Acoustic Non-Destructive Testing Technology in Concrete Bridge Inspection and Pile Foundation Detection

This article takes the actual construction project of a certain concrete bridge project as an example to analyze the application of acoustic non-destructive testing technology in its detection.It includes an overview of a certain bridge construction project studied and acoustic non-destructive testing technology and the application of acoustic non-destructive testing technology in actual testing.This analysis hopes to provide some guidelines for acoustic non-destructive testing of modern concrete bridge projects.

Compressive Strength of Basic Magnesium Sulfate Cement Coral Aggregate Concrete(MCAC)on Non-Destructive Testing

Basic magnesium sulfate cement coral aggregate concrete(MCAC)is a new type of concrete consisting of basic magnesium sulfate cement,coarse coral aggregate,coral reef sand and seawater.The rebound hammer(RH),the ultrasonic pulse velocity(UPV)and the compressive strength(fcu)tests of 14 sets of cube specimens of the MCAC after 28 d of aging were conducted.The impact of the content and length of sisal fiber on the relationship between the fcu-RH and the fcu-UPV was determined.A mathematical model was established to predict the strength of the MCAC using the UPV,RH,and comprehensive UPV/RH methods and to obtain the curves of test strength.The applicability of the test strength curves of ordinary portland concrete(OPC),light-weight aggregate concrete(LAC),and coral aggregate concrete(CAC)to MCAC was assessed.The results showed that the test strength curves of OPC,LAC and CAC were inappropriate to determine the strength of MCAC using non-destructive method.The relative standard error of the curves of test strength of the RH method and the comprehensive method met the specifications,whereas that of the UPV method did not.

Discussion on the Status Quo of Non-Destructive Testing Technology in Highway Engineering and Strategies of Improving the Quality of Testing

Highway test and detection technology play a very important role in controlling the quality of road and bridge engineering and improving the maintenance of roads and bridges.The study of highway bridge test detection technology is both theoretically and practically useful.Road and bridge test and detection is a complicated task.With the development of science and technology,highway and bridge engineering test and detection technology has also made great progress.The continuous improvement of test and detection technology has brought good social benefits to road and bridge construction.This article discusses the problems in test and detection technology of highway bridges and how to improve the quality of test and detection.

Application of Non-Destructive Testing Technology in Quality Testing and Control of Water Conservancy Projects

In view of social development,the demand for water conservancy engineering applications continues to increase.The number and scale of water conservancy projects in China have been in a state of continuous expansion in recent years.As a result,how to achieve efficient testing and effective control of the quality of water conservancy projects has always been a topic of discussion in the field of water conservancy engineering in our country.This paper summarizes the application of non-destructive testing technology in the quality testing and control of water conservancy projects.On the basis of explaining the connotation and application advantages of non-destructive testing technology,the non-destructive testing application strategies for concrete strength,steel corrosion and shallow cracks in water conservancy projects were studied.

Multiplex Rapid Test with Acceptable Diagnosis Performance as a Solution to Increase Diagnosis of Hepatitis B and C Viruses in Pregnant Women in an Area of High Prevalence of Both Hepatitis Viruses Associated with HIV

Background and Objective: HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are very widespread in the world, however, less than 20% of the people affected are diagnosed and treated. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HIV, HCV and HBV co-infections in pregnant women at Bangui Community University Hospital and the cost of screening. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving consenting pregnant women who came for antenatal care was performed. HIV, HCV antibodies and HBV antigens were detected using Exacto Triplex? HIV/HCV/HBsAg rapid test, cross-validated by ELISA tests. Sociodemographic and professional data, the modes of transmission and prevention of HIV and both hepatitis viruses were collected in a standard sheet and analyzed using the Epi-Info software version 7. Results: Pregnant women aged 15 to 24 were the most affected (45.3%);high school girls (46.0%), and pregnant women living in cohabitation (65.3%) were the most represented. Twenty-five (16.7%) worked in the formal sector, 12.7% were unemployed housewives and the remainder in the informal sector. The prevalence of HIV, HBV, and HCV viruses was 11.8%, 21.9% and 22.2%, respectively. The prevalence of co-infections was 8.6% for HIV-HBV, 10.2% for HIV-HCV, 14.7% for HBV-HCV and 6.5% for HIV-HBV-HCV. All positive results and 10% of negative results by the rapid test were confirmed by ELISA tests. The serology of the three viruses costs 39,000 FCFA (60 Euros) by ELISA compared to 10,000 FCFA (15.00 Euros) with Exacto Triplex? HIV/HCV/AgHBs (BioSynex, Strasbourg, France). Conclusion: The low level of education and awareness of hepatitis are barriers to development and indicate the importance of improving the literacy rate of women in the Central African Republic (CAR). Likewise, the high prevalence of the three viruses shows the need for the urgent establishment of a national program to combat viral hepatitis in the CAR.

Seroprevalence, Importance of Rapid Testing and Factors Associated with HBsAg Carriage in Pregnancy in Three Referral Maternity Hospitals in Mono (Benin), in 2020

Introduction Difficulties in accessing the screening test for viral hepatitis B in maternity wards could be a factor in underestimating the prevalence of anti-HBV antibodies. The rapid diagnostic orientation test (RDOT) could improve seroprevalence and obstetrical prognosis. The aim of this study was to use the rapid diagnostic orientation test (RDOT) to determine the seroprevalence of HBs antigen carriage in pregnant women while highlighting the associated factors. Methods This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study that took place from October to December 2020 (three months) in three (03) reference maternities in western Benin (Mono). Consenting pregnant women received in prenatal consultation had been screened by RDOT. Positive cases were confirmed by ELISA test. The follow-up of these cases made it possible to establish the obstetrical prognosis. Results Of 201 women studied, 11 (5.5%) were positive for RDOT HBV and confirmed by the ELISA test. The factors associated with HBsAg carriage during pregnancy were multiple sexual partnerships (p = 0.01), female circumcision (p = 0.0001), and ignorance of prior HBV serological status (p = 0.0001). No influence of hepatitis B on pregnancy was noted. Conclusion The seroprevalence of hepatitis B in pregnancy was intermediate in the reference maternities of western Benin. The associated factors were multiple sexual partnerships, female circumcision and unawareness of prior HBV status. Free RDOT in maternity wards would improve early detection and management of viral hepatitis B in pregnancy.

Non-destructive experimental testing and modeling of electrical impedance behavior of untreated and treated ultra-soft clayey soils

The characterization of ultra-soft clayey soil exhibits extreme challenges due to low shear strength of such material.Hence,inspecting the non-destructive electrical impedance behavior of untreated and treated ultra-soft clayey soils gains more attention.Both shear strength and electrical impedance were measured experimentally for both untreated and treated ultra-soft clayey soils.The shear strength of untreated ultra-soft clayey soil reached 0.17 kPa for 10% bentonite content,while the shear strengths increased to 0.27 kPa and 6.7 kPa for 10% bentonite content treated with 2% lime and 10% polymer,respectively.The electrical impedance of the ultra-soft clayey soil has shown a significant decrease from 1.6 kΩ to 0.607 kΩ when the bentonite content increased from 2% to 10% at a frequency of 300 kHz.The10%lime and 10% polymer treatments have decreased the electrical impedances of ultra-soft clayey soil with 10%bentonite from 0.607 kΩ to 0.12 kΩ and 0.176 kΩ,respectively,at a frequency of 300 kHz.A new mathematical model has been accordingly proposed to model the non-destructive electrical impedancefrequency relationship for both untreated and treated ultra-soft clayey soils.The new model has shown a good agreement with experimental