will be upper and lower body gait metrics from a prescribed task (instrumented L-shape mobility test); daily-life mobility measures over 7 days with wearable sensors in socks, instrumented executive function tests, and clinical scales. Baseline testing and 7 days of daily-life mobility measurement will occur before and after the intervention period.ConclusionThe TelePD Trial will be the first to explore the usefulness of using wearable sensor-based measures of balance and gait remotely to assess balance, the feasibility and efficacy of balance telerehabilitation in people with PD, and the translation of balance improvements after telerehabilitation to daily-life mobility. These results will help to develop a more effective home-based balance telerehabilitation and virtual assessment that can be used remotely in people with balance impairments.Trial registrationThis trial was prospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05680597).

B - 65 Assessing Methods of Executive Ability from Trail Making Test Part B in Mexican-Americans.

We investigated three different measures of executive ability derived from the Trail Making Test part B (TMT-B) in Mexican-American adults. Forty-seven Mexican-Americans were administered both TMT part A (TMT-A) and TMT-B, and total time for completion was recorded. Additionally, participants completed The Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans. Participants were divided into two groups: low-acculturation group (n = 19) and high-acculturation group (n = 28). Independent Sample T-tests were used to examine differences in executive abilities between our acculturation groups. Executive measures included the TMT-B raw score (i.e., seconds to complete TMT-B), the raw score difference (in seconds) between TMT-A and TMT-B (TMT-BA), and the difference between a predicted TMT-B score (TMT-BP) and the obtained TMT-B score (TMT-BBP). Correlations between TMT-B, TMT-BA, and TMT-BBP and other executive functioning tests (i.e., letter fluency, animal naming, & Comalli Stroop Test part C) were evaluated. Results revealed the high-acculturation group outperformed the low-acculturation group on all measures of executive ability derived from TMT-B, p's < 0.05. Furthermore, the high-acculturation group TMT-BA significantly correlated with Comalli Stroop Test part C, r = 0.44, p = 0.021. Finally, no significant correlations between the different measures of executive ability from TMT-B and other executive functioning tests were found in the low-acculturation group. We found the high-acculturation group demonstrated better executive functioning abilities on all three TMT executive ability variables compared to the low-acculturation group. In our high-acculturation sample, TMT-BA executive ability variable correlated with at least one executive functioning measure, which suggests that TMT-BA can be a likely better measure of executive ability than TMT-B or TMT-BBP.

The Influence of Bottom Ash Column in the Geotechnical Properties Enhancement of Soft Clay Soil

The utilization of bottom ash in ground improvement studies can cut down the quantity of generated waste which is in response to environmental conservation and enhancing the soil properties. The bottom ash which plays the role of replacing the coarse aggregate like sand and gravel in upgrading the behaviour of soft clay soil can fulfill the sustainability concept in construction. For construction purposes, the soil and ground improvement activities are necessary to carry out by using the relevant techniques, including the vibro-replacement method. This method was applied which suits the limitation of this study as it was executed in the laboratory for the preparation of the bottom ash column. The properties examination of kaolin clay and bottom ash were first studied through its particle size, specific gravity, liquid and plastic limit, and compaction. The following procedure was about the column preparation process, where the column diameter was set to be constant at 20 mm throughout the study. The execution of the Unconfined Compression Test (UCT) on the Bottom Ash Column has shown its impact on the undrained shear strength upgrade and it was focused on the height of the bottom ash column built beneath the kaolin clay at 60mm, 80mm, and 100 mm. As observed from the trend, the height of the bottom ash column shows a direct proportional relationship by the undrained shear strength, ranging from 11.64% - 14.26% by using the control sample (with no bottom ash reinforcement) as reference. Conclusively, the use of bottom ash subsides the disposal waste and in no time provides support to the shear strength of soft clay soil which is sustainable and applicable.

