Test Method Research Articles

Viscosity of Wheat Starch Paste Used in Traditional Chinese Conservation Techniques

Abstract In traditional Chinese conservation of historic books and mounted scrolls, the preparation and use of paste is an important process step. The viscosity of the paste is a key factor to consider, taking into account various parameters such as conservation technique, paper condition, or paper thickness. This study aims to determine the viscosity variation of diluted and thick pastes used in traditional Chinese conservation techniques with a rotary viscometer. During conservation treatment, as the number of restored leaves increases, the viscosity of diluted paste tends to increase significantly. The study highlights the different requirements for viscosity depending on its use either in Chinese books or Chinese hanging scrolls and emphasizes the importance of monitoring and adjusting paste viscosity during the conservation process. The use of a rotary viscometer, along with the traditional finger test method, is a significant step forward in improving the accuracy and efficiency of determining paste viscosity.

Comparative Study on Flow Characteristics in Deep Marine and Marine-Continental Transitional Shale in the Southeastern Sichuan Basin, China.

Permeability is a significant characteristic of porous media and a crucial parameter for shale gas development. This study focuses on deep marine and marine-continental transitional shale in the southeastern Sichuan area using the gas pulse decay testing method to systematically analyze the gas permeability, stress sensitivity, and gas transport mechanisms of shale under different pressure conditions and directions. The results show that the porosity and gas permeability of the deep marine shale are greater compared to those of the marine-continental transitional shale. The elevated fluid pressure in the deep marine shale offers superior conditions for the preservation of nanopores, while the high quartz content provides advantageous conditions for fluid transport in nanopore channels. The permeability and stress sensitivity of the deep marine shale are greater than those of the marine-continental transitional shale, and the stress sensitivity is greater in the perpendicular bedding direction than in the parallel bedding direction, possibly related to the mineral composition of shale and the compaction it has undergone. The flow mechanism of the deep marine shale is transition flow and Knudsen flow, while that of the marine-continental transitional shale is transition flow. The deep marine shale possesses smaller nanopore sizes and a higher quantity of micropores, which create advantageous conditions for gas transport within nanopores. During the process of extracting shale gas, the extraction of gas causes a decrease in pore pressure and an increase in effective stress, resulting in a reduction in permeability. However, when the pore pressure reaches a specific value, the enhanced slippage effect leads to an increase in permeability, which is advantageous for gas extraction. In the later stage of shale gas well production, intermittent production plans can be developed considering the strength of the slippage effect, leading to a significant improvement in production efficiency.

Research on the new method for visualizing bendability testing of fabrics in multiple directions

PurposeThe current bending test method can only test the bending performance of fabric in one direction at a time. It is not possible to directly observe the bending morphology of fabrics in different directions, and it is necessary to cut samples and repeat the test several times, which takes more time. For this situation, a multidirectional visualization of the fabric bending test method is proposed, using which multiple results can be obtained at one time and the fabric bending can be visualized.Design/methodology/approachAbout 17 fabrics are tested using a self-designed device. The fabrics are cut into special triangles and multiple sets of results in three directions are obtained at once using the device. The experimental specimens are photographed from the above and the transverse elongation length, bending projection area and circumference are extracted after image processing.FindingsThe results show that the correlation coefficients of transverse elongation, bending projected area and circumference are good with the bending length measured by the cantilever method. In which, all three indicators are positively correlated with the bending length. This indicates the good feasibility of the new method.Originality/valueThis method can get the bending index of fabrics in three directions, with five samples in each direction at one time. Meanwhile, it can also visualize the flexural differences between different fabrics and directions of the same fabric. It can provide more efficient testing means for the textile testing field, and the testing efficiency is 15 times of the existing method, which has better theoretical significance and practical values.

A metagenomics-based workflow for the detection and genomic characterization of GBS in raw freshwater fish.

The need for a rapid and accurate food microbiological testing method is apparent for a timely and effective foodborne outbreak response. This is particularly relevant for emerging foodborne pathogens such as Group B Streptococcus (GBS) whose associated food safety risk might be undercharacterized. By using GBS in raw freshwater fish as a case example, this study describes the development of a metagenomics-based workflow for rapid food microbiological safety testing and surveillance. This study can inform as a working model for various foodborne pathogens in other complex food matrices, paving the way for future methodological development of metagenomics for food microbiological safety testing.

