Onsite Testing of Ammonium Oxalate Treatment Applied to Historical Salt-Infested Limestone

Ammonium oxalate treatment, previously extensively studied on limestone in the laboratory, was applied to powdering historical stonework （limestone） situated on the shoreline in the Mediterranean Island of Malta. This paper presents the results obtained from onsite testing that aimed at evaluating the treatment in terms of its aesthetic performance, the depth of treatment, the mechanical properties of the consolidated stone and the influence on water transport. To this end, the testing program included colorimetry, DRMS （drilling resistance measurement system） and water absorption through the contact sponge method. This study is Part One of the final phase of a wider research program which included two previous phases progressing from treating this same very porous stone type in a laboratory-based controlled environment to uncontrolled site conditions, seeking to quantify this treatment＇s effectiveness in the field. Results showed that onsite consolidation was achieved and that although some changes in colour and water absorption were brought about by the treatment, these were within acceptable tolerance limits. Besides carrying out these treatments and evaluations directly on the coast, this study anticipates further studies which will look at rural and urban sites where the types and concentrations of salts are expected to be different.

RAPID NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING OF HEAT-TREATMENT QUALITY OF 2014 ALUMINIUM ALLOY

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Simplified Removable Ground Test-Bed for Testing Turbofan Engine

A new simplified removable ground test-bed was designed for testing a certainturbofan engine. The facilities are 5.5 m long, 1.5 m wide, 2.2 m high and not more than 4. 5 t ofits empty weight. There are four rubber wheels that could be towed. There is an independentelectrical measurement and control system to test the rotational speed of rotors, the gas pressureof the compressor, the exhaust gas temperature, etc. Cooperated with the oil truck and the electricpower supply truck, the turbofan engine could be preserved on the ground and started to the idlingregime. While running, the parameter of the engine could be recorded, disposed and displayed. Inaddition, the facilities were successfully applied to the plateau experiment in order to researchhow the atmosphere pressure affects the start of engines. Some data are given in the paper.

Importance of antimicrobial susceptibility testing for the management of eradication in Helicobacter pylori infection

The management of Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection treatment differs from the common treatment protocol for other infectious diseases. Because culture-or molecular-guided approaches face several practical issues, such as the invasive procedures required to obtain gastric biopsy specimens and the lack of availability of routine laboratory testing in some places, H. pylori treatment includes the administration of two or three empirically selected antibiotics combined with a proton pump inhibitor rather than evidence-based eradication treatment. The efficacy of empirical therapy is decreasing, mostly due to increasing multiple resistance. Multiresistance to levofloxacin, clarithromycin, and metronidazole, which are commonly used in empirical treatments, appears to have increased in many countries. Mutations play a primary role in the antimicrobial resistance of H. pylori, but many different mechanisms can be involved in the development of antibiotic resistance. Determining and understanding these possible mechanisms might allow the development of new methods for the detection of H. pylori and the determination of antimicrobial resistance. A treatment based on the detection of antimicrobial resistance is usually more effective than empirical treatment. Nevertheless, such an approach before treatment is still not recommended in the Maastricht guidelines due to the difficulty associated with the routine application of available cultureor molecular-based susceptibility tests, which are usually administered in cases of treatment failure. The management of first and rescue treatments requires further research due to the steadily increase in antimicrobial resistance.

The value of neurocognitive testing for acute outcomes after mild traumatic brain injury

