Test Method Research Articles

A New Sufficient & Necessary Condition for Testing Linear Separability Between Two Sets.

As a fundamental mathematical problem in the field of machine learning, the linear separability test still lacks a theoretically complete and computationally efficient method. This paper proposes and proves a sufficient and necessary condition for linear separability test based on a sphere model. The advantage of this test method is two-fold: (1) it provides not only a qualitative test of linear separability but also a quantitative analysis of the separability of linear separable instances; (2) it has low time cost and is more efficient than existing test methods. The proposed method is validated through a large number of experiments on benchmark datasets and artificial datasets, demonstrating both its correctness and efficiency.

Measurement of Focal Spots of X-ray Tubes Using a CT Reconstruction Approach on Edge Images of Large Holes and Comparison to Pinhole Imaging

The first Non-destructive testing (NDT) method which evolved in the industrial age was radiographic testing (RT) [1]. Among all NDT methods, RT is no exception, so there are still many issues for optimizations even today. One of them is the measurement of the focal spot of X-ray tubes [2]. The size of the focal spot is critical for imaging, because it determines the spatial resolution in the X-ray image. The classical way to evaluate focal spots of X-ray tubes is by pinhole imaging using a camera obscura [1]. But this method has a natural lower limit, which is defined by the diameter of the pinhole used (today min. 10 µm) [2]. Therefore, focal spot sizes lower than 50 µm diameter cannot be imaged and measured correctly. An alternative approach, which permits this, was investigated here using the edge unsharpness of holes much larger than the focal spot size. The results of both methods were compared using 3 different X-ray tubes.

The change of physical properties of calcium carbonate nanomaterials cured soil in road substrates

The utilization of appropriate materials to enhance road subgrade’s physical characteristics is crucial for current transportation construction and maintenance. This study proposes a curing method that employs calcium carbonate nanomaterials to address the problem of soil displacement and settlement in roadway subgrades. A method was developed during the study to explore the optimal curing material ratio. Additionally, this study developed a method for testing and analyzing the mechanical properties of soils cured with nanomaterials, including measures of tensile stress, triaxial shear stress, and Moore’s damage envelope. The study demonstrated that the unconfined compressive strength of the soil treated with calcium carbonate nanomaterials was 0.40 MPa after 7 days of curing with a 6% doping of the curing agent. Increasing the doping to 18% resulted in a breaking load of the soil reaching 0.100 kN. Furthermore, the triaxial shear stress–strain curve of the soil exhibited a slope of 264.47 during the linear phase when the curing agent was dosed at 6%. The slope of the linear phase of the stress–strain curve for triaxial shear at 6% curing agent doping was found to be 264.47. The cured soil molar pack line exhibited an internal friction angle of 22.66 degrees at the same curing agent dosage. The displacement analysis of the replacement roadbed with cured soil revealed a maximum observed displacement of only 377 mm after filling the embankment using the study method. The experimental results provide support for the hypothesis of the study, which suggests that the application of calcium carbonate nanoparticles can significantly enhance the physical characteristics of road subgrade.

Enhancing the continuing willingness of Chinese college students to engage in volunteer services for older adults

BackgroundThe ageing population presents a substantial challenge to conventional care services for older adults in China. College students’ voluntary service constitutes an integral component of youth volunteerism, and investigating their continuing willingness to engage in volunteer services to benefit older adults holds immense importance for fostering a stable and enduring framework for China’s older adults’ care team. MethodDrawing on the extended theory of reasoned action, this study establishes an analytical framework to examine the willingness of Chinese college students to engage in volunteer services for older adults. Using micro-survey data, we employ structural equation modelling and the bootstrap mediation effect test method to empirically investigate the influencing mechanism behind this willingness. Results(1) Attitude has the strongest influence on the continuing willingness of Chinese college students to engage in volunteer services for older adults, and plays a mediating role between subjective norms and continuing willingness to engage in volunteer services, which reveals the special role of attitude in the continuing engagement of Chinese college students in volunteer services for older adults. (2) Personality trait has a substantial positive impact on Chinese college students’ willingness to engage continuously in volunteer service for older adults, and subjective norms and attitudes have a chain mediating effect in this influence relationship. (3) The theoretical model constructed in this study is reasonable, reliable and robust. ConclusionThis study elucidates the potential relationship between attitude, subjective norms, personality traits and the willingness to engage in volunteer services, offering a novel perspective for understanding the continuing willingness of Chinese college students to engage in volunteer services for older adults. Furthermore, it highlights the value of incorporating the extended theory of reasoned action into the policy design of college students’ engagement in such services.

