Test Methods Research Articles

No differences between remote and laboratory-based testing of cardiac interoceptive accuracy using the phase adjustment task

AbstractIn recent years, there has been an increased interest in remote testing methods for quantifying individual differences in interoception, the perception of the body’s internal state. Hampering the adoption of remote methods are concerns as to the quality of data obtained remotely. Using data from several studies, we sought to compare the performance of individuals who completed the Phase Adjustment Task—a new measure of cardiac interoceptive accuracy that can be administered via a smartphone application—supervised in a laboratory against those who completed the task remotely. Across a total sample of 205 individuals (119 remote and 86 laboratory), we observed no significant differences in task performance between the two groups. These results held when matching groups on demographic variables (e.g., age) and considering only individuals who had successfully completed a screener task. Overall, these data attest to the suitability of the Phase Adjustment Task for remote testing, providing an opportunity to collect larger and more diverse samples for future interoception research.

Geotechnical engineering surveys and soil testing in the construction of buildings and structures

The article suggests a way to increase the efficiency of geotechnical engineering surveys through the rational use of fast approximate methods of soil testing (“express methods”). Such tests are recommended to be carried out in large volume and considered as a means of assessing the geotechnical structure of the site as a whole. In this paper, these issues are considered by the example of determining the bearing capacity of piles according to static sounding data and static tests of full-scale piles. A mathematical model for assessing the information content of the test complex based on the concepts of information theory is proposed. Calculations based on this model show that the informativeness of a large number of approximate tests may (due to the heterogeneity of the soil) exceed the informativeness of a small number of accurate tests.

On Survey Questionnaire Testing

The purpose of survey questionnaire testing is to ensure that the questionnaire is effective, reliable, and valid research instrument. It should accurately reflect the intended construct and provide stable and consistent results. In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on the importance of survey questionnaire testing; however, relatively little methodological research and guidance about testing methods is provided. Our goal is to present the methods available for questionnaire testing in brief and give some advice on how to use them.Conclusion – Testing a survey questionnaire before its deployment is crucial in ensuring the data's accuracy and consistency. There are various testing methods available that address the content and technical quality of the research instrument.

Assessment of non-destructive nuclear and non-nuclear asphalt density testing devices for Australian road construction

ABSTRACT Non-nuclear density gauges, also known as Pavement Quality Indicators (PQIs), offer several advantages over widely used destructive test methods and nuclear density gauges (NDGs) for asphalt density measurement. Replacing NDGs with PQIs would simplify regulatory requirements and reduce the cost and complexity of in-situ asphalt density measurement. This is due to the absence of nuclear materials and the ability of PQIs to provide measurements rapidly. However, PQIs have not gained widespread use in Australia due to concerns regarding accuracy. This work assesses the suitability of PQIs for both acceptance and quality control testing by analysing a dataset collected over an extended period and across a wide range of construction sites in Australia. Accuracy was evaluated based on the strength of the relationship between gauge measurements and core density results. Although some evidence supporting the use of PQIs for quality control purposes has been found, their use for acceptance testing remains unwarranted. Recommendations for establishing standard testing methods are provided to encourage wider adoption of PQIs.

Durability Response of Perishable Wood Species after Pressure Impregnation of Extractives-Based Solutions from Naturally Durable Species of Mozambique