Background: Traditionally, neurocognitive testing is performed weeks to months after head injury and is mostly performed on patients who continue to have symptoms or difficulties. In this study, we sought to determine whether these tests, when administered acutely, could assist in predicting short-term outcomes after acute traumatic brain injury(TBI).Methods: This is an IRB-approved prospective study of adult patients who came to the emergency department of our Level-1 trauma center with TBI. Patients were enrolled prospectively after providing written informed consent and underwent three separate neurocognitive tests: the Galveston Orientation Amnesia Test(GOAT), the Rivermead PostConcussion Survey Questionnaire(RPCSQ), and the Mini Mental Status Examination(MMSE).Results: A lower GOAT score was significantly associated with hospitalization(P=0.0212) and the development of post-concussion syndrome(PCS) at late follow-up(P=0.0081). A higher RPCSQ score was significantly associated with hospital admission(P=0.0098), re-admission within 30 days of discharge(P=0.0431) and evidence of PCS at early follow-up(P=0.0004). A higher MMSE score was significantly associated with not being admitted to the hospital(P=0.0002) and not returning to the emergency department(ED) within 72 hours of discharge(P=0.0078). Lower MMSE was also significantly associated with bleeding or a fracture on the brain CT(P=0.0431).Conclusions: While neurocognitive testing is not commonly performed in the ED in the setting of acute head injury, it is both feasible and appears to have value in predicting hospital admission and PCS. These data are especially important in terms of helping patients understand what to expect, thus, aiding in their recovery.

Understanding Health Worker Perspectives on Risk Screening for HIV Testing—A Qualitative Study from Zimbabwe

Background: Zimbabwe recorded a 55% increase in HIV testing from 2011 to 2018 but with decreasing HIV-testing yields from 20% to 6% respectively as we aim to identify the narrowing gap of undiagnosed people living with HIV. As such adoption of screening tools during targeted HIV testing services improves efficiency by identifying individuals who are likely to test positive. Effective utilization of screening tools requires an understanding of health care worker perception and willingness to use the tools. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study among healthcare workers at 8 selected primary healthcare facilities in Zimbabwe. Interviewer-guided, in-depth interviews were conducted with healthcare workers and their immediate supervisors. Thematic analysis was performed following a framework built around the grounded theory model to describe perspectives that influence the utilization of HIV screening tools and suggestions for improved eligibility screening. Results: Behavioural factors facilitating the utilisation of the screening tool included motivation to adhere to standard practice, awareness of screening in targeting testing, and its ability to manage workload through screening out ineligible clients. This was evident across service delivery levels. Barriers included limited healthcare capacity, confidentiality space, multiple screening tools and opaque screening in/out criteria and the potential of clients not responding to screening questions truthfully. Conclusions: Across geographical and service delivery levels, placing screening tools at HIV testing entry points, healthcare worker knowledge on screening in/out criteria emerged as enablers for correct and consistent utilization. Further, standardizing the tools and adopting a decision aid algorithm would improve the accurate utilisation of screening tools.

文献“Software Testing in Space Programs”点评

作者以他个人的观点,对该文献中重要部分进行了点评,指出:空间软件地面可靠性测试尽管困难重重且有诸多限制,但不能放松甚至放弃执行现有的软件地面测试标准;应从"精神号"火星探测器飞行失败中吸取教训,加强软件地面测试,包括传统软件黑盒和白盒测试方法中的典型测试项目(如:健壮测试、应力测试、极值测试、随机测试等);已经公布的新软件研发标准——Aerospace Report No.TOR-2004(3909)-3537,Software Development Standard for Space Systems值得我们参考。

Analysis of the integrated test and evaluation methods of tidal current energy generating devices in the offshore testing site

Actual sea condition testing and inspection and evaluation method research are carried out for tidal energy devices to provide scientific and effective technical support for the ocean high-tech achievement transformation and marine renewable energy development. By analyzing three core indicators, including the power output characteristics of the tidal current device, the generating capacity, energy conversion efficiency, proposed the test contents and evaluation methods of indicators are proposed in this paper; and based on the research of wind farms, power quality testing and assessment methods of offshore tidal energy device are proposed; given the security access to the test contents of tidal current energy device, tidal current energy device running conditions in the testing ground are comprehensively assessed.

Nondestructive testing for crack of tunnel lining using GPR

Lining craze, as a common engineering damage, affects the bearing capacity and the safety of tunnels.To improve the capabilities of the surface crack detection in the tunnel lining, ground penetrating radar(GPR) was employed. The principle and method of GPR for cracks investigation of tunnel lining were expounded. As an application example, some field measurements in order to detect the depth of cracks for the tunnel lining were achieved in a new tunnel. All GPR investigations were made with the antennae of 1 GHz. The cracks of concrete structure were located, and the distributing and depth of cracks are inspected and estimated by GPR. The results of investigation show GPR is accurate and efficient to detect cracks of tunnel lining.