Analisis Keamanan Sistem Informasi Website SMA Negeri 1 Sokaraja Menggunakan Metode Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES)

Technological developments in the world continue to advance along with current developments. It is also in line with the development of the internet today, where users are increasingly increasing. That way, it will be very vulnerable to hacker attacks. An attack that is often used by hackers to break into a database using SQL Injection techniques. SQL Injection is a hacking technique used to enter or infiltrate a website's database system, which aims to find out the contents of the database and the information contained on the site. In this research, researchers used the Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES) method to analyze vulnerabilities and also penetrate the SMA Negeri 1 Sokaraja website. The Penetraton Testing Execution Standard (PTES) method has 7 stages. The results of the security analysis of the SMA Negeri 1 Sokaraja website, found 11 vulnerabilities which were successfully scanned using the OWASP ZAP tool. Of the 11 vulnerabilities that were successfully scanned, there was 1 vulnerability that had the highest risk. This vulnerability is found in SQL Injection attacks. In this study, researchers managed to enter the MySQL database system of the SMA Negeri 1 Sokaraja website using the SQL Injection attack technique. In the SMA Negeri 1 Sokaraja website database, researchers managed to find important data such as the SMA Negeri 1 Sokaraja website admin username and password.

Data-driven and physics-based reliability tests to failure of a power electronics converter

This paper presents an overview on design and execution of reliability tests for a power converter, with an outlook on in-field health management. The topics include physics-based and data-driven accelerated tests to failure, each adapted for the constituent elements of a converter: power semiconductor modules, DC link capacitors, and control electronics. The methods describe the outline of how the different role and nature of the components require a tailored reliability investigation approach to be most cost-effective for increasing system reliability. Testing examples for electronics are given in this article, as they are often neglected in the reliability discussion of power converters.

Automated and Efficient Test-Generation for Grid-Based Multiagent Systems

Automatic generation of random test inputs is an approach that can alleviate the challenges of manual test case design. However, random test cases may be ineffective in fault detection and increase testing cost, especially in systems where test execution is resource- and time-consuming. To remedy this, the domain knowledge of test engineers can be exploited to select potentially effective test cases. To this end, test selection constraints suggested by domain experts can be utilized either for filtering randomly generated test inputs or for direct generation of inputs using constraint solvers. In this paper, we propose a domain specific language (DSL) for formalizing locality-based test selection constraints of autonomous agents and discuss the impact of test selection filters, specified in our DSL, on randomly generated test cases. We study and compare the performance of filtering and constraint solving approaches in generating selective test cases for different test scenario parameters and discuss the role of these parameters in test generation performance. Through our study, we provide criteria for suitability of the random data filtering approach versus the constraint solving one under the varying size and complexity of our testing problem. We formulate the corresponding research questions and answer them by designing and conducting experiments using QuickCheck for random test data generation with filtering and Z3 for constraint solving. Our observations and statistical analysis indicate that applying filters can significantly improve test efficiency of randomly generated test cases. Furthermore, we observe that test scenario parameters affect the performance of the filtering and constraint solving approaches differently. In particular, our results indicate that the two approaches have complementary strengths: random generation and filtering works best for large agent numbers and long paths, while its performance degrades in the larger grid sizes and more strict constraints. On the contrary, constraint solving has a robust performance for large grid sizes and strict constraints, while its performance degrades with more agents and long paths.

Comparative analysis of selected tools for test automation of web applications

The paper concerns a comparison of selected tools for conducting automated unit tests of web applications. It focuses on the testing of server and client parts. The aim of the paper is to answer the questions: which tools work best in creating automatic tests of server and client applications. In the context of the server part, unittest and pytest – libraries based on the Python language – are compared. The comparison of the client part tools is carried out in the context of testing applications programmed with the Angular framework and pairs Jasmine and Jest together. The research is based on the results of test execution times of the prepared test applications. Analogous tests were programmed with each tool and repeated several times to obtain reliable results. The research showed that among the tools for testing server applications, unittest is the more efficient, while in the case of tools for testing client applications, Jasmine shows higher performance.