Poor natural durability is a key feature hindering the acceptance of most lesser-used wood species, such as Brachstegia spiciformis, Julbernadia globiflora, and Sterculia appendiculata. Generally, the durability of the aforementioned wood species is improved by impregnating its timber with toxic chemicals contained in standard wood preservatives. In this study, eco-friendly wood preservatives based on extractives sourced from sawdust of naturally durable species such as chanfuta (Afzelia quanzensis) and mecrusse (Androstachys jonhsonnii) were used to treat the group of aforementioned perishable wood species. After pressure treatment, the study assessed the durability responses using standardized in vitro durability test methods against brown rot fungus Postia placenta and white rot fungus Trametes versicolor (EN 113-1:2018) and changes of compression strength parallel to the grain (ISO 3787). The samples of perishable timber species were impregnated with separated extractives-based preservatives of chanfuta and mecrusse in five concentrations (0.5 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 1.5 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mL, and 2.5 mg/mL). A subset of treated samples was leached (SS-EN 84:2020-E) to infer preservative fixation and also exposed to the same wood-destroying fungi. The results showed that both extractive formulations (chanfuta and mecrusse) changed the durability ratings of perishable species. Firstly, the subset of treated and unleached samples of Brachystegia spiciformis improved from non-durable to moderately durable, Sterculia appendiculata to durable class and Julbernadia globiflora samples improved to very durable class; secondly, after leaching, the durability remained unchanged (non-durable class) for Brachstegia spiciformis but improved from non-durable to a moderately durable class for both Julbernadia globiflora and Sterculia appendiculata timber species against Trametes versicolor. The compression strength of perishable timber species treated with mecrusse increased and decreased in samples treated with chanfuta. The dosage of both wood extractive formulations did not affect compression strength

Study of the Correlation between Pressuremeter Limit Pressure and Dynamic Resistance obtained by the Dynamic Probing Super Heavy (DPSH) of the Sands of Lome in Togo

The design of building foundations relies on a good understanding of the bearing capacity of soils, which is determined by various in situ testing methods, such as pressuremeter and penetrometer tests. The pressuremeter test provides valuable information on the strength and deformability of soils at depth, while the dynamic cone penetrometer more easily assesses the dynamic resistance of the soil under dynamic loads. In this study, correlations were established between the dynamic resistance qd measured with the dynamic probing super heavy and the limit pressure pL obtained with the Menard pressuremeter. The data collected come from geotechnical investigations carried out on sandy soils of Lome in Togo. For these soils, the ratio is in the following interval: 8.27 ≤ qd/pL ≤ 9.74. Keywords: correlation, dynamic resistance, limit pressure, sand.

Research and application of a new method for axial force test of prestressed high-strength concrete pipe piles.

In order to figure out actual shaft resistance, axial forces of pile shaft have to be calculated based on strain test, which is a challenge for heat and steam cured prestressed high-strength concrete pipe piles. Disadvantages of three common methods of strain test and the empirical linear equation between axial force and strain are analyzed. A new strain test method, namely the slot-forming wood method, is proposed and applied in laboratory and field test. Taking pipe pile PHC500AB-125 as an example, laboratory tests were performed to establish the nonlinear function between axial force and strain. Field tests were performed and strains were tested by the slot-forming wood method. Results calculated by the nonlinear function between axial force and strain were compared with that by traditional linear equation to reveal the difference. The tests indicated that the new method of strain test was applicable and useful since the survival rate of strain gauges was high and the accuracy has been improved. Overcoming the disadvantages of the traditional linear equation, the proposed function between axial force and strain is more accurate. The study provides theoretical basis for technology innovation in pile test and for revision of related technical standards.

Molecular and serological detection of Leishmania infantum (Trypanosomatida: Trypanosomatidae) in domestic dogs in Manaus city, Amazonas, Brazil.

Leishmaniasis are zoonosis widely spread in Brazil, caused by the protozoan of the genus Leishmania, which includes several species. The disease manifests itself in the visceral or tegumentary form, and the main reservoir is the dogs. Manaus is the largest city in the Brazilian Amazon region, and despite the importance of the municipality, practically nothing is known about leishmaniosis in humans and animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and risk factors associated with the presence of Leishmania infantum in domiciliated dogs from Manaus. Molecular (polymerase chain reaction) and serological (immunofluorescent antibody test) methods were used as an indication of the circulation of the parasite. Blood samples for 154 domiciled dogs were obtained, and prevalence ratio and analysis of the variables were performed. Serum antibodies anti-Leishmania spp. were detected in 20.8% (95% CI: 14.4%-27.2%). Access to the street and zone of residence (P < 0.01) were associated with higher seropositivity. Molecular diagnosis for L. infantum detected positivity in 60 (39%) of the 154 (95% CI: 31.3%-46.7%) animals, and the variables street access, contact with dogs, and zone of residence were associated with higher frequencies of positivity (P < 0.05). Both serology and molecular diagnosis detected positive dogs in the municipality. This is the first description of the circulation of L. infantum infecting dogs in Manaus. As the municipality is classified as nonendemic, studies of isolation and characterization of the isolate must be done urgently.