Evaluation and diagnostic testing of erectile dysfunction in the era of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors

The diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction has changed dramatically since the availability of safe and effective oral therapies. Unfortunately, not all men can be adequately treated in this way, and might require more invasive testing to diagnose and treat the specific cause of their dysfunction. This review looks at the tests and strategies available for men who cannot be treated by oral therapy alone.

Performance of identical rockbolts tested on four dynamic testing rigs employing the direct impact method

Impact drop tests are routinely used to examine the dynamic performance of rockbolts.Numerous impact tests have been carried out in the past decades on independently designed,constructed and operated testing rigs.Each laboratory has developed testing procedures;thus,the results are often reported in different ways by various laboratories.The inconsistency in testing procedures and reporting formats presents a challenge when comparing results from different laboratories.A series of impact tests of identical rockbolts was carried out using the direct impact method(i.e.the mass free-fall method)on the rigs in four laboratories in different countries.The purpose of these tests was to investigate the level of consistency in the results from the four rigs.Each rig demonstrated a high level of repeatability,but differences existed between the various rigs.The differences would suggest that there is noticeable equipment-dependent bias when test results obtained from different laboratories are compared.It was also observed that the energy dissipated for the plastic displacement of the bolt was smaller than the impact energy in the tests.The average impact load(AIL)and the ultimate plastic displacement(D)of the bolt describe the ultimate dynamic performance of the bolt.In the case where the bolt does not rupture,the specific plastic energy(SPE)is an appropriate parameter in describing the impact performance of the bolt.Two other relevant parameters are the first peak load(FPL)and the initial stiffness(K)of the bolt sample.The information from this test series will guide the formulation of standardised testing procedures for dynamic impact tests of rockbolts.

Model tests and numerical analysis of emergency treatment of cohesionless soil landslide with quick-setting polyurethane

Shotcrete is one of the common solutions for shallow sliding.It works by forming a protective layer with high strength and cementing the loose soil particles on the slope surface to prevent shallow sliding.However,the solidification time of conventional cement paste is long when shotcrete is used to treat cohesionless soil landslide.The idea of reinforcing slope with polyurethane solidified soil(i.e.,mixture of polyurethane and sand)was proposed.Model tests and finite element analysis were carried out to study the effectiveness of the proposed new method on the emergency treatment of cohesionless soil landslide.Surcharge loading on the crest of the slope was applied step by step until landslide was triggered so as to test and compare the stability and bearing capacity of slope models with different conditions.The simulated slope displacements were relatively close to the measured results,and the simulated slope deformation characteristics were in good agreement with the observed phenomena,which verifies the accuracy of the numerical method.Under the condition of surcharge loading on the crest of the slope,the unreinforced slope slid when the surcharge loading exceeded 30 k Pa,which presented a failure mode of local instability and collapse at the shallow layer of slope top.The reinforced slope remained stable even when the surcharge loading reached 48 k Pa.The displacement of the reinforced slope was reduced by more than 95%.Overall,this study verifies the effectiveness of polyurethane in the emergency treatment of cohesionless soil landslide and should have broad application prospects in the field of geological disasters concerning the safety of people's live.

Cardiac rehabilitation after cardiac surgery:An important underutilized treatment strategy

Physical inactivity remains in high levels after cardiac surgery,reaching up to 50%.Patients present a significant loss of functional capacity,with prominent muscle weakness after cardiac surgery due to anesthesia,surgical incision,duration of cardiopulmonary bypass,and mechanical ventilation that affects their quality of life.These complications,along with pulmonary complications after surgery,lead to extended intensive care unit(ICU)and hospital length of stay and significant mortality rates.Despite the well-known beneficial effects of cardiac rehabilitation,this treatment strategy still remains broadly underutilized in patients after cardiac surgery.Prehabilitation and ICU early mobilization have been both showed to be valid methods to improve exercise tolerance and muscle strength.Early mobilization should be adjusted to each patient’s functional capacity with progressive exercise training,from passive mobilization to more active range of motion and resistance exercises.Cardiopulmonary exercise testing remains the gold standard for exercise capacity assessment and optimal prescription of aerobic exercise intensity.During the last decade,recent advances in healthcare technology have changed cardiac rehabilitation perspectives,leading to the future of cardiac rehabilitation.By incorporating artificial intelligence,simulation,telemedicine and virtual cardiac rehabilitation,cardiac surgery patients may improve adherence and compliance,targeting to reduced hospital readmissions and decreased healthcare costs.