Continuous Wave Ultrasound Testing Techniques

Currently, the primary method employed for ultrasound inspection is based on sending and detecting ultrasound pulses. Typically, pulse-based methods are essentially time-domain back-reflection methods, and the time-of-flight is the main measured parameter. Recently, continuous-wave methods have been developed in the radar and the fiber-optics fields, which demonstrate significantly better spatial resolution, higher signal-to-noise ratio, and ability to detect reflecting objects at very short distances. It is proposed to use the same approach to develop continuous-wave ultrasound inspection systems. The two main differences between the proposed continuous-wave ultrasonic testing and the classical pulsed ultrasound inspection method are: (i) in the continuous-wave ultrasonic testing method, the transmitted and received signals overlap in the time domain, while in the pulsed ultrasound inspection method the transmitted and received signals are separated in the time; and (ii) in the pulsed ultrasound inspection method the most important parameter is the time delay between the transmitted and received signals, while in the continuous-wave ultrasonic testing method the most informative parameters are the frequency and phase changes in the received signal in respect to modulated transmitted signal. This allows for additional flexibility in the continuous-wave ultrasonic measurements, through control of the frequency modulation. Also, the continuous-wave ultrasonic method potentially offers improved detection range and resolution; improved signal-to-noise ratio due to better energy efficiency and easier filtering; and reduced requirements on the voltage applied to the transducer, which in turn allows the use of simplified low-cost electronics. The theoretical basis of several continuous-wave ultrasound inspection technique is explained, and their advantages and limitations are discussed. Implementation of several prototype continuous-wave ultrasound testing systems is presented. Examples of the use of the systems for non-destructive testing are described.

Which one is more accurate, BILOG or R program? (a comparison for score test equating)

Evaluation may be carried out using different tests that are not necessarily parallel. Students with lower abilities may get higher scores while those with higher abilities get lower scores. Measurement errors caused by this condition require test equating. Several computer programs, including Bilog and the R program, can be used for test equating. Each program has a different level of accuracy, and the accuracy of the equating results will affect the standard errors of equating. This study aimed to find out the most accurate equating test method and the accuracy of the estimated BILOG and R program. This research used two sets of tests with equivalent group designs. The determination of the most accurate equating method was based on the root mean square deviation (RMSD) value. Equating test packages, A to package B with BILOG program estimation on the mean and Sigma method resulted in RMSD value of 0.320. In the mean and mean method, RMSD value is 0.250. Meanwhile, equating package A to package B using R program on the mean and sigma resulted in RMSD value of 0.300, and the mean and mean method with the RMSD value is 0.272. The mean and mean yield RMSD values smaller than the mean and sigma methods. Therefore, the mean and mean method is more accurate and applicable. Moreover, the estimation results of the BILOG program are more accurate and can be used in test equating.