A Methodology to Characterize Structurally the Bonding between Two Parts Made of FDM-3D Printed Dissimilar Materials

Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) is a common technique used when rapid prototyping is needed to perform a preliminary evaluation of the suitability of a part. For this purpose, several materials, as PLA, ABS, PET-G and others, are easily available in the market along with a wide range of commercial 3D printers at affordable prices. Prototypes manufactured under this technique are usually made of a single material and, for most of the applications, it is enough to fulfill the required specifications. However, the increasing demand for the manufacturing of parts made of more than one material suggests that prototyping via FDM using two dissimilar materials should be assessed to assure that such technique is still acceptable to perform a preliminary evaluation of a part. For this purpose, a methodology using a commercial FDM 3D printer is proposed to characterize the flexural and shear bonding behavior of two dissimilar materials. This methodology implements four steps: The selection of the applicable UNE standards as main reference, the design and manufacture of the test specimens based on these standards, the execution of the structural tests to characterize the behavior of those specimens and the analysis of the test data along with the conclusions. This methodology has been validated using ABS and PLA as base materials. The coherence and accuracy of the results obtained from this specific case substantiate that it is a valid methodology to evaluate the structural behavior of the bonding of two dissimilar materials, beyond PLA and ABS, using commercial and affordable off-the-shelf 3D printers.

Executive function is associated with balance and falls in older cancer survivors treated with chemotherapy: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionBalance decrements and increased fall risk in older cancer survivors have been attributed to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Cognition is also affected by chemotherapy and may be an additional contributing factor to poor balance through changes in executive functioning. We examined the association of executive function with balance and falls in older cancer survivors who had been treated with chemotherapy. Materials and MethodsFifty cancer survivors (aged 65.6 ± 11.5 years; 88% female) who were all treated with chemotherapy were included in this cross-sectional study at a tertiary medical center. Executive function was measured by Trails-B, Stroop, and rapid reaction accuracy, a measure emphasizing rapid inhibitory function. Balance was measured by five sit-to-stand time (5STS), repetitions of sit-to-stand in thirty seconds (STS30), and unipedal stance time (UST), which was the primary balance outcome measure. Self-reported falls in the past year were also recorded and was a secondary outcome. Bivariate analyses were conducted between executive function measures and balance variables. Multivariable models were constructed for UST and falls outcomes and included covariates of age and chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy status. ResultsPearson correlations demonstrated significant relationships between two executive function measures (rapid reaction accuracy, Trails-B) and all the balance measures assessed (UST, STS30, and 5STS). Rapid reaction accuracy correlations were stronger than Trails-B. The Stroop measure correlated solely with UST. In multivariable models, rapid reaction accuracy was associated with better UST (standardized regression coefficient: 64.1, p < 0.01), decreased any fall (odds ratio = 0.000901, p = 0.04), and decreased recurrent falls (odds ratio = 0.0000044, p = 0.01). The interaction of CIPN with the inhibitory measures in the prediction of balance was not significant. DiscussionMeasures of executive function were associated with balance, but among the executive function tests, rapid reaction accuracy had the strongest correlations to balance and was independently associated with falls. The findings suggest that executive function should be considered when assessing fall risk and developing interventions intended to reduce fall risk in older chemotherapy-treated cancer survivors.

A-306 Standardization of Automated Methodology for Qualitative Molecular Detection of HIV-1 in Dried Blood Spots (DBS)