Influence of intermetallic phase (TiFe) on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of as-cast and quenched Ti–Mo–Fe alloys

This study presents the phase analysis, microstructural characteristics, and mechanical property evaluation of the as-cast and quenched Ti–15Mo–xFe alloys with high iron content ranging from 4 to 12 weight percent. All the four alloys were produced in a vacuum-arc melting furnace. Heat treatment in the form of solution treatment was performed in a muffle furnace at a temperature of 1100 °C, with 1-h holding time and the samples were rapidly quenched in ice-brine. X-ray diffractometer (XRD) was used to analyses the phases present in each alloy whereas the optical microscope (OM) was employed to track the microstructural evolution and percentage porosity. The mechanical properties of the alloys were evaluated using a tensile test and compression test method while the micro-Vickers hardness measurements were conducted to evaluate hardness of the alloys. The XRD patterns of as-cast showed peaks belonging to the β and α″ phases and intermetallic B2 TiFe phases. The as quenched XRD peaks illustrated β phase only and Fe·Ti·O2 phases. The as-cast OM micrographs revealed equiaxed β grains, substructures, dendritic structure, and pores forming around the grain boundaries. The quenched OM showed only β equiaxed grains with pores throughout the grain boundaries. The tensile properties such as ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elastic modulus (E) of as-cast TMF0 were 264 MPa and 79 GPa respectively and these properties changed upon quenching to 411 MPa and 66 GPa respectively. The elastic modulus of TMF1 in as-cast condition was 74 GPa. The UTS and E of TMF1, TMF2, and TMF3 in as-cast and quenched conditions were not recorded due to the fragility of the samples that failed prior to yielding any useful data. The compressive strength in as-cast and in quenched condition decreased with an increase in Fe content. The micro-Vickers hardness in as-cast and quenched conditions showed a similar trend with hardness increasing slightly upon quenching for TMF0, TMF1, and TMF3 alloys but slightly decreased in the case of TMF2. The fracture surfaces of all the as-cast and quenched alloys were comprised of ductile and brittle fracture.

A selective fluorescent probe derived from benzo[d]imidazole for carbon dioxide detection and bioimaging

In this work, a benzo[d]imidazole-derived fluorescent probe, DCBIF, was developed for the carbon dioxide (CO2) detection and imaging in living lung cells. On the basis of investigating previous reports and modifying the test method, the in-solution experiments showed that DCBIF exhibited the fluorescence response at 420 nm to CO2 under the excitation of 350 nm. The response was steady and rapid in physiological conditions. The linear range of the detecting system covered the practical necessity, and the limit of detection was 0.002 mL/min. There were few reports for detecting CO2 depicted the intracellular imaging while the cells were not pulmonary. Herein, in all the tested groups including oxygen-rich, hypoxia, and hypoxia recovered, DCBIF realized the imaging of the CO2 level in living A549 lung cells. This work was meaningful for developing fluorescent implements and imaging scenarios.

PT. XYZ. Indonesia: An Analysis of the Impact of Individual Characteristics on Job Satisfaction and Its Effect on Organizational Commitment

This study aims to ascertain how personal qualities and work-related factors affect organizational commitment in P.T. XYZ Indonesia City. 170 P.T. XYZ Indonesia City employees were given questionnaires to complete to collect the data. A questionnaire serves as the study's main source of data, and the distribution of questionnaires to respondents—or questionnaires that take the form of a series of written questions submitted to respondents and request written responses—is the study's data collection technique from P.T. XYZ Indonesia employees. The statistical research utilized the Amos application to process and evaluate the data using structural equation modeling (SEM). The authors employed this study's Structural Equation Model method for modeling and hypothesis testing. Structural Equation Modeling, or SEM, is a group of statistical methods that enables the simultaneous assessment of complex relationships. This study utilized two analysis methods: regression weight in SEM and confirmatory factor analysis, which determines which factors among a set of variables are the most important. Individual and job factors that affect the organizational culture of The P.T. are among the variables measured. Indonesia City is XYZ. According to the statistical test analysis, P.T. XYZ Indonesia City's organizational commitment is influenced by personal traits, workplace qualities and job pleasure.