Evaluating A Rapid Molecular Assay In A Mobile Lab For Improved Diagnosis Of Dengue In Bangladesh.

Dengue emerged as a significant health threat in the endemic regions in recent years. However, inconsistent diagnostic accuracy in sequential dengue infections necessitate improved testing methods to ensure effective management of dengue cases. Here, we evaluated a portable, rapid, and sensitive molecular assay - Reverse Transcriptase Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Assay (RT-RAA) utilizing a mobile suitcase laboratory to detect infections in suspected dengue cases in Bangladesh. 364 suspected dengue patients were enrolled in the study. Dengue cases were confirmed by a positive result from any of the four tests NS1 RDT, IgM RDT, qRT-PCR and RT-RAA assay. IgG RDT was performed to differentiate between primary and secondary dengue infections. Of 364 suspected cases, 320 were confirmed dengue cases, with 55.94% classified as primary and 44.06% as secondary infections. Laboratory results showed comparable positivity rates between RT-RAA(78.8%) and NS1 RDT(77.1%) in primary dengue, followed by qRT-PCR(57.5%) and IgM RDT(12.8%). RT-RAA demonstrated superior positivity rates in secondary dengue(76.6%), surpassing RT-PCR(60.3%), NS1 RDT(27%), and IgM RDT (24.8%). Combining RT-RAA with NS1 RDT detected infections in 89.95% primary and 81.56% secondary dengue. The findings suggest complementing RT-RAA to NS1 RDT could significantly improve dengue detection rate, particularly for secondary infections.

Feasibility Study on the Construction of Underground Reservoirs in Coal Goaf—A Case Study from Buertai Coal Mine, China

The construction of underground reservoirs in coal goaf is a new technology aimed to realize the sustainable development of coal mining-water storage-surface ecology in arid areas of northwest China. The key to the feasibility of this technology is that underground coal mining cannot affect the near-surface aquifer, and the amount of water entering the underground reservoir must meet the needs of the coal mine. Taking Buertai Coal Mine, one of the largest underground coal mines in the world, as an example, this article used similar simulation, numerical simulation and in-situ test methods to study the height of the water-conducting fracture zone of overlying strata and water inflow of underground reservoirs. The results show that, under the repeated mining of the 22- and 42-coal seams, the maximum height of the water-conducting fracture zone is 178 m, and the distance between the near-surface aquifer and the 42 coal is about 240 m, so the mining has little effect on the near-surface aquifer. During the mining period of the 22-coal seam, the groundwater of the Zhidan and Zhiluo Formations was mainly discharged vertically, while the groundwater of the Yanan Formation was mainly a horizontal flow during the period of the 42-coal mining. In this way, the total water inflow of Buertai Coal Mine reaches 500 m3/h, which not only meets the needs of the mine, but also, the rest of the water can irrigate about 98 hectares of farmland nearby. Underground reservoirs in coal goaf could achieve sustainable development of coal mining, groundwater storage and surface ecology in semi-arid areas.