Inline Monitoring of continous Ultrasonic Welding Processes of Thermoplastic Composites via a custom polyCMUT based Ultrasound Array

Ultrasonic welding (UW) of thermoplastic composites (TCs) is an emerging technology in the field of composite joining techniques in the aerospace sector. Through a mechanical oscillator, ultrasound at a frequency of 20kHz is induced into the material via a welding horn, where microscopic friction and damping effects melt the thermoplastic. Under further pressure the weld area cools down, permanently joining both parts together. Like all joining processes in the aerospace industry the resulting joints need to be tested for their quality and structural integrity. The traditional testing method using water-coupled ultrasound includes extra steps. This process could be considerably improved by assessing the quality of the weld directly after or even during the welding process, allowing for immediate rework or discard of the parts in question. Ultrasound is still the best solution for this quality assessment, being inexpensive, well understood, and able to create B-Mode images, allowing a look into the cross-section of the weld. However, there are several major problems: To increase the system complexity as little as possible it is necessary to attach the ultrasound unit next to the welding equipment, and as close to the welding horn and compactor as possible to save space and keep the end- effector manoeuvrable. This brings problems for classic piezoelectric ultrasonic arrays: The low welding frequency and its resonance modes reach into the lower resonance modes of the piezoelectric sensors leading to immense noise, hiding any potential echo from the welding zone. Classic piezoelectric crystals are also very brittle and can suffer damage from sustained exposure to this violent environment. The authors present a novel solution: a custom-made polymer-based capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer array (polyCMUT). polyCMUTs are tiny drums with two electrodes. One on the bottom and the other suspended over a cavity sandwiched between two layers of polymers. By applying a DC-bias an electrical field is created and the membrane is set under tension. If then an AC voltage is applied, the strength of the electric field decreases, allowing the membrane to snap back into its original position. If done at the resonance frequency of the membrane, a strong ultrasonic signal is created. To receive this signal the polyCMUT is charged with a DC-bias, allowing it to receive the echo of the transmitted signal by measuring the changing capacitance. Not only is the polymer robust and inexpensive to fabricate, the general architecture of CMUTs also allows a design where the first mode of resonance is the actual mode the CMUT is operating in. By designing for a resonance frequency over 5 MHz all noise from the initial welding process is ignored, leading to a working pulse echo imaging system. The array is then mounted onto a PEEK block attached to the compactor unit of the welding end-effector. This publication is intended to present initial results, the design process of the custom array and the tests leading there.

Principle of the electromagnetic testing based on the varied frequency domain and its realization

With the development of modern industry, the types and quantities of industrial equipment are increasing. In the long-term production process, various failure modes such as corrosion and cracks will occur, therefore the workload of inspection will increase dramatically. It is extremely urgent to study the combined non-destructive testing (NDT) technology and develop corresponding multi-functional instruments to achieve rapid inspection. In this paper, an electromagnetic testing principle based on the varied frequency domain is proposed. In the first place, spatial uniformity and spatial periodic static fields are generated by the arrangement of the permanent magnetizers, these static fields are fields with different spatial frequencies. In the second place, dynamic fields with different frequencies are generated by different frequencies excitations. Under the time-space electromagnetic field coupling, a new combined electromagnetic testing principle of magnetic flux leakage (MFL), guided wave (GW) and electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) is proposed. The MFL testing method can be realized based on the uniform static field, GW based on the interaction of spatial periodic static field and low frequency dynamic field, while EMAT based on the combination of uniform static field and high frequency dynamic field. According to the above principle, a multi-functional instrument is developed, which includes a medium-low frequency excitation unit for GW, a high frequency excitation unit for EMAT, corresponding receiving amplifiers for GW/EMAT/MFL, and USB-based data transmitters. Finally, the relevant performance tests are carried out, which laid the foundation for field application.

Exploring the Resistance of Pigmented Rice to Brown Planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens Stål) by Phenotypic and Genotypic Analyses