Microbroth dilution method for antibiotic susceptibility testing of fastidious and anaerobic bacteria of the urinary microbiome.

Antibiotic susceptibilities of fastidious and anaerobic bacteria of the human urinary microbiome are largely underreported due to difficulty in growing them in the lab environment. The current standard medium, Muller-Hinton broth, has difficulty supporting the growth of many of these species, leaving microbiologists without a standardized method. To address this need, this study offers a methodology to survey susceptibilities in a high-throughput manner of these understudied microbes with a proposed harmonized medium, NYCIII, which is capable of supporting the growth of both fastidious and non-fastidious urinary microbes. Broader standardization of this method can allow for the development of antibiotic-resistant breakpoints of the many uncharacterized urinary microbes.

Trypanosoma vivax in and outside cattle blood: Parasitological, molecular, and serological detection, reservoir tissues, histopathological lesions, and vertical transmission evaluation

This study reports assessment of the sensitivity of diagnostic techniques to detect T. vivax in experimentally infected cattle. Additionally, it describes T. vivax extravascular parasitism during the acute and chronic phases of trypanosomosis and congenital transmission. The T. vivax diagnosis was compared using blood samples collected from the jugular, coccygeal and ear tip veins. For this study, 13 males and two females were infected with ≈ 1 × 106 viable T. vivax trypomastigotes (D0). One animal was kept as a negative control during the entire study. The 13 infected males were euthanized between 14 and 749 days post-infection (DPI). After confirming the cyclicity of both females (9 months of age), they were naturally mated with a bull. One female was euthanized at 840 DPI, and the other at 924 DPI. The two calves, one from each female, were euthanized at six months of age (924 DPI), and the negative control at 924 DPI. During this period, T. vivax in blood was assessed using direct methods (Woo test, cPCR, microscopic examination of fresh wet blood films and parasite quantification - Brener method), and serological methods (IFAT, ELISA, and IA). Tissue samples were collected from the liver, spleen, brain, cerebellum, heart, testicles, epididymis, kidneys, eyeballs, pre-scapular lymph nodes, ear tips, mammary glands, uterus, and ovaries. The protozoan DNA was examined using LAMP. There was no difference in the detection of T. vivax using the Woo test and Brener method among the jugular, coccygeal, and ear tip veins. The sensitivity of the detection methods varied depending on the disease phase. Direct methods (Woo test, Brener method, and cPCR) demonstrated higher sensitivity during the acute phase, while serological methods (IFAT, ELISA, and IA) were more sensitive during the chronic phase. Anti-T. vivax antibodies were detected up to 924 DPI. Tissue evaluation using LAMP demonstrated the presence of T. vivax DNA and associated histopathological changes up to 840 or 924 DPI. Only in mammary glands and ovaries was no DNA detected. The most frequently observed histopathological alteration was lymphohistioplasmocytic inflammatory infiltrate. No transplacental transmission of T. vivax was observed.

Analysis of Dominant Risk Factors for Stroke Incidence and Unhealthy Lifestyle at Sidomulyo Pekanbaru Health Center

The introduction of health in the community is not only seen in the health sector but also must be seen in all sectors that influence health problems. Generally, there are two kinds of causes of stroke. The first is a blockage of the arteries, called ischemic stroke, while the second cause is rupture of blood vessels, or stroke ischemic, while the second cause is a rupture of blood vessels called a hemorrhagic stroke. Other causes of stroke can be a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain, commonly referred to as an ischemic attack (TIA). These three conditions have a series of potential factors that trigger stroke. Hemorrhagic. Other causes of stroke can be a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain, commonly referred to as an ischemic attack (TIA). These three conditions have a series of potential factors that trigger stroke. The study employed the Spearman rank correlation test method to investigate the relationship between smoking habits, alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, and the occurrence of stroke. It involved 41 respondents from the Sidomulyo Health Center's jurisdiction. The findings revealed a significant association between smoking habits and stroke, as indicated by a significance value of 0.007, which is less than the threshold of 0.05. Similarly, there was a significant relationship observed between alcohol consumption and stroke, with a significance value of 0.016. However, the analysis showed no significant correlation between lack of physical activity and stroke, as the significance value of 0.446 exceeded the threshold of 0.05.