Abstract Background Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the etiological agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) with more than 35 million people infected worldwide. Typically, after seroconversion, individuals enter a clinically stable and relatively asymptomatic phase that can last for years. Without antiretroviral treatment, individuals usually progress to AIDS, which is characterized by a decrease in CD4+ cells in the immune system, which increases the susceptibility to opportunistic infections and eventual death. Historically, HIV tests have relied on the antibody response that patients produce due to the virus infection. Although these antibodies are ineffective in combating the virus, they have been found in most chronically infected patients. In newborns, nucleic acid amplification tests can diagnose HIV infection during the first 18 months of a baby's life, while their blood still contains maternal antibodies and can result in a false-positive interpretation of serological tests. the availability of a diagnostic test capable of detecting HIV infection that offers flexibility, stability and ease of collection is of great importance. In this sense, the detection of HIV-1 in dried blood spots (DBS) represent a good strategy, with simple collection of sample and provides evidence of current infection using nucleic acid amplification technologies such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In this way, this work aimed to evaluate a qualitative test for detetion of HIV 1 in DBS. Methods Were selected 103 whole blood samples. The samples were tested from the qualitative HIV test (PCR In house) from the Pardini Group's Genetics sector. With the aid of a pipette, approximately 70 µl of blood from each sample were dispensed in duplicate, within the circle outlined on the DBS filter paper. DBS was previously identified with the sample data. The DBS with the sample was placed in a tray on a flat surface at room temperature (between 18 and 25°C) for at least 4 hours protected from direct light to dry. After drying, the pre-extraction of the sample was performed and later the samples were placed in the equipment on the cobas® 4800, using the COBAS HIV 1 kit (Roche diagnostics), (qualitative test) for extraction. After the extraction step was complete, the plate was transferred to the cobas z 480 analyzer for detection. All steps were performed according to the manufacturer's instructions. At the end of the tests, the results were compared between the in-house methodology and the cobas® HIV-1 qualitative test. Results The test cobas® HIV-1 qualitative test showed 100% agreement with the in-house methodology for 90/90 negative and 13/13 positive samples. When comparing the test matrix (whole blood or DBS), no significant differences were observed in relation to test sensitivity and specificity. In addition, test automation provided a substantial reduction in test execution time. Conclusion The availability of tests that use DBS as a matrix offer important advantages, especially for children and the elderly, due to greater stability, ease of sample collection and transport. The qualitative cobas® HIV-1 test in DBS has been shown to be a good choice for detecting HIV-1 in infected patients.

Detecting cognitive decline in high-functioning older adults: The relationship between subjective cognitive concerns, frequency of high neuropsychological test scores, and the frontoparietal control network.

Neuropsychologists have difficulty detecting cognitive decline in high-functioning older adults because greater neurological change must occur before cognitive performances are low enough to indicate decline or impairment. For high-functioning older adults, early neurological changes may correspond with subjective cognitive concerns and an absence of high scores. This study compared high-functioning older adults with and without subjective cognitive concerns, hypothesizing those with cognitive concerns would have fewer high scores on neuropsychological testing and lower frontoparietal network volume, thickness, and connectivity. Participants had high estimated premorbid functioning (e.g., estimated intelligence ≥75th percentile or college-educated) and were divided based on subjective cognitive concerns. Participants with cognitive concerns (n = 35; 74.0 ± 9.6 years old, 62.9% female, 94.3% White) and without cognitive concerns (n = 33; 71.2 ± 7.1 years old, 75.8% female, 100% White) completed a neuropsychological battery of memory and executive function tests and underwent structural and resting-state magnetic resonance imaging, calculating frontoparietal network volume, thickness, and connectivity. Participants with and without cognitive concerns had comparable numbers of low test scores (≤16th percentile), p = .103, d = .40. Participants with cognitive concerns had fewer high scores (≥75th percentile), p = .004, d = .71, and lower mean frontoparietal network volumes (left: p = .004, d = .74; right: p = .011, d = .66) and cortical thickness (left: p = .010, d = .66; right: p = .033, d = .54), but did not differ in network connectivity. Among high-functioning older adults, subjective cognitive decline may correspond with an absence of high scores on neuropsychological testing and underlying changes in the frontoparietal network that would not be detected by a traditional focus on low cognitive test scores.

Executive Function and Processing Speed in Children Living with Sickle Cell Anemia.