Improving treatment plan and mental health in children with abdominal infection for broad-spectrum bacterial infections

BACKGROUND Pediatric abdominal infection is a common but serious disease that requires timely and effective treatment.In surgical treatment,accurate diagnosis and rational application of antibiotics are the keys to improving treatment effects.AIM To investigate the effect of broad-spectrum bacterial detection on postoperative antibiotic therapy.METHODS A total of 100 children with abdominal infection who received surgical treatment in our hospital from September 2020 to July 2021 were grouped.The observation group collected blood samples upon admission and sent them for broad-spectrum bacterial infection nucleic acid testing,and collected pus or exudate during the operation for bacterial culture and drug sensitivity testing;the control group only sent bacterial culture and drug sensitivity testing during the operation.RESULTS White blood cell count,C-reactive protein,procalcitonin,3 days after surgery,showed better postoperative index than the control group(P<0.05).The hospital stay in the observation group was significantly shorter than that in the control group.The hospitalization cost in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Early detection of broad-spectrum bacterial infection nucleic acids in pediatric abdominal infections can help identify pathogens sooner and guide the appropriate use of antibiotics,improving treatment outcomes and reducing medical costs to some extent.

Comparison of Histological, Microbiological, and Molecular Methods in Diagnosis of Patients with TBLN Having Different Anti-TB Treatment Background

Objective The influence of anti-tuberculosis （TB） treatment history on tuberculous lymphadenitis （TBLN） diagnosis is unclear. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the diagnostic methods, including histology, microbiology, and molecular tests, used for TBLN. Methods In this study, suspected patients with TBLN and having different anti-T8 treatment background were enrolled. All the samples were tested simultaneously by histology, ZiehI-Neelsen （ZN） staining, mycobacterial culture （culture）, Xpert MTB/RIF （xpert）, real-time PCR, and high-resolution melting curve PCR （HRM）. Thereafter, the performance of these methods on samples with different anti-TB treatment background was assessed. Results In our study, 89 patients were prospectively included 82 patients with TBLN and 7 with other diseases. The overall sensitivities of Xpert, real-time PCR, histology, ZN staining, and culture were 86.6%, 69.5%, 58.5%, 43.9%, and 22.0%, respectively. The anti-TB treatment history revealed dramatic influences on the sensitivity of culture （P 〈 0.0001）. In fact, the treatment that lasted over 3 months also influenced the sensitivity of Xpert （P 〈 0.05）. However, the treatment history did not affect the performance of remaining tests （P 〉 0.05）. For rifampicin drug susceptibility test （DST）, the anti-T8 treatment showed only significant influence on the success rate of culture DST （P = 0.001）, but not on those of Xpert and HRM tests （P 〉 0.05）. Conclusion Other tests as welt as culture should be considered for patients with TBLN having retreatment history or over 1-month treatment to avoid false negative results.

Testing Research about Characteristic Parameters of the Grounding Device at 750 kV Substation of Riyue Mountain,Qinghai

750 kV substation of Riyue Mountain, Qinghai is a substation that annual average thunderstorm days are the maximum at the same volt- age level and altitude in the wodd. We detailedly described testing methods and steps of 6 characteristic parameters for grounding device of 750 kV substation by using 8000S comprehensive test system, and scientifically judged overall performance of the grounding device. Moreover, we espe- cially emphasized key and difficult points in testing process, providing reference for the majority of grounding test workers.