Characterization of self-healing in cement-based materials with a low water-to-cement ratio during subsequent hydration

This study explores the role of subsequent hydration in healing cracks in cement-based materials, focusing on a water-cement ratio of 0.20 and aging up to 1260 days. A novel bond strength testing method and backscattered electron imaging (BSE) analyzed the relationship between bond strength and unhydrated cement. Techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) helped investigate crystal phase content and microstructural changes. Key findings reveal that subsequent hydration primarily produces calcium hydroxide (CH), calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and C–S–H gel. Bond strength notably increased to 36.08 % at 394 days, with a significant reduction in C3S and C2S phases and increases in CH and CaCO3. The calcium-silicon ratio varied across hydration products, with external products containing the highest ratio. The study demonstrates the transformation of C–S–H gel from low to high density and highlights the cohesive structure formation of CH and C–S–H gel, crucial for crack healing. Porosity showed an initial decrease followed by an increase, peaking at 54.14 % above the initial value. These findings underscore the importance of controlling unhydrated cement content for optimizing self-healing in cement-based materials.

A near-infrared fluorescent probe for the detection of Cu2+ in Chinese herbal medicine and imaging in living cells

Copper is one of the common among the heavy metal pollution in Chinese herbal medicine (CHM). So, it is essential to develop rapid and accurate testing method to quantify the Cu2+ content in CHM. Herein, we prepared a coordination-based near-infrared fluorescent probe (NRh6G-FA) by introducing a hemicyanine dye in rhodamine 6G scaffold. NRh6G-FA had a high sensitivity, anti-interference performance, fast response (within 60 s), visualization (from light yellow to green) for Cu2+ and excellent sensing performance for the detection of Cu2+ at low concentrations (LOD = 0.225 μM). The most likely mechanism was verified on the basis of Job’s plot, ESI-HRMS and DFT calculations. NRh6G-FA could be successfully applied for the detection and “naked eye” recognition of Cu2+ in CHM samples. Moreover, NRh6G-FA was used to visualize Cu2+ in living MCF-7 cells by confocal fluorescence imaging.

Comparative Evaluation of Dissolution Performance in a USP 2 Setup and Alternative Stirrers and Vessel Designs: A Systematic Computational Investigation.

The dissolution testing method described in the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Chapter ⟨711⟩ is widely used for assessing the release of active pharmaceutical ingredients from solid dosage forms. However, extensive use over the years has revealed certain issues, including high experimental intervariability observed in specific formulations and the settling of particles in the dead zone of the vessel. To address these concerns and gain a comprehensive understanding of the hydrodynamic conditions within the USP 2 apparatus, computational fluid dynamic simulations have been employed in this study. The base design employed in this study is the 900 mL USP 2 vessel along with a paddle stirrer at a 50 rpm rotational speed. Additionally, alternative stirrer designs, including the hydrofoil, pitched blade, and Rushton impeller, are investigated. A comparison is also made between a flat-bottom tank and the USP round-bottom vessel of the same volume and diameter. Furthermore, this work examines the impact of various parameters, such as clearance distance (distance between the bottom of the impeller and bottom of the vessel), number of impeller blades, impeller diameter, and impeller attachment angle. The volume-average shear rate (Stv), fluid velocity (Utv), and energy dissipation rates (ϵtv) represent the key properties evaluated in this study. Comparing the USP2 design and systems with the same stirrer but flat-bottom vessel reveals more homogeneous mixing compared to the USP2 design. Analyzing fluid flow streamlines in different designs demonstrates that hydrofoil stirrers generate more suspension or upward movement of fluid compared to paddle stirrers. Therefore, when impellers are of a similar size, hydrofoil designs generate higher fluid velocities in the coning area. Furthermore, the angle of blade attachment to the hub influences the fluid velocity in the coning area in a way that the 60° angle design generates more suspension than the 45° angle design. The findings indicate that the paddle stirrer design leads to a heterogeneous shear rate and velocity distributions within the vessel compared with the other designs, suggesting suboptimal performance. These insights provide valuable guidance for the development of improved in vitro dissolution testing devices, emphasizing the importance of optimized design considerations to minimize hydrodynamic variability, enhance dissolution characterization, and reduce variability in dissolution test results. Ultimately, such advancements hold potential for improving in vitro-in vivo correlations in drug development.