Executive function and processing speed difficulties are observed in children living with sickle cell anemia (SCA). The influence of processing speed on executive function is not well understood. We recruited 59 children living with SCA and 24 matched controls aged 8-18 years between 2010 and 2016 from clinics in the UK. Children completed tests in processing speed and cognitive flexibility, subdomains of executive function. MRI scans were conducted within one year of testing; oxygen saturation was obtained on the day of testing. Hemoglobin levels were obtained from medical records. Caregivers completed the executive function questionnaire. Hierarchical linear regressions found that hemoglobin, oxygen saturation, age, infarct status, and processing speed were not independent predictors for any model. However, for all cognitive flexibility tests, there was a significant interaction between infarct status and processing speed; children without silent cerebral infarction (SCI) with faster processing speed had better cognitive flexibility. Our findings indicate that, when interpreting executive function difficulties, it is important to account for the relationship between SCI status and processing speed. More research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms, but clinically, including executive function testing as part of clinic visits by embedding psychologists within the healthcare team would appear to be a critical step.

Extensive hydro-elastic floating bridge tests: Planning, design, implementation, and numerical comparison

Extensive hydrodynamic and hydro-elastic tests for a long floating bridge have been carried out in the ocean basin of SINTEF Ocean for the Bjørnafjord floating bridge project. The complexity of the floating bridge plus cable-stayed bridge, in addition to its 52.58 m model length, mark this test campaign a major undertaking in ocean basin model testing. The design, execution and analysis of the test program has been an iterative process over 5 years. The tests provide data for validation of numerical analysis, study of hydrodynamics phenomenon that cannot be well simulated by state-of-the-art engineering tools, and verification of the design under controlled environmental loads. Wave-current-structure interaction, hydrodynamic interaction between pontoons, and their impacts on hydro-elastic global responses of floating bridge (with cable stayed bridge) are the main scope of tests. Oscillation tests under different Keulegan–Carpenter (KC) numbers were also carried out for viscous drag coefficient of a pontoon in defined direction. Correlation of test results with numerical analysis is an important part of the work scope, which provides solid basis for a robust design with reduced risk. This article tries to provide an overview of the background, design, execution and correlation work of this extensive tests. Selected examples of correlation work are also provided in the article. The tests have validated the analysis method and software, provided important input to the next phase design, and enhanced the structural reliability of the bridge concept in continuous evolution.

Deep Belief Network-Based User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) for Web Applications

Machine learning (ML) is currently a crucial tool in the field of cyber security. Through the identification of patterns, the mapping of cybercrime in real time, and the execution of in-depth penetration tests, ML is able to counter cyber threats and strengthen security infrastructure. Security in any organization depends on monitoring and analyzing user actions and behaviors. Due to the fact that it frequently avoids security precautions and does not trigger any alerts or flags, it is much more challenging to detect than traditional malicious network activity. ML is an important and rapidly developing anomaly detection field in order to protect user security and privacy, a wide range of applications, including various social media platforms, have incorporated cutting-edge techniques to detect anomalies. A social network is a platform where various social groups can interact, express themselves, and share pertinent content. By spreading propaganda, unwelcome messages, false information, fake news, and rumours, as well as by posting harmful links, this social network also encourages deviant behavior. In this research, we introduce Deep Belief Network (DBN) with Triple DES, a hybrid approach to anomaly detection in unbalanced classification. The results show that the DBN-TDES model can typically detect anomalous user behaviors that other models in anomaly detection cannot.

Equivalence and non‐inferiority tests using replicated discrimination and preference data

AbstractUsing replications in discrimination tests is becoming more common in times of strict budgetary and time constraints. For the proof of differences, it is well‐known that the standard binomial test can be used. However, it is no longer applicable if the objective is to show equivalence or non‐inferiority, as potential differences among assessors (assessor heterogeneity/overdispersion) might invalidate the binomial test. We reapply ideas described earlier for the development of a confidence interval to derive a direct asymptotic test for equivalence or non‐inferiority using replicated discrimination and preference data, both for the cases of equal and unequal numbers of replications among assessors. The suggested test is largely model‐free, that is, does not require any assumptions that cannot be easily warranted by the test design and execution. At the same time, implementation is surprisingly easy by using the R code provided or any simple spreadsheet editor, or even manually.Practical ApplicationsShowing equivalence in perception between stimuli becomes increasingly important in applications, for example, in cost‐savings or product‐matching. The suggested approach is statistically valid without potentially doubtful model assumptions, yet at the same time simple and easy to use. Tables with critical values and R code for the evaluations further ease adoption, as illustrated by three small examples. The power assessments indicate that the loss in power is only moderate as long as the number of replications is not excessive, making replicate evaluations in discrimination tests a viable option for showing equivalence. The common approach of concluding for equivalence when a test for differences does not turn out to be statistically significant is heavily flawed; given that a valid yet simple approach to establish equivalence from replicated discrimination and preference data is provided here, such practice should be abandoned.