State-of-the-Art Review of Microcapsule Self-Repairing Concrete: Principles, Applications, Test Methods, Prospects

Cement-based materials are widely used in construction worldwide, but they are vulnerable to environmental stressors and thermal fluctuations, leading to the formation of internal cracks that compromise structural integrity and durability. Traditional repair methods such as surface coatings, grouting, and groove filling are often costly and labor-intensive. In response, self-repairing technologies for cement-based materials have emerged as an innovative and promising solution, offering the potential to significantly extend the lifespan of structures and reduce maintenance costs. A particularly novel approach is the development of microcapsule-based self-repairing concrete. In this system, repair agents are encapsulated within microcapsules and combined with curing agents in the concrete matrix. When cracks form, the microcapsules rupture, releasing the repair agents to autonomously heal the damage. This self-repairing mechanism is characterized by its high efficiency, durability, environmental sustainability, and versatility, making it a promising alternative to traditional repair methods. Recent research has focused on the development of microcapsules with various core materials, such as TDI (toluene diisocyanate), IPDI (isophorone diisocyanate), or epoxy resin, as well as composite shell materials including paraffin wax, PE (polyethylene) wax, nano-SiO2, and nano-CaCO3. A novel advancement in this area involves the enhancement of microcapsules through the incorporation of magnetic nanomaterials into the shell, providing new possibilities for self-repairing systems that address cracks in cement-based materials.

A practical comparative investigation of Bruceton and 3POD2.0 statistical testing methods on friction and impact sensitivity testing

ABSTRACT There are multiple different equipment and testing methods to perform sensitivity tests and to determine probabilities and stimulus values for sensitivity of energetic materials. In this study a Bruceton and Three-Phase Optimal Design (3POD2.0), implemented in gonogo software, statistical testing methods were compared in practice by using them to determine impact and friction sensitivity of selected energetic materials. With Bruceton method 50% of the impact sensitivity and 27% of the friction sensitivity test series had to be discarded, due to too high or low s/d ratio. With 3POD2.0 0% of impact and 18% of friction test series had to be discarded, due to an error produced by the gonogo software. The number of individual tests that had to be discarded was much lower with 3POD2.0, since the gonogo software terminates the test process at early phase, while with Bruceton the test series most often must be finished before the validity of results can be assessed. Based on these results and literary reviews it can be concluded that 3POD2.0 is a suitable replacement for Bruceton to determine 50% initiation probability, while additionally gaining the entire sensitivity curve, resulting in fewer futile tests and less wasted resources.

Factors affecting the decision to use chatbots in e-banking services of GenZ customers in Vietnam

This article aims to measure and identify the factors influencing the decision to use Chatbot in e-banking services for GenZ customers in Vietnam through 292 customers. Testing methods: Cronbach’s Alpha trust factor, EFA discovery factor analysis, and regression analysis have shown that 07 factors directly affect GenZ’s decision to use Chatbot. Those factors include (1) Customer attitude; (2) Useful perception; (3) Perception of ease of use; (4) Behavioral control perception; (5) Risk perception; (6) Subjective norms and (7) Trust. On that basis, the article has set out management implications for Vietnamese commercial banks to approach and increase the decision of customers aged 18–24 years in Vietnam.

Angiotensin II Type-1 Receptor Antibody in Solid Organ Transplantation – Is It Time to Test?

Angiotensin II type-1 receptor antibody (AT1R-Ab) has been mooted as a potential effector of both acute and chronic antibody mediated rejection (AMR). A growing body of literature on the topic is now coming under scrutiny in the context of the evolving Banff AMR diagnostic classification system and refinement of recommendations for histocompatibility testing by the Sensitization in Transplantation Assessment of Risk (STAR) workgroup. This mini-review discusses the latest understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical evidence for the pathogenicity of AT1R-Ab, and methods of laboratory testing.

Comparison of molecular testing methods for diagnosing non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections.