Developing new pigmented rice varieties that meet consumers' preferences requires addressing resistance to brown planthopper (BPH), a highly destructive insect pest of rice. To effectively manage this pest, it is essential to explore BPH resistance genes from rice germplasms and incorporate them into elite varieties. The objective of this study was to identify the source of resistance among local and improved pigmented rice varieties in Indonesia against field BPH. Furthermore, the study aimed to characterize their genetic diversity using molecular markers associated with Bph genes and functional markers for these genes. Eighty-eight local varieties from the Indonesian Agricultural Gene Bank, collected across 18 provinces between 1971 and 2019, and four improved varieties, were evaluated using the standard seed box screening test method. Among these entries, 6 local accessions and 1 improved variety exhibited moderate resistance. Genetic analysis of these entries and three randomly selected susceptible entries using 12 SSR and InDel markers associated with Bph gene loci showed that the moderately resistant entries had higher allele numbers (11 to 13) compared to the susceptible entries (4 to 7). These markers could distinguish the resistant group from the susceptible ones in cluster analysis. Genotyping using functional markers further showed that the moderately resistant entries had 2 to 4 combinations of Bph genes. In contrast, the susceptible entries contained neither Bph genes nor only one gene. Local accessions with a 2 to 4 Bph gene combination can be donors of BPH resistance in improving pigmented rice varieties.

Verification of the analytical performance of the serum magnesium assay on Abbott Architect ci8200

Magnesium is recognized as the fourth most important cation in the body and the second most abundant intracellular cation, following potassium. Its physiological significance lies in its capacity to form complexes with crucial intracellular anionic ligands, notably ATP, and its ability to compete with calcium for specific binding sites on proteins and cell membranes. Over 300 enzyme reactions rely on magnesium. The concentration of free magnesium within cells determines the magnesium content of these enzymes. Magnesium influences myocardial contraction and the electrical activity of myocardial cells, as well as the specialized conduction systems of the fetus, by modulating the transmembrane movements of ions like sodium, potassium, and calcium. Furthermore, magnesium can affect the contractility of vascular smooth muscle, and alterations in intracellular magnesium levels may impact cell proliferation or contraction. Magnesium is involved in nucleic acid and protein metabolism, intermediary metabolism, energy production, and consumption reactions, and it plays specific roles in various physiological systems such as the neuromuscular and cardiovascular systems. Our research aims to assess the analytical accuracy of the serum magnesium assay method utilizing an Abbott kit on the Architect ci8200 automated system in the biochemistry laboratory of Mohammed VI University Hospital of Oujda. The evaluation of the kit's analytical accuracy was conducted within the flexible scope A by conducting a performance analysis on the Architect ci8200. We examined repeatability, reproducibility, measurement imprecision, and compared results between two Architect ci8200 instruments. All findings align with the acceptability criteria recommended by the supplier and the Valtec protocol of the Société Française de Biologie Clinique (SFBC), indicating overall satisfactory outcomes for the study. The Architect ci8200 automated system demonstrated satisfactory analytical performance for reliably determining serum magnesium levels. Method verification in medical laboratories is essential to guarantee the accuracy, precision, and reliability of test results. Verification entails confirming that the test method used is suitable for its intended purpose, yields result consistent with the claimed performance characteristics, and meets the laboratory's quality control and quality assurance standards.

Analysis of the efficacy of left subclavian artery laser in situ fenestration combined with hybrid arch debranching surgery for aortic arch reconstruction in patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection

Objective: To observe the short-and mid-term efficacy of left subclavian artery(LSA) laser in situ fenestration combined with arch debranching surgery for aortic arch reconstruction in patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection aged 60 years and above. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. A total of 41 Stanford type A aortic dissection patients aged 60 years and above who received combined surgery in Department of Endovascular Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2018 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 25 males and 16 females, aged (67.3±5.9)years(range: 60 to 75 years). Among them, 19 patients underwent LSA laser in situ fenestration combined with arch debranching surgery(combined surgery group) and 22 patients underwent hybrid aortic arch debranching surgery(non-combined surgery group). Independent sample t test, χ2 test and Fisher exact probability method were used to compare the clinical characteristics of the two groups. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis, and the 5-year survival rate of the two groups was compared by Log-rank test. Results: Body mass index in the combined operation group was significantly higher than that in the non-combined operation group ((27.1±1.6)kg/m2 vs.(26.9±1.9)kg/m2; t=2.766,P=0.006), and the difference was statistically significant. There was no statistical significance in the comparison of other general data (all P>0.05). The operation time ((320.9±21.7) minutes vs. (326.7±22.5)minutes; t=14.838, P<0.01)) and LSA reconstruction time ((32.6±3.2)minutes vs. (44.7±6.0)minutes; t=46.913, P<0.01) in the combined operation group were significantly shortened, and the difference was statistically significant. The rate of LSA reconstruction in the combined operation group (100% vs. 72.7%; P=0.023) was significantly higher than that in the non-combined operation group, and the difference was statistically significant. There were no significant differences in the incidence of pulmonary infection, unplanned second operation, continuous renal replacement therapy, neurological complications and the in-hospital mortality between the two groups. Compared with the non-combined surgery group, the total complication rate related to LSA reconstruction was significantly lower in the combined surgery group (0 vs. 27.3%; P=0.023). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that there was no difference in 5-year survival rate between the combined operation group and the non-combined operation group (84.2% vs 77.3%; χ2=0.310, P=0.578). Conclusion: Laser in situ fenestration of the LSA combined with arch debranching surgery to reconstruct the aortic arch can significantly shorten the operation and LSA reconstruction time in patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection, improve the success rate of LSA reconstruction, and reduce the occurrence rate of LSA reconstruction complications.

Time-dependent deformation of marine gas hydrate-bearing strata conditioned to a wellbore: Experiments and implications

Natural gas hydrate (NGH) is a promising alternative energy resource, whereas marine NGH exploitation suffers from various potential geo-environmental concerns. The existence of a production wellbore not only provides channel for gas extraction, but also causes specific boundary conditions for the occurrence of geo-environmental risks. Almost all kinds of geo-environmental risks during NGH production initiate from time-dependent deformation of the near-wellbore strata. In this paper, the pressuremeter test (PMT) method was firstly introduced to investigate the lateral creep behaviors of the NGH-bearing sediment. The PMT probe was used to apply outwards lateral stress onto the hydrate-bearing sediment to simulate the horizontal stress state of the near-wellbore reservoir during drilling, completion, and/or hydraulic fracturing, during which the pressure inside the wellbore is higher than the reservoirs static pressure. The results indicated that the decelerated creep accounts for more than 70% of the lateral strain before the effective stress reaches the long-term strength. The hardening modulus of the sediment was proven to be increased from the magnitude of ∼102 MPa–∼103 MPa, when the hydrate saturation increases from 2.2% to 50.0%. The PMT creep test results can be used for interpretation of the in-situ horizontal stress and geomechanical parameters such as pro-plastic pressure and ultimate pressure. Based on the fact that PMT test results complies with the previous results from other techniques, a field-applicable PMT technique for NGH reservoir test is suggested to be developed in future study, and a systematic hypothesis and workflow for NGH reservoir modelling is also proposed in this study.

Bayesian optimization based extreme gradient boosting and GPR time-frequency features for the recognition of moisture damage in asphalt pavement

Moisture damage is one of the major defects in asphalt pavement, and will evolve into potholes in a short time which will affect traffic safety. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is an effective non-destructive testing (NDT) method for detecting moisture damage but its data explanation replies on human experience and subjects to labor intensive. To address this issue, an automatic detection method based on extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) combined with Bayesian hyper-parameter optimization (BHPO) was proposed to detect moisture damage area from GPR traces. High frequency GPR antenna with 2.3 GHz was used to detect the moisture damage area from simulation, laboratory and field tests, and moisture damage dataset with 7960 traces was collected. Thirty time-frequency parameters were extracted from each GPR trace, normalized to unify the three data source, and then optimized into 12 sensitive parameters by feature importance method. These 12 parameters were used to build the recognition model with XGBoost, and the model tuning parameters were optimized by BHPO. To obtain optimization model, random forest (RF) and artificial neural network (ANN) were also trained with BHPO, and compared with XGBoost model. The results indicate that performance of XGBoost model with BHPO achieves the highest accuracy and lowest time cost both in moisture damage and normal trace classification, the accuracies for moisture damage are XGBoost (96.9%) > ANN (95.6%) > RF (95.4%), respectively, and normal are XGBoost (96.5%) > RF (96.1%) and ANN (96.0%), respectively. On this basis, field tests were conducted by core samples, which verified the correct result of XGBoost model. Our method provides a swift and accurate method to locate subsurface targets directly from GPR signals.