Solar Photochemical Pre-Treatment for Sulphurous Ground Water Purification Process

The sulfurous water deposit exploitation in volcanic, swamp, or wetland regions, represents an alternative option for potable water supply in cities and communities around the world. However, before its consumption, it must be treated by the application of physicochemical or biological methods with the ability to separate high contents in sulfates, hydrogen sulphite and sulphides which have laxative, allergic and toxic properties in humans. Conventional methods require the supply of chemical compounds or the adequate control of different parameters such as pH, temperature, etc., and the constant maintenance within their reactors. For these reasons, the systems could have elevated operating costs and require additional steps to enable the treatment of its separated products and the final disposal of its residual waste generated. In this research, compound parabolic collectors are implemented for the use of solar energy radiation, UV-B type, in Solar Advanced Oxidation Processes in H2O2/O3/UVsolar homogeneous phase. Its application during the pre-treatment of four sulfur water wells from the region of Puebla, Mexico, demonstrated its ability to transform their sulfur compounds in sulfates of easy removal by a later stage of reverse osmosis, in an approximately 15 min treatment time process.

Research on Treatment of Landfill Leachate Polluting Groundwater by Orthogonal Test

Through PRB simulated device and orthogonal test,we discussed the treatment effect of groundwater polluted by landfill leachate with three reaction mediums of zero-valent iron powder,activated carbon and zeolite. We considered four factors of iron powder mass,activated carbon mass,particle size of iron powder and zeolite mass,and designed a two-level orthogonal test. It concluded that effluent pH appeared to fall or rise as the reaction proceeded,which changed during 7- 8. The removal rates of CODCrin eight reactors were during 60. 7%- 78. 3%,and the removal rates of NH3-N were during 34. 0%- 58. 8%. Activated carbon mass and the interaction of iron powder mass and activated carbon mass had significant influences on the removal of CODCr,while iron powder mass,particle size of iron powder and zeolite mass had insignificant influences on the removal of CODCr. Zeolite mass and activated carbon mass had significant influences on the removal of NH3,while iron powder mass,particle size of iron powder and the interaction with activated carbon mass had insignificant influences on the removal of NH3-N.

Crack mechanism of ground fissures in loess layer of Fenwei Basin, China

The Fenwei Basin, covered by loess, experiences severe ground fissure disasters. These disasters disrupt the continuity of the loess and pose significant threats to engineering construction safety along transportation routes. Nevertheless, the crack characteristics and the influence zone of ground fissures in the loess layer remain inadequately investigated. To effectively prevent and control ground fissure disasters, physical model tests and the PFC(particle flow code) numerical simulation method are used to investigate the crack mechanism of buried ground fissures in the loess layer. The results show that there are two main cracks in the layer profile, which have a Y-shape morphology. As the dip angle of the preset cracks increased from 60° to 90°, the main deformation zone at the surface gradually shifted towards the footwall. The process of crack propagation from depth to surface is divided into five stages. Additionally, the results confirm the accuracy of the width of the rupture zone d2in the footwall calculated by the cantilever beam theory. These findings can offer theoretical guidance for determining the avoidance distance of ground fissures in loess regions, as well as for implementing disaster prevention and corresponding control measures for various stages of buried ground fissure propagation.

Research Progress of Radical Treatment of Helicobacter Pylori Based on Drug Sensitivity Test as First-Line Treatment

Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is a global problem that affects about half of the world’s population and requires sufficient attention in clinical and scientific work. Due to differences in economic and medical conditions among countries around the world, there is currently no unified treatment plan for anti-HP. In China, empirical quadruple therapy is mainly used. With the abuse of antibiotics, many patients face the problem of secondary eradication after failure, and the resistance rate of HP is gradually increasing. After eradication failure, drug sensitivity cultivation is carried out to choose sensitive antibiotics for treatment. A new strategy is currently needed to address how to improve the eradication rate of HP during the first eradication. This article aims to discuss the first-line treatment plans and research progress for eradicating HP based on drug sensitivity testing before eradication. Compared with traditional empirical therapies, treatment based on drug sensitivity results can effectively improve the eradication rate of HP, and reduce drug resistance rates, and adverse reactions, among other benefits. .