Screening of cognitive performance in kidney transplant recipients: a mini review.

The prevalence of cognitive impairment in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) is up to 58%. The 10-year graft loss and mortality rates are above 30% and 50%, respectively, and executive malfunctioning increases disadvantageous outcomes. Strong risk factors are older age and chronic kidney disease. However, causes are multifactorial and include cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, neurodegenerative, inflammatory, uremic, psychiatric, and lifestyle-related susceptibilities. KTR-specific validated instruments or strategies do not exist. The central element should be a multidomain cognitive screening test that is sensitive to mild cognitive impairment, corrects for age and education, and includes executive functions testing. Cognitive trajectories, effects on everyday life and psychiatric comorbidities should be assessed by integrating the perspectives of both patients and knowledgeable informants. Screening should not be postponed if there is suspicion of impaired cognition. Different time points after transplantation tend to have their own characteristics. Screening should not be limited to specialists. It can be carried out by any healthcare professional who has received a limited amount of training. Screening does not provide a diagnosis. However, suggestive results change care in multiple ways. Goals are: Initiation of professional dementia work-up, securing of adherence, anticipation of potential complications (delirium, falls, frailty, functional impairment, malnutrition, etc.), mitigation of behavioral disorders, adjustment of diagnostic and therapeutic "load", reduction of caregiver burden and meeting of changing needs. We summarize data on the prevalence, risk factors and sequelae of cognitive impairment in KTRs. We also discuss the requirements for appropriate screening strategies and provide guiding principles regarding appropriate and safe care.

Rare variants in complement system genes associate with endothelial damage after pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Complement system has a postulated role in endothelial problems after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In this retrospective, singlecenter study we studied genetic complement system variants in patients with documented endotheliopathy. In our previous study among pediatric patients with an allogeneic HSCT (2001-2013) at the Helsinki University Children´s Hospital, Finland, we identified a total of 19/122 (15.6%) patients with vascular complications, fulfilling the criteria of capillary leak syndrome (CLS), venoocclusive disease/sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (VOD/SOS) or thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). We performed whole exome sequencing (WES) on 109 patients having an adequate pre-transplantation DNA for the analysis to define possible variations and mutations potentially predisposing to functional abnormalities of the complement system. In our data analysis, we focused on 41 genes coding for complement components. 50 patients (45.9%) had one or several, nonsynonymous, rare germline variants in complement genes. 21/66 (31.8%) of the variants were in the terminal pathway. Patients with endotheliopathy had variants in different complement genes: in the terminal pathway (C6 and C9), lectin pathway (MASP1) and receptor ITGAM (CD11b, part of CR3). Four had the same rare missense variant (rs183125896; Thr279Ala) in the C9 gene. Two of these patients were diagnosed with endotheliopathy and one with capillary leak syndrome-like problems. The C9 variant Thr279Ala has no previously known disease associations and is classified by the ACMG guidelines as a variant of uncertain significance (VUS). We conducted a gene burden test with gnomAD Finnish (fin) as the reference population. Complement gene variants seen in our patient population were investigated and Total Frequency Testing (TFT) was used for execution of burden tests. The gene variants seen in our patients with endotheliopathy were all significantly (FDR < 0.05) enriched compared to gnomAD. Overall, 14/25 genes coding for components of the complement system had an increased burden of missense variants among the patients when compared to the gnomAD Finnish population (N=10 816). Injury to the vascular endothelium is relatively common after HSCT with different phenotypic appearances suggesting yet unidentified underlying mechanisms. Variants in complement components may be related to endotheliopathy and poor prognosis in these patients.