Low-Cost Portable Road Smoothness Testing Method Based on Pseudo-Vibration Velocity Range

Road smoothness not only directly affects the safety and comfort of vehicle travel but also relates to the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of road maintenance. Traditional road smoothness detection methods usually require professional equipment and personnel, leading to high costs and cumbersome operations. Therefore, finding a low-cost, simple, and accurate method for detecting road smoothness is of great significance. This study uses vehicle-mounted acceleration sensors to detect road smoothness, establishing a correlation between driving vibration acceleration data and the international roughness index (IRI). For this research, a driving vibration acceleration data acquisition device was developed, and the driving acceleration data from the test sections were denoised and their feature values extracted. The pseudo-vibration velocity range was used as the characteristic index representing the road surface smoothness IRI value. Testing with different vehicle types showed that the method is applicable to both sedans and SUV models, yielding a relative error of 8.9% for the sedan smoothness test model and 6.7% for the SUV smoothness test model. This study contributes to conducting large-scale road smoothness detection at a low cost, improving the efficiency of road maintenance and operations.

Assessment of skin sensitization potential of zinc oxide, aluminum oxide, manganese oxide, and copper oxide nanoparticles through the local lymph node assay: 5-bromo-deoxyuridine flow cytometry method

ABSTRACT The advent of nanotechnology has significantly spurred the utilization of nanoparticles (NPs) across diverse sectors encompassing industry, agriculture, engineering, cosmetics, and medicine. Metallic oxides including zinc oxide (ZnO), copper oxide (CuO), manganese oxide (Mn2O3), and aluminum oxide (Al2O3), in their NP forms, have become prevalent in cosmetics and various dermal products. Despite the expanding consideration of these compounds for dermal applications, their potential for initiating skin sensitization (SS) has not been comprehensively examined. An in vivo assay, local lymph node assay: 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine-flow cytometry method (LLNA: BrdU-FCM) recognized as an alternative testing method for screening SS potential was used to address these issues. Following the OECD TG 442B guidelines, NPs suspensions smaller than 50 nm size were prepared for ZnO and Al2O3 at concentrations of 10, 25, and 50%, and Mn2O3 and CuO at concentrations of 5, 10, and 25%, and applied to the dorsum of each ear of female BALB/c mice on a daily basis for 3 consecutive days. Regarding the prediction of test substance to skin sensitizer if sensitization index (SI)≥2.7, all 4 NPs were classified as non-sensitizing. The SI values were below 2.06, 1.33, 1.42, and 0.99 for ZnO, Al2O3, Mn2O3, and CuO, respectively, at all test concentrations. Although data presented were negative with respect to adverse SS potential for these 4 NPs, further confirmatory tests addressing other key events associated with SS adverse outcome pathway need to be carried out to arrive at an acceptable conclusion on the skin safety for both cosmetic and dermal applications.