Rapid and accurate identification of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is crucial yet challenging, promoting the development of novel molecular techniques such as amplification-based targeted high-throughput sequencing and metagenomic unbiased high-throughput sequencing. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of these molecular techniques for NTM infection. A total of 115 clinical specimens from patients with confirmed NTM infection were subjected to multiplex polymerase chain reaction detection techniques (multi-PCR), metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing (mNGS), targeted Next-Generation Sequencing (tNGS), and targeted Nanopore sequencing (tNanopore). Positivity rates and species identification were compared among these techniques. The sensitivity of mNGS, tNGS, and multi-PCR in NTM-infection diagnosis was 44.3%, 42.6%, and 36.5%, respectively, while the sensitivity of the three methods in combination increased to 54.8%. The pathogen identification results of mNGS, tNGS and multi-PCR were matched in 80.6% (25/31) samples at the species level, among which 14 samples (45.2%) was completely matched at the subspecies level. The results of tNanopore, tNGS and mNGS at the species level were completely matched in 73.3% (22/30) samples. These molecular assays demonstrated comparable performance in precisely identifying NTM species in clinical specimens, showing their promising potential as efficient and alternative tools for the rapid diagnosis of NTM disease.

Evaluating small-scale eucalyptus growers’ experience of the EVO mobile application: a comparative analysis of quantitative and qualitative assessment techniques

ABSTRACT Mobile applications (apps) have become widely available as decision support tools in agriculture and forestry worldwide. Owing to the above-mentioned development trend, identifying testing methods that can be easily implemented for evaluating mobile app development targeting rural livelihood-related topics is urgently required. This study examined user experiences with a previously launched and published mobile app (EVO) that small-scale eucalyptus growers can utilize to estimate their gross income and net profit from timber sales. The survey incorporated three user experience assessment methods. The study involved two rounds of data collection regarding the mobile app: the first round concerned version 1.0, whereas the second round referred to version 2.0. The aim was to identify the user experience of the EVO app for guiding further software development to improve its suitability among potential user groups, as well as to estimate the feasibility and usability of survey methods for evaluating mobile apps among smallholders and related stakeholders. The results indicated a remarkable improvement in user satisfaction between the two rounds. Using a combination of system usability scale, user acceptance testing, and quality questions is recommended for collecting valuable and useful feedback for the development of mobile apps.

Uplift of genetic diagnosis of rare respiratory disease using airway epithelium transcriptome analysis.

Rare genetic respiratory disease has an incidence rate of more than 1:2500 live births in Northern Europe and carries significant disease burden. Early diagnosis improves outcomes, but many individuals remain without a confident genetic diagnosis. Improved and expanded molecular testing methods are required to improve genetic diagnosis rates and thereby improve clinical outcomes. Using primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) as an exemplar rare genetic respiratory disease, we developed a standardized method to identify pathogenic variants using whole transcriptome RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) of nasal epithelial cells cultured at air-liquid interface (ALI). The method was optimized using cells from healthy volunteers, and people with rhino-pulmonary disease but no diagnostic indication of PCD. We validated the method using nasal epithelial cells from PCD patients with known genetic cause. We then assessed the ability of RNA-seq to identify pathogenic variants and the disease mechanism in PCD likely patients but in whom DNA genetic testing was inconclusive. The majority of 49 targeted PCD genes were optimally identified in RNA-seq data from nasal epithelial cells grown for 21days at ALI culture. Four PCD-likely patients without a previous genetic diagnosis received a confirmed genetic diagnosis from the findings of the RNA-seq data. We demonstrate the clinical potential of RNA-seq of nasal epithelial cells to identify variants in individuals with genetically unsolved PCD. This uplifted genetic diagnosis should improve genetic counselling, enables family cascade screening, opens the door to potential personalised treatment and care approaches. This methodology could be implemented in other rare lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis.

Bayesian accuracy estimates for diagnostic tests to detect tuberculosis in captive sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) and Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) in Cambodia and Vietnam.