Characterization of Partial Drainage during Medusa Flat Dilatometer Testing

Abstract The flat dilatometer (DMT) is a widely recognized in situ test for site characterization and parameter identification. The penetration procedure is stopped periodically for total stress measurements (A, B, and C pressures) along a circular, expandable membrane, situated at one side of the blade. Changes in pore water pressure are not measured during test execution and are assumed to remain constant for data interpretation. The enhanced Medusa DMT equipment used in this study enables a fully automated test execution and requires no manual membrane expansion by the operator. Changes in pore water pressure can be studied by measuring the A pressure automatically over time at a defined membrane expansion. In the present study, Medusa DMT were executed at three test sites (Rhesi and Lokalbahn Salzburg in Austria; Fucino in Italy) to investigate, on the one hand, partial drainage effects in different soil types using variable membrane expansion rates and repeated A readings and on the other hand, to study the influence of partial drainage on existing correlations (used for parameter identification). The present results indicate that partial dissipation of generated excess pore water pressures occurs in a wide range of soils during test execution. The degree of dissipation can additionally be influenced by the soil heterogeneity, especially in silty soils. Soil parameters and intermediate parameters determined based on A readings are less influenced by partial drainage effects compared with parameters, derived from the difference of corrected B and A readings. The influence of partial drainage on the latter correlations increases in fine-grained soils, characterized by small differences in B and A pressure. Therefore, pressure readings should be corrected about partial drainage effects based on an enhanced testing procedure, considering repeated A readings (DMT-RA).

Effects of executive functions on consecutive interpreting for Chinese-Japanese unbalanced bilinguals.

Previous research on performance in interpreting has focused primarily on the influence of interpreting experience on executive functions, such as shifting, updating, and inhibition. However, limited research has explored the effects of executive functions on performance. Understanding how different executive functions affect interpreting performance can provide valuable insights for teaching methods. Therefore, the present study aims to examine the effects of executive functions on comprehension and output performance during bidirectional consecutive interpreting between Chinese and Japanese. This study involved 48 Chinese advanced Japanese language learners. Self-assessment results indicated that all participants were unbalanced bilingual individuals. All participants took part in consecutive interpreting, completed comprehension tests, and underwent executive function tests. Executive functions were assessed using the color-shape switching task, 1-back task, and Stroop task. Analysis using Bayesian linear regression revealed the following. (1) Updating exhibited a significant impact on both Japanese-to-Chinese and Chinese-to-Japanese interpreting, indicating that higher updating ability was associated with better interpreting performance. (2) Inhibition showed a significant effect on Japanese-to-Chinese interpreting performance, whereas the effect was not significant in Chinese-to-Japanese interpreting. (3) No significant effects of shifting were observed in either Japanese-to-Chinese or Chinese-to-Japanese interpreting. The results indicate that executive functions have different effects on the interpreting performance of unbalanced bilinguals, while these effects are also influenced by the direction of the source language. Based on these findings, it is recommended that executive function training should be included in interpreter teaching and training programs, with a specific focus on the updating and inhibition functions.

Common Mistakes in Execution of Plane Load Test

Shallow foundation is the preferred foundation whenever possible, as it is economically more feasible compared to deep foundation. The design method for shallow foundation has long been established by Terzaghi. The Terzaghi’s bearing capacity equation requires soil strength parameters for its calculation. To obtain accurate results, undisturbed sample for laboratory testing is necessary. However, depending on the accuracy of soil sampling and laboratory testing, the results can have large inaccuracy. The in-situ determination of shallow foundation can be carried out by plate loading test. It is a well-established test which was standardized by British Standards in 1990 and American Society for Testing and Materials in 1994. The testing method is simple, and the standards provide flexibility in the execution of the test. Unfortunately, this flexibility can cause mistakes in the execution of the test, as practitioners can be selective in choosing the test procedure to minimize the test duration and/or cost. These mistakes can cause the plate load test results to be unusable or lead to erroneous results. This paper aims to address common mistakes in execution of plate load test.