Different Types Of Tests Research Articles

Mining and Utilizing Knowledge Correlation and Learners’ Similarity Can Greatly Improve Learning Efficiency and Effect: A Case Study on Chinese Writing Stroke Correction

Using AI technology to improve teaching and learning is an important goal of educational sustainability. By mining the correlation between knowledge points, the discrete knowledge points can be integrated to improve the knowledge density and reduce the learning task. In addition, the successful experiences of similar learners can be shared, thus shortening the learning path of new learners. To change the common situation of irregular writing stroke order, to teach and correct stroke order effectively, this study uses association rules to explore the potential correlation between error-prone Chinese characters based on a large number of learners’ writing records, and then summarizes and sorts out a set of error-prone Chinese characters based on this. Every Chinese character contained in an error-prone category has a common error-prone feature. By correcting this error, it can be extended to every Chinese character of this category, and the learning efficiency of Chinese character strokes can be improved tens of times. In the training and testing system with a Chinese character error-prone character set, combined with the improved collaborative filtering algorithm, a learner-based personalized error-prone Chinese character recommendation model was proposed. Experimental results showed that the Apriori algorithm with lift measure can excavate effective strong association rules and provide an important reference for the character set table. The improved collaborative filtering algorithm can make use of the similarity between learners, share successful learning experiences, provide a personalized recommendation service for error-prone Chinese characters, and the recommendation performance is higher than that of the traditional collaborative filtering model. In the test of different types of learning groups, there are obvious differences between the independent pre-test and the post-training test, which effectively corrects the irregular writing habits, and further indicates that the excavation of knowledge correlation and the combination of learners’ similarity can effectively improve the efficiency and effect of teaching and learning.

Practices of Cancer Screening for Average-Risk Cancer Patients Among Primary Healthcare Center Physicians in Al-Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia.

Cancer screening programs exist in Saudi Arabia for some types of cancers. However, data on primary healthcare center (PHC) physicians' practices in referring patients for screening tests or procedures remain unclear. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a self-reported survey that included 141 PHC physicians affiliated with the Ministry of Health in the Al-Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. The primary outcome was the practice of recommending to average-risk patients screening tests for different types of cancers including breast, colorectal, cervical, prostate, and lung, and testing if sociodemographic, specialty, job level, years of experience, a family history of cancer, and patients encountered per day affect their decisions. Secondary outcomes were the barriers perceived by physicians to recommending a screening test. p-value <0.05 was considered significant. The study included 141 respondents, of which60.3% were males, and the mean age of the entire population was 35.7 ± 8.3 years. The rate of recommending cancer screening varied by the type of cancer, with screening for colorectal cancer being the most prominent (64.5%), followed by breast cancer (51.8%). Fear of finding cancer, poor patient compliance, and difficulty in scheduling the test were the most common patient, physician, and system-related barriers as perceived by PHC physicians.Male physicians were less likely to recommend patients for breast (0.10, 95%CI 0.04-0.23, p < 0.001) and cervical (0.26, 95%CI 0.08-0.78, p = 0.017) cancer screening. However, they were 3.74 times more likely to recommend prostate cancer screening (95%CI 1.20-11.68, p = 0.023) and 5.79 times more likely to request lung cancer screening (95%CI 1.27-26.39, p = 0.023). Level of education, specialty, and being a senior physician were factors associated with cervical cancer screening. Physicians who work in non-general practice specialties were morelikely to recommend cervical cancer screening than those who work in general practice (95%CI 0.04-0.48, p = 0.002). Senior physicians such as registrars/senior registrars and consultants were more likely to request or recommend a patient for breast cancer screening (2.85, 95%CI 1.11-7.35) and cervical cancer screening (6.35, 95%CI 2.10-019.19). Screenings for colorectal and breast cancer were the commonly recommended screening tests. Patients' fear of finding cancer, poor patient compliance, and delays or difficulty in scheduling the procedures were the commonly identified barriers as perceived by physicians that influenced physician decisions in referring patients for cancer screening. Our findings suggest that cancer screening rates may be improved by educating individuals on the benefit of early detection of cancers and providing assurance for them with regard to the availability of effective treatments. More research is needed on ways to overcome the obstacles physicians encounter and the outcomes of these measures with regard to improved screening practices.