Effective control of tuberculosis (TB) depends on early diagnosis of disease, yet available tests are unable to perfectly detect infected individuals. In novel hosts diagnostic testing methods for TB are extrapolated from other species, with unknown accuracy. The primary challenge to evaluating the accuracy of TB tests is the lack of a perfect reference test. Here we use a Bayesian latent class analysis approach to evaluate five tests available for ante-mortem detection of pulmonary TB in captive sun bears and Asiatic black bears in Southeast Asia. Using retrospective results from screening of 344 bears at three rescue centres, we estimate accuracy parameters for thoracic radiography, a serological assay (DPP VetTB), and three microbiological tests (microscopy, PCR (Xpert MTB/RIF, Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra), mycobacterial culture) performed on bronchoalveolar lavage samples. While confirming the high specificities (≥ 0.99) of the three microbiological tests, our model demonstrated their sub-optimal sensitivities (<0.7). Thoracic radiography was the only diagnostic method with sensitivity (0.95, 95% BCI: 0.76, 0.998) and specificity (0.95, 95% BCI: 0.91, 0.98) estimated above 0.9. We recommend caution when interpreting DPP VetTB results, with the increased sensitivity resulting from treatment of weakly visible reactions as positive accompanied by a drop in specificity, and we illustrate how the diagnostic value of weak DPP VetTB reactions is particularly reduced if disease prevalence and/or clinical suspicion is low. Conversely, the reduced utility of negative microbiological tests on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples when prevalence and/or clinical suspicion is high is demonstrated. Taken together our results suggest multiple tests should be applied and accompanied by consideration of the testing context, to minimise the consequences of misclassification of disease status of bears at risk of TB in sanctuary settings.

Pediatric masks of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

A number of factors contribute to the occurrence of chronic otolaryngological diseases in children at an early age, which often acquire a long, undulating course with exacerbations, relapses and complications. The increasing aggressiveness of environmental factors, the growth of allergization of the population, the formation of strains of microorganisms resistant to the action of medicines, lead to a steady increase in diseases of the nasopharyngeal tonsils and a worsening of their course, especially among children, both in our country and abroad. At the same time, the adenotonsillar problem has long gone beyond ENT pathology and attracts the attention of a wide range of medical resea. The aim of the work: to analyze the literature data on clinical manifestations, laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods and the prevalence of OSA in children. The analysis of publications using PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science search engines in the period from January 1970 to March 2024 related to research on epidemiological, pathogenetic, clinical and laboratory aspects of OSA in children and adults was carried out. rchers. Sleep respiratory disorder is a term covering various clinical diagnoses from primary snoring to obstructive sleep apnea. This clinical symptom is registered in at least one in nine children, which makes it one of the most frequently diagnosed sleep disorders and puts it in the category of serious social problems. The most compelling evidence relates to hyperactivity, inattention, and social problems: decreased social competence, increased problematic behavior, and decreased memory scores. Despite the growing body of evidence suggesting cognitive impairment in children with snoring, many results have been contradictory. The availability of pediatric sleep laboratories, even in countries with advanced health systems, is limited, which encourages the search for less complex and more convenient testing methods. Timely detection of the development of the disease allows you to prevent complications and improve the quality of life. The article also describes clinical cases of late diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea in children.

Image processing and artificial neural network based determination of surface mean texture depth on lab-controlled chip seal pavement samples.

Because surface texture is nearly the sole indicator of pavement functional properties and highly correlated with critical operational characteristics of roadways like traffic noise and safety, the change in pavement surface texture because of traffic loadings and environment has to be evaluated routinely. There are numerous direct or indirect evaluation techniques in the market. However, most of these methods have some limitations like requiring lane closure or being expensive. In this study, a 2D image processing method was established to estimate the surface mean texture depth (MTD) of chip sealed pavements. We produced chip sealed pavement samples in the laboratory with different aggregate type, shape, and size ranging between 2 and 19mm to cover wide range of live conditions. Two well-known conventional test methods, Sand Patch (SP) and Hydrotimer (HT), were used to determine MTDs of chip seal samples. Subsequently numerous photos were taken on surface of the samples with a camera for 2-D image processing that was done based on surface void ratio (SVR) approach. With the image processing, SVR of all samples were determined. At the point of whether there is a relationship or not, correlation analysis was made between the MTDs obtained with SP and HT and the data obtained by SVR approach with the artificial neural network method. The results show that the proposed SVR approach construed on 2D image processing method can be a reliable alternative to evaluate the surface texture of pavements.