Acceleration model considering multi‐stress coupling effect and reliability modeling method based on nonlinear Wiener process

AbstractEstablishing an accurate accelerated degradation model is paramount for ensuring precise reliability evaluation results. Unfortunately, current accelerated degradation tests often lack test groups for investigating multi‐stress coupled phenomena. Consequently, existing multi‐stress accelerated models fail to adequately consider the impact of stress coupling when data with stress coupling information is absent. This limitation leads to the development of inaccurate models, ultimately affecting the precision of reliability assessment. To address this challenge, this paper introduces a new modeling method for multi‐stress accelerated degradation models that takes into account stress coupling effects. The proposed modeling method aims to improve the accuracy of reliability assessment under multi‐stress conditions. In the proposed model, the main effect function of stress is determined based on existing single‐stress accelerated models. The coupling effect is first examined through the Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA), and then the functional form of the coupling effect function is determined from the given candidate functions through correlation analysis. Next, the coupling effect is incorporated into a Wiener process to establish a multi‐stress accelerated degradation model, and the two‐step estimation method combining Least Squares Method (LSM) and Differential Evolution Algorithm (DEA) is proposed. The accuracy and effectiveness of the coupling effect test method, model establishment, and parameter estimation method were validated using two Monte Carlo simulation experimental data sets. Finally, the superiority of the proposed model is demonstrated through examples, providing feasible ideas and technical support for the research on multi‐stress accelerated degradation modeling considering stress coupling.

Optimization of White Box Testing by Utilizing Branching and Repeating Structures in Java Programs Using Base Path

Software testing is a process created to detect anomalies in the operation of a program or system in order to achieve the expected results. White box testing is a software testing method that tests the internal structure, design and program code. This research aims to produce an optimization method for white box testing in Java programs by utilizing branching and repetition structures using the basis path method, as well as analyzing the effectiveness of the proposed method in generating test cases. The Java program tested in this research includes input function calls, loops, branching, and exception handling. Test case design is carried out by applying the basis path method to achieve comprehensive coverage. The test results show that the base path method is able to produce effective test cases for testing control structures without redundancy. Test case design is assisted by flowgraph and matrix graph modeling. It is hoped that this research can contribute to the optimization of white box testing techniques.

Bending Strength Evaluation of Japanese Wooden Cultural Heritage Building Columns Based on a Non-Destructive Testing Method

ABSTRACT Column failure assessment is essential for seismic diagnosis of Japanese wooden cultural heritage buildings. Achieving accurate column failure assessment depends on accurately estimating the bending Young’s modulus (E b ) and characteristic bending strength (F b ) of columns. This study extends the application of a non-destructive testing (NDT) method to estimate E b and F b of Japanese cedar columns generally used in wooden cultural heritage buildings. For this purpose, a correlation between the dynamic bending Young’s modulus (E p ) and E b of Japanese cedar columns is established and the variations in the E p –E b relationship across different wood provenances and species are clarified. Using the proposed method, a statistical analysis of the estimated E b of Japanese wooden cultural heritage buildings is provided. Furthermore, estimated E b is used to determine F b of the columns using the mechanical grade classification system. The results show that most Japanese cypress and Japanese cedar columns feature higher F b than those used in conventional seismic diagnosis. Conversely, two-thirds of the Japanese red pine columns feature a lower F b than that used in conventional seismic diagnosis. The proposed F b evaluation method offers an NDT method that can be widely applied to Japanese wooden cultural heritage buildings to assess column failure more accurately.