Black-Box Testing and Auditing of Bias in ADM Systems

For years, the number of opaque algorithmic decision-making systems (ADM systems) with a large impact on society has been increasing: e.g., systems that compute decisions about future recidivism of criminals, credit worthiness, or the many small decision computing systems within social networks that create rankings, provide recommendations, or filter content. Concerns that such a system makes biased decisions can be difficult to investigate: be it by people affected, NGOs, stakeholders, governmental testing and auditing authorities, or other external parties. Scientific testing and auditing literature rarely focuses on the specific needs for such investigations and suffers from ambiguous terminologies. With this paper, we aim to support this investigation process by collecting, explaining, and categorizing methods of testing for bias, which are applicable to black-box systems, given that inputs and respective outputs can be observed. For this purpose, we provide a taxonomy that can be used to select suitable test methods adapted to the respective situation. This taxonomy takes multiple aspects into account, for example the effort to implement a given test method, its technical requirement (such as the need of ground truth) and social constraints of the investigation, e.g., the protection of business secrets. Furthermore, we analyze which test method can be used in the context of which black box audit concept. It turns out that various factors, such as the type of black box audit or the lack of an oracle, may limit the selection of applicable tests. With the help of this paper, people or organizations who want to test an ADM system for bias can identify which test methods and auditing concepts are applicable and what implications they entail.

Classification, Structure and Construction of Functional Orthopaedic Compression Knits for Medical Application: A Review

Analysis of functional products for medical textiles indicates that there are plenty of different classifications of this group. Requirements for compression generated by compression garments differ depending on the application area, and even more, sometimes are contradictory and can be fulfilled in very different ways. The effectiveness of such products depends on mechanical and physical properties as well as psychological barriers. Currently, there is no uniform classification of compression classes, furthermore, there is no uniform standard, test method or technic for evaluation of the product’ compression. Knitted compression fabrics are made by knitting together at least two types of yarns: a ground yarn which ensures stiffness and thickness and an elastomeric yarn which generates compression. Knitted compression products can be produced on both flat and circular knitting machines, though parameters and usage of production are different. Additional elements used in the structure of the compression product can significantly change the generated compression. Purposes and number of additional details depend on the application and functionality of the compression support, nevertheless, all rigid elements must be taken into account at the designing stage. Additional functionality like antimicrobial activity or thermal therapy can also be provided for compression knits. It is highly important to ensure the longevity of all functional properties.

The Effect of the Independent Learning Strategy on the Achievement of Grammar Subject for Students of the College of Islamic Sciences

The present analysis targets to recognize the influence of the separate teaching approach on the accomplishment of grammar for scholars of the College of Islamic Sciences. The target of attaining this target led the investigations developing the subsequent null theories: 1. No statistically substantial variance is happened at the consequence level of 0.05 between the mean scores of the scholars in the investigational category who learnt consistent with the separate learning approach and the mean scores of the scholars in the control category who learnt in the conventional method in the accomplishment test. 2. No statistically substantial variance has been observed at the consequence level of 0.05 in the mean differences between the scores of the pre-tests and post-tests in the accomplishment test among the scholars of the investigational assemblage. The present investigation was restrained to a sample of third-stage scholars in the Arabic Language Department at the College of Islamic Sciences, University of Baghdad, for the academic year 2022-2023 AD. The pre-test (separate learning) was utilized to the first-stage scholars in the department, who numbered (120) male and female scholars. They were allocated between two categories: an investigational category with (60) male and female scholars and a control category with (60) male and female scholars. The investigational category examined benefiting the separate learning approach, while the control category studied benefiting the conventional method. At the finish of the investigation, a t-test was utilized for two separate and interconnected samples. The outcomes presented what follows: 1. A statistically major variance was noticed between the mean scores of the investigational collection scholars who learned grammar based on the separate learning approach and the averages of the control category scholars who learned the same topic in the traditional manner in the post-test and in support of the investigational category. 2. A statistically substantial variance was recorded between the mean scores of the investigational category scholars who learned grammar consistent with the separate learning approach and the scores of the investigational category scholars in the pre-test and their scores in the post-test, and this requires higher accomplishment among the investigational category scholars.