Stability evaluation of biodiesel supplemented with synthetic and bio-based antioxidants by a pressurized accelerated oxidation method

This work examines pressurized accelerated oxidation by a RapidOxy tester as an alternative method for determination of biodiesel oxidation stability. Sunflower oil-based biodiesel was synthesized and treated with antioxidants: tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) - a synthetic antioxidant known for its powerful protective effect, and a mixture of bio-based antioxidant compounds extracted from vinery waste, VWEeth. The antioxidant potency of TBHQ was evaluated at varying temperatures (110 - 140 ?C) and concentrations (250 - 2,000 mg dm-3) by the RapidOxy method; assessment of selected results was performed by comparison with relevant data obtained by the standard Rancimat method. VWEeth was added in two high dosages to biodiesel (87,500 and 150,000 mg dm-3) and analyzed at 140?C by the RapidOxy method. Both antioxidants at all applied dosages showed beneficial effects on improving the oxidative stability of biodiesel, but not all of the achieved improvements reached the stability minimum identified by the EN14214 standard. The lowest addition of TBHQ seemed to have a similar effect as the tested dosages of VWEeth but these additions did not increase the induction period above the limit of 8 h; two-fold higher quantity of TBHQ was successful in this respect, increasing the initial oxidation stability by a factor of about 2, which was determined by both methods. The RapidOxy method proved to be a very fast method suitable for testing a large number of samples, which is particularly important for efficient testing of different types and doses of antioxidants.

A Day in the Life of a HVDC Testing Facility: A Case Study on Qualification of a 525-kV Cable

Different types of tests and programs necessary to qualify HVDC cables are introduced, and experiences gained during the qualification of a cable system are highlighted.

CURRENT ASSESSMENT PRACTICES IN UKRAINIAN TRANSLATION CLASSROOM: TEACHERS’ SURVEY RESULTS

Purpose. The article is aimed at the studies of the assessment practices currently applied in translation training at Ukrainian universities in the context of cutting-edge trends and dispositions in translator’s education observed worldwide. They include the synergism of both evaluative and formative assessment, the extensive use of diverse assessment methods and tools, including alternative ones, the rational involvement of self- and peer-assessment procedures. Method. A mixed research method was designed and employed with that end in view. It involved 41 translation teachers from 16 Ukrainian universities, who were asked to answer an online survey of 30 close and open-ended questions regarding their background, attitude to assessment and its different aspects such as functions, procedures and tools used for different types of tests in translation, assessment objects and agents, grading methods and associated problems. The obtained results were processed with the help of statistical methods and contrasted with the data received by relevant studies conducted abroad within the last twenty years. Findings. The findings of this research allowed us to compile the aggregated profile of Ukrainian translation teachers in terms of assessment practice, define the most common ways to conduct monitoring, borderline and summative assessment in teaching translation to undergraduate students in Ukraine, and claim that the teachers’ subjective evaluation of translation assessment efficiency depends on their teaching experience. Implications for research and practice. The obtained results should boost further theoretical and practical development in the field of translation assessment as well as in the area of translation teachers’ training.

An experimental validation of unified mechanics theory for predicting stainless steel low and high cycle fatigue damage initiation.

An experimental campaign of stainless-steel specimen tests has been completed. Three different types of tests have been performed: UTS (Ultimate Tensile Strength), LCF (Low Cycle Fatigue) and HCF (High Cycle Fatigue). This experimental campaign has been conceived and performed to validate the fatigue damage initiation prediction capabilities of UMT (Unified Mechanics Theory). Two different formulations have been used for LCF and HCF. For the latter, a modification to the existing approach is proposed in this paper. Good agreement has been found between UMT predictions and experimental results.

25 ASSOCIATION OF CORONARY COMPUTED TOMOGRAFY ANGIOGRAPHY AND STRESS-ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY WITH LONG-TERM CARDIAC OUTCOME: A COMPARISON STUDY

Abstract Objectives The study aims to assess which variables on coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) and vasodilator stress-echocardiography (SE) are best associated with long-term cardiac outcome in patients presenting for suspected chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). Background There is no published data regarding how CTA and SE variables compare regarding the association with long-term cardiac outcome in patients with suspected CCS who performed both tests. Methods From the prospectively-collected SE we selected all patients (n=397) who underwent both SE and CTA within 30 days, in the period between 2007 and 2019, performed with the clinical indication of suspected CCS, independently from which of the two tests was performed first. Coronary artery calcium score (CACS) and the number of coronary arteries with diameter stenosis &amp;gt;50% were assessed on CTA. The presence of reversible regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA) and reduced Doppler coronary flow velocity reserve in the left anterior descending coronary artery (CFVR) were assessed on SE. The association of SE and CTA variables with cardiac outcome (cardiac death or myocardial infarction) was assessed using Fine and Gray competing risk models. Results During a median follow-up of about 10 years (median 3783 days, lower-upper quartile, 1470-4653), 38 patients (10%) experienced a non-fatal myocardial infarction, 19 (5%) died because of cardiac cause and 26 (7%) died from causes other than cardiac. Four patients had first a non-fatal myocardial infarction, and later died because of cardiac cause during follow-up, so that finally the number of cardiac events was 53. RWMA (HR 7.189, p&amp;lt;0.001) and a lower CFVR (HR 0.034, p&amp;lt;0.001) on SE, CACS (HR 1.004, p&amp;lt;0.001) and the number of &amp;gt;50% stenosed coronary vessels (HR 1.975, p&amp;lt;0.001) on CTA were each associated with cardiac events. After adjusting for covariates, only CACS and CFVR remained associated (both p&amp;lt;0.001) with cardiac outcome, while this was not the case for the number of stenosed vessels on CTA or RWMA on SE. When considering CVFR as a categorical parameter (&amp;lt;2) and CACS in the usual 4 categories, only CFVR&amp;lt;2 remained significantly and independently associated with the risk of cardiac events (HR 13.890, 95% CI 4.154 to 46.445, p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusions Our data suggest that only CFVR on SE and CACS on CTA are independently and strongly associated with long-term cardiac outcome, unlike RWMA or the number of stenosed coronary arteries, usually considered the hallmarks of coronary artery disease on each test. Coronary artery calcium score and CFVR, although they originate from two different types of tests (anatomical or functional) share a higher sensitivity for milder or early-stage atherosclerotic disease when compared with their respective traditional, theoretically “ischemia-hallmarks” counterparts (obstructive CAD on CTA and reversible RWMA on SE). We speculate that the tighter association of CACS and CFVR with outcome in this study confirms the capability of these two markers to detect those early and possibly pre-clinical signs of CAD, which may turn into clinical events in the very long run.

An overview of functional, psychophysical and structural techniques to study murid models in vision science

AbstractThe retina is a highly specialized tissue, made up of various cell types that are structured and organized to form a complex neural network. However, the retina is also highly susceptible to various types of pathophysiological alterations, which can lead to the loss of the different cellular elements and thus to the loss of a large part of the retina's visual functions.Over time, different types of behavioural, functional or electrophysiological tests have been developed that have allowed us to study the different visual capacities of the retina in murine models of retinal neurodegeneration, without the need to sacrifice the animals or induce serious damage from invasive recording.Behavioural testing has proven to be a powerful tool for the study of alterations in retinal visual pathways. These techniques allow a simple but effective analysis of the visual capabilities of experimental animal models with retinal degenerative processes. Physiological aspects such as light sensitivity or the degree of visual acuity of these animal models can be quickly and effectively analysed by applying different types of tests such as the Light/Dark Transition Test or the Optomotor Test, respectively. Likewise, behavioural techniques also allow us to study other biological aspects such as the circadian activity of the animal models, which would allow us to study alterations that also affect the retinal pathways that do not participate in the image formation process. In addition, the simplicity of some of these tests allows the combination of several parameters that allow us to simultaneously study several visual abilities equally.Likewise, other non‐invasive functional tests, such as the Pupillary Light Reflex study, allow us to determine the degree to which retinal neurodegenerative disorders affect other closely related signalling pathways, such as the afferent and efferent pathways responsible for the pupillary reflex.Finally, electroretinographic recording techniques are an invaluable tool for studying the functionality of the various retinal cell populations. By applying specific light stimuli, it is possible to record the specific response of certain cellular elements, studying how various pathophysiological alterations of the retina affect its functionality. Variations of these techniques have even made it possible to study the activity of cells in the primary visual cortex.With the development of new fields of study, such as optopharmacology, the knowledge and correct choice of visual characterization techniques is essential to study the efficacy of these new ophthalmological approaches.

Ultra-Fine Particle Emissions Characterization and Reduction Technologies in a NG Heavy Duty Engine

This paper describes some strategies to deal with the arduous challenge of reducing emissions from the transport sector. Two different approaches in particle emissions reduction from natural gas (NG) heavy duty (HD) engines were evaluated. The focus was on reducing the ultra-fine sub 23 nm particles, a key aspect in the vehicles’ impact on human health and environment. To this end, an experimental research activity was carried out on a NG HD engine that was EURO VI regulation compliant. Lubricant oils characterized by different base compositions and ash contents were compared to provide a preferred path to develop formulations. The performed activity on world harmonized transient cycles (WHTCs) have demonstrated a high reduction potential (≈70%) that is reachable by acting on the lube formulation. A CNG particle filter (CPF), derived from the diesel and gasoline engines technology, was fully characterized in terms of its filtration efficiency. Three different types of tests were carried out: steady state, WHTCs, and several idle-to-load step maneuvers. The CPF was highly efficient in reducing solid particles over 10 nm diameter in all the different tests. During WHTCs, the mean abatement efficiency was about 85%. Both technologies provide interesting insights to make NG HD engines compliant with the upcoming Euro VII regulation.

Model assessment of a bridge by load and dynamic tests

The assessment and monitoring of structures through in situ tests, especially dynamic tests, is becoming a common procedure due to the evolution of the instruments and numerical processing of data. However, the use of the data based on the supervised approach, which requires engineering knowledge of the structure is needed before assessing the numerical model that will be the “digital twin” model of the construction for future analysis, monitoring and upgrading of the structure. This process is very complex and requires strong competence in the field of structural engineering, but it allows a real reference for the periodic check of the structure health with a method to also define a solution for its maintenance and upgrade. In this paper, a case study of a PC bridge designed by Riccardo Morandi in 1952–1955 is proposed to apply the process of updating a numerical model by static and dynamic in situ tests. The process based on the two different types of tests was separately conducted to evaluate the efficiency and the difference in the results. The main results of the two types of tests overlap for most features, but specific evidenced aspects that are observed have to be considered.

How Do Private Providers Unaffiliated With the Nigeria National TB Program Diagnose and Treat Drug-Susceptible TB Patients? A Cross-Sectional Study.

TB diagnosis and treatment practices among private providers not affiliated with the Nigeria National TB Program (NTP) have implications for TB control efforts. Studies evaluating these practices among non-NTP providers are scarce. We aimed to investigate TB diagnosis and treatment practices among non-NTP private providers in urban Lagos State, Nigeria. We conducted a cross-sectional study among doctors and nurses operating private facilities not formally affiliated with the NTP for TB case notification. Between May 2018 and January 2019, we implemented a survey using a pretested questionnaire among 152 doctors and nurses attending TB sensitization seminars in Lagos, Nigeria. We used descriptive statistics to summarize the sociodemographic information and proportion of non-NTP providers with different self-reported TB diagnostic, prescription, and monitoring practices. Private non-NTP doctors and nurses self-reported diagnosing TB using 8 different types of tests. Acid-fast bacilli was the most common (39.8%) means of diagnosing TB. Private non-NTP providers also self-reported prescribing 23 different TB regimens, including streptomycin, to treat TB. Only 32.4% of providers self-reported using the correct combinations of anti-TB drugs to treat TB. Additionally, 58.3% of providers prescribed the standard 6-month treatment duration for pulmonary TB patients, and the remaining 41.7% either undertreated or overtreated TB. A large proportion of private doctors and nurses not formally affiliated with the NTP in Nigeria were not following the NTP guidelines in the diagnosis and treatment of TB. Overtreatment and undertreatment were common. Engagement of these practitioners by the NTP in the form of supervision, on-the-job mentorship, and other strategies can mitigate the negative effects of their current practices on TB case notification and the spread of drug-resistant strains in Nigeria.

Performance Evaluation of Aged Asphalt Pavement Binder through Rejuvenators

Natural resources are declining due to rising infrastructure, renovation, demolition, and recycling of existing structures that necessitate sustainable development. It urges the researchers to modify the aged asphalt binder in the recycling to enhance the performance life of asphaltic pavements. The aim of this research study is to reutilize recycled materials through rejuvenation. This study utilizes the Cereclor to rejuvenate the aged binder collected from recycling and explore its transformation by comparing it with parent binder of similar grade. Different types of tests, such as basic physical properties, saturates, aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes (SARA) analysis for the fractional composition, bending beam rheometer (BBR), and dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) for rheological properties are applied to investigate these properties and effect on the performance. The results show that rejuvenator improved the fractional composition of the aged asphalt binder. It significantly improved the physical properties of the binder. The asphaltene contents are reduced up to 18% in the fractional composition through the addition of the optimum dosage (7.5%) of the rejuvenator. The colloidal instability index was decreased from 0.74 to 0.43 value by changing its unstable to stable colloidal structure. In addition, rejuvenator improved the rheological properties at a wide range of temperatures. The rejuvenator has the potential to soften the aged binder through optimum dosage (7.5%), as indicated in the results of fractional composition, colloidal structure, and rheological properties. Furthermore, it has been concluded that it can be utilized as a rejuvenator in the recycling industry to resolve the recycled materials disposal issues and lead to promote sustainable development.

Experimental study of the torsional effect for yarn break load test of polymeric multifilaments

Polymeric multifilaments have gained a significant interest in recent decades. In the studies of mechanical characteristics, although there are different types of tests, such as rupture, abrasion, creep, impact and fatigue, it can be said that the main mechanical characterisation is the tensile rupture strength (Yarn Break Load, YBL), which also serves as a parameter for other tests. The objective of this work is to evaluate the results of breaking strength under different torsional conditions in polymeric multifilaments and to determine optimal twists for failures. The test were carried out with the following materials: polyamide, polyester, and high modulus polyethylene (HMPE), and for torsional conditions: 0, 20, 40, 60, 120, 240, and 480 turns per metre. As a result, for these torsion groups, curves were obtained for the three materials that present an optimal point of maximum rupture value, which was also experimentally proven. The twist that optimises the breaking strength of HMPE is 38 turns per metre, 56 turns per metre for polyester, and 95 turns per metre for polyamide. The twist groups that exceed the optimal torsion have a deleterious effect on the material, where the multifilament ceases to be homogeneous and starts to create an excessive "spring effect". The results found differ from the recommendation of the standard that regulates the YBL test, and thus, a relationship is built between groups of optimal torsion and linear density that provides evidence that the increase in linear density causes the optimal torsion for rupture to also increase, while the standard places a condition of 30 turns per metre for linear densities greater than 2200 dtex, and 60 turns per metre for linear densities less than 2200 dtex. In addition to optimal torsion values, this conclusion is paramount, the test procedure makes a general recommendation that does not optimise the breaking strength.

Nanofiltration of wastewaters from olive oil production: Study of operating conditions and analysis of fouling by 2D fluorescence and FTIR spectroscopy

The presented work tries to solve the problem of the large volumes of oil mill wastewater (OMW). For this, nanofiltration is presented as a possible second stage of treatment. Different membranes were tested under different operating conditions, varying cross flow velocity (CFV) and transmembrane pressure (TMP), in order to obtain a concentrate rich in phenolic compounds and also an adequate permeate able to be returned to the process as machinery cleaning water. The NF270 membrane under the conditions of 1 ms−1 CFV and 10 bar of TMP was observed to be the best to concentrate the phenolic compounds, with high permeate flux and low fouling. Different types of tests were performed: membrane adsorption tests with different compounds, nanofiltration tests with a model solution (MS) to analyse fouling and check the effectiveness of the cleaning protocol and, finally, the selected NF270 membrane was tested with OMW. Also, for the first time, 2D fluorescence spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used together as tools to study membrane fouling. From the adsorption tests it was observed that all the considered compounds had an effect on the membrane surfaces, which was also confirmed from the nanofiltration tests (with the DM900 membrane the most affected). After cleaning, the membranes fouled with MS and OMW did not recover the spectra of the pristine membranes but, instead, matched the spectra presented by the new membranes subjected to the cleaning protocol. Finally, the following a suitable membrane for this purpose is selected In addition, it has been proved that the used spectroscopic techniques are a feasible option for the study of both fouling and efficiency of cleaning protocols.

Deep convolutional neural network based closed-loop SOC estimation for lithium-ion batteries in hierarchical scenarios

Battery type variation and sensor measurement noise in different scenarios decrease the accuracy and robustness of the state of charge (SOC) estimation. To develop a universal SOC estimator for different scenarios, this study proposes a closed-loop framework based on a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN). First, a two-dimensional CNN is proposed to extract the features of the input data based on the convolutional operation and average pooling to train a pre-trained model with a smaller model size, and the raw data are processed by a moving window. Then, transfer learning and pruning operations are employed to help the pre-trained model quickly adapt to hierarchical scenarios. Finally, to improve the robustness of SOC estimation under low-quality measurement, the DCNN is proposed to learn the relationship between the SOC and measurement equations of the Kalman filter to realise closed-loop estimation. Several experiments were carried out for validation, including battery tests of different types and aging states. The evaluation results show that root mean square errors (RMSEs) of less than 2.47% can be obtained by fine-tuning the parameters of the last few layers. We demonstrated the robustness of the proposed method in three hierarchical scenarios; it maintained RMSEs of less than 1.78% under severe disturbances.

A REVIEW OF DIRECT SHEAR AND INCLINED PLANE TESTS RESULTS FOR DIFFERENT INTERFACES IN LANDFILL CAPPING

One of the crucial aspects in design of a landfill capping is the interface behavior between the different layers of the cover system, from levelling layer above waste up to the topsoil. Design guidelines and international codes require a geotechnical stability analysis to be performed along every interface. The critical interface is the one which gives the minimum shear resistance, in terms of friction angle and adhesion. Evaluation of the correct values to be used is then essential. Shear resistance at the interface between different geosynthetics or between a geosynthetic and a soil can be measured through laboratory tests. Testing methods are EN ISO 12957-1 and ASTM D5321 (for direct shear test) and EN ISO 12957-2 (for inclined plane). The paper briefly describes direct shear and inclined plane testing methods and enhances pros and cons. In the last 25 years the authors have coordinated a great number of the above tests with different types of geosynthetics and soils. The main results of these tests are reported in the paper, summarizing the values obtained with contact interface between different products belonging to the same families. The purpose of this work is to validate the already big database of interface strength measured with direct shear tests and to evaluate the differences with the results obtained for the different types of tests. This can give to designers the chance to have a critical approach toward the most suitable testing method to be used according to the specific needs of a project.

Public perceptions and interactions with UK COVID-19 Test, Trace and Isolate policies, and implications for pandemic infectious disease modelling

Background The efforts to contain SARS-CoV-2 and reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have been supported by Test, Trace and Isolate (TTI) systems in many settings, including the United Kingdom. Mathematical models of transmission and TTI interventions, used to inform design and policy choices, make assumptions about the public’s behaviour in the context of a rapidly unfolding and changeable emergency. This study investigates public perceptions and interactions with UK TTI policy in July 2021, assesses them against how TTI processes are conceptualised and represented in models, and then interprets the findings with modellers who have been contributing evidence to TTI policy. Methods 20 members of the public recruited via social media were interviewed for one hour about their perceptions and interactions with the UK TTI system. Thematic analysis identified key themes, which were then presented back to a workshop of pandemic infectious disease modellers who assessed these findings against assumptions made in TTI intervention modelling. Workshop members co-drafted this report. Results Themes included education about SARS-CoV-2, perceived risks, trust, mental health and practical concerns. Findings covered testing practices, including the uses of and trust in different types of testing, and the challenges of testing and isolating faced by different demographic groups. This information was judged as consequential to the modelling process, from guiding the selection of research questions, influencing choice of model structure, informing parameter ranges and validating or challenging assumptions, to highlighting where model assumptions are reasonable or where their poor reflection of practice might lead to uninformative results. Conclusions We conclude that deeper engagement with members of the public should be integrated at regular stages of public health intervention modelling.