A novel sensor based on the composite mechanism of magnetic flux leakage and magnetic field disturbance for comprehensive inspection of defects with varying angles and widths

Ferromagnetic components are susceptible to various defects after prolonged service. The defects generated in these components are diverse and exhibit irregular orientation, which may impede comprehensive defect examination using a single magnetic testing method. This paper proposes a novel magnetic measurement sensor that integrates the principles of magnetic flux leakage (MFL) and magnetic field disturbance (MFD). The combined theory is analyzed and validated through the utilization of finite element method (FEM) simulations as well as experimental investigations. By comparing simulation results with experimental data, the composite nature of the signal acquired beneath a magnetic bridge is convincingly demonstrated. In comparison to conventional MFL and MFD methods, this innovative sensor exhibits superior defect detection performance for varying angles and widths, while also addressing some inherent limitations associated with MFL and MFD principles.

Experimental Method to Determine the Draping Behavior of Auxiliary Materials for the Vacuum Bagging of CFRP Parts on Doubled-Curved Surfaces

The production costs of aircraft primary structures made of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) are significantly higher than for comparable metal-based structures. Today substantial effort is made to achieve a sufficient reproducibility and parts’ quality in manufacturing processes of CFRP structures. Especially the sub process vacuum bagging for infusion processes is still expensive. One of the reasons is the complex positioning of the flexible auxiliary materials which have to be stacked on the preform. During the positioning on doubled-curved surfaces these materials tend to form wrinkles, which can lead to defects of the composite part. Yet, a defined description of the wrinkling behavior of the auxiliary materials on doubled-curved surfaces does not exist. In this work a characterization of the wrinkling behavior on doubled-curved surfaces is investigated for the auxiliary materials of the Vacuum Assisted infusion Process (VAP®): release film, perforated peel ply, flow media, membrane and vacuum foil. Therefore, an experimental test method is derived similar to established hemisphere deformation test methods. The wrinkling behavior for the specific VAP auxiliary materials is empirically determined on differently curved surface geometries. It is shown that the draping behavior can be characterized by partial wrinkle-free surfaces between the wrinkles. A material specific threshold is derived to determine the appearance of wrinkles. The work shows that a characterization of the draping behavior of auxiliary materials on doubled-curved surfaces is possible. With the gained knowledge the potential for an increase of the vacuum bagging reproducibility is given.

Evaluation of a miniature mass spectrometer based point-of-care-test method for direct analysis of amlodipine and benazepril in whole blood

A miniature mass spectrometer (mMS) based point-of-care testing (POCT) method was evaluated for on-site detecting the hypertension drugs, amlodipine and benazepril. The instrument parameters, including voltage, ISO1, ISO2, and CID, were optimized, under which the target compounds could be well detected in MS2. When these two drugs were injected simultaneously, the mutual ionization inhibition and mutual reduction between amlodipine and benazepril were evaluated. This phenomenon was severe on the precursor ions but had a small impact on the product ions, thus making this POCT method suitable for analysis using product ions. Finally, the method was validated and applied. The blood samples from patients were tested one hour after oral administration of the drugs (20 mg), and the benazepril was quantitatively analyzed using a standard curve, with detected concentrations ranging from 190.6 to 210 μg L−1 and a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 8.6 %. In summary, amlodipine has low sensitivity and can only be detected at higher concentrations, while benazepril has high sensitivity, good linearity, and even meets semi-quantitative requirements. The research results of this study are of great clinical significance for monitoring blood drug concentrations during hypertension medication, predicting drug efficacy, and customizing individualized medication plans.

Bond properties of steel bar with engineered geopolymer composites under monotonic load

AbstractEngineered geopolymer composites (EGC) featuring extraordinary tensile ductility are a potential alternative to engineered cementitious composite. In this study, the local bonding properties of steel bars in EGC were investigated. Monotonic loading tests of the 120 specimens were performed using the pullout test method. The study examined the ultimate tensile strain of EGC, diameter and anchorage length of the steel bar on bond performance. The results showed that the EGC, with an ultimate tensile strain of 4.57%, had the highest peak bond strength. By comparing the test results of rebar to ordinary concrete bond performance provided in several previous literature, it was demonstrated that EGC has superior bond performance with rebar compared to ordinary concrete. Based on this, suggestions were provided for the design of rebar anchorage length in EGC. Finally, a mathematical model suitable for determining the bond–slip curve between EGC and steel bars is proposed.