Identifying suitable methods for evaluating the sterilizing effects of pyriproxyfen on adult malaria vectors: a comparison of the oviposition and ovary dissection methods

BackgroundNets containing pyriproxyfen, an insect growth regulator that sterilizes adult mosquitoes, have become available for malaria control. Suitable methods for investigating vector susceptibility to pyriproxyfen and evaluating its efficacy on nets need to be identified. The sterilizing effects of pyriproxyfen on adult malaria vectors can be assessed by measuring oviposition or by dissecting mosquito ovaries to determine damage by pyriproxyfen (ovary dissection).MethodLaboratory bioassays were performed to compare the oviposition and ovary dissection methods for monitoring susceptibility to pyriproxyfen in wild malaria vectors using WHO bottle bioassays and for evaluating its efficacy on nets in cone bioassays. Blood-fed mosquitoes of susceptible and pyrethroid-resistant strains of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato were exposed to pyriproxyfen-treated bottles (100 μg and 200 μg) and to unwashed and washed pieces of a pyriproxyfen long-lasting net in cone bioassays. Survivors were assessed for the sterilizing effects of pyriproxyfen using both methods. The methods were compared in terms of their reliability, sensitivity, specificity, resources (cost and time) required and perceived difficulties by trained laboratory technicians.ResultsThe total number of An. gambiae s.l. mosquitoes assessed for the sterilizing effects of pyriproxyfen were 1745 for the oviposition method and 1698 for the ovary dissection method. Fertility rates of control unexposed mosquitoes were significantly higher with ovary dissection compared to oviposition in both bottle bioassays (99–100% vs. 34–59%, P < 0.05) and cone bioassays (99–100% vs. 18–33%, P < 0.001). Oviposition rates of control unexposed mosquitoes were lower with wild pyrethroid-resistant An. gambiae s.l. Cové, compared to the laboratory-maintained reference susceptible An gambiae sensu stricto Kisumu (18–34% vs. 58–76%, P < 0.05). Sterilization rates of the Kisumu strain in bottle bioassays with the pyriproxyfen diagnostic dose (100 μg) were suboptimal with the oviposition method (90%) but showed full susceptibility with ovary dissection (99%). Wild pyrethroid-resistant Cové mosquitoes were fully susceptible to pyriproxyfen in bottle bioassays using ovary dissection (> 99%), but not with the oviposition method (69%). Both methods showed similar levels of sensitivity (89–98% vs. 89–100%). Specificity was substantially higher with ovary dissection compared to the oviposition method in both bottle bioassays (99–100% vs. 34–48%) and cone tests (100% vs.18–76%). Ovary dissection was also more sensitive for detecting the residual activity of pyriproxyfen in a washed net compared to oviposition. The oviposition method though cheaper, was less reliable and more time-consuming. Laboratory technicians preferred ovary dissection mostly due to its reliability.ConclusionThe ovary dissection method was more accurate, more reliable and more efficient compared to the oviposition method for evaluating the sterilizing effects of pyriproxyfen on adult malaria vectors in susceptibility bioassays and for evaluating the efficacy of pyriproxyfen-treated nets.

Multiple hypothesis testing in cognitive IoT sensor network

Recent Internet of Things (IoT) research aims to develop generic objects to learn, reason, and perceive their environment. Therefore, a new area has emerged known as cognitive IoT (CIoT). The cognitive Internet of Things integrates IoT with intelligence and behaves as well as humans through intelligent functionality. Several inferential tasks in CIoT require multiple hypothesis testing. The situation becomes cumbersome when the data is massive and heterogeneous. Thus, this research suggests a novel technique for multiple-hypothesis testing that uses a copula function to deal effectively with massive heterogeneous data. In addition, these data may contain missing or corrupted entries. Hence, it introduced probabilistic clustering, which reduces model inefficiency and takes control over the false discovery rate (FDR). Most of the variance from each cluster was extracted using kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) to reduce the processing burden at the fusion centre. Subsequently, it computes the p-value of each cluster's first principal component data and employs the Bonferroni method for multiple hypothesis testing. Finally, this research study evaluates the performance of the proposed algorithm on six-month environmental data, revealing that the proposed technique is efficient in terms of accuracy and computation time compared to other methods in the presence of massive heterogeneous data.