Comparing and Reviewing Modern Primality Tests

Primality tests refer to algorithms that determine whether a number is prime or composite. These tests are essential to modern encryption algorithms, including the widely used RSA public key encryption algorithm. However, with so many different primality tests out there, choosing the correct one for a given application can be challenging. This paper provides an overview of modern primality tests, detailing the differences between different types of tests and when one test may be preferable to another. Furthermore, implementations of popular primality tests are written and compared to one another graphically to better understand their differing performances. Lastly, we look at next steps for the field of primality tests due to the rise of quantum computing, which could serve as a means of creating even better primality tests.

Durability of Recycled Concrete Aggregates Prepared with Mechanochemical and Thermal Treatment.

Recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) have low quality when compared with natural or conventional aggregates as the paste adhering to it is the key aspect that affects its functionality. Since the adhering cementitious paste weakens the adhesion between the aggregate and the binder, it becomes a decisive factor in the mechanical behavior of the asphalt mixture. It turns out that enhancing the surface of the aggregate or eliminating the paste attached to the NA (natural aggregate) is crucial for improving interfacial bonding. Therefore, the treatment and evaluation of the RCAs by laboratory testing method were studied in this research to assess their reuse in the asphalt pavement surface coarse layer. With the various techniques for removing paste from the RCA, a combination of three enhancement processes were developed for the effective removal of the cement paste, which are mechanical, chemical, and 400 °C conditioning thermal treatment. The RCAs were first charged in a Los Angeles machine for the mechanical treatment to remove parts of the attached cement. Then they were soaked in two types of acids, namely hydrochloric and sulfuric, with different concentrations to determine the most effective or optimum molarity for about a 48 h soaking duration. Then a 2 h thermal treatment was conducted on the RCA samples. After all the treatments were done, the RCA aggregates were subjected to different types of tests to examine their properties in order to ensure their full potential in terms of their physical, chemical, mineralogical, and surface microstructure characteristics. Based on the experiment design, the study intends to examine the quality of the treated recycled aggregates generated by the combination approach as well as to investigate the optimal acid concentration and type. The results show that the proposed mechanochemical and thermal treatment reinforced the quality of the RCAs when compared to the non-treated samples. Meanwhile, HCl proved to be the optimum compared to H2SO4 in most examinations of the properties. In the end, better chemical qualities were validated, and the RCA qualities were improved.

Engineering and design of a novel high-current source for testing low-voltage electrical equipment

This article presents the specification and design of a low-voltage high-current source with a capacity of up to 65 kA and 1 kV for testing electrical equipment such as low-voltage power circuit breaker switchgear, metal-enclosed switchgear, transformers, and cables, among others. Tests that can be performed with the proposed source include the short-circuit withstand on the low-voltage side of transformers, verification in temperature rise limits on electrical power connectors and transformers, and other compliance tests on power circuit breaker switchgear and controlgear assemblies. The design results from the comparison of general topologies of high-current sources according to the literature and test requirements established in current IEEE and IEC standards. In addition, the low-voltage high-current source emerged as a need for the Colombian electricity sector and will help comply with the test guidelines for switchgear and other low-voltage equipment, according to the national standard, also contributing to reducing costs of conducting tests abroad. The specification of the source resulted in the definition of three operating ranges for different types of tests, equipment, voltage, and current levels. Moreover, the general scheme of the low-voltage high-current source is provided with a description of the major components, namely, the novel medium- and low-voltage power modules based on the parallel and series arrangements of toroidal transformers to obtain levels of current and voltage of up to 65 kA and 1 kV, and the switching and protection, control, and measurement systems. Finally, a discussion of the results is presented, and the conclusions are highlighted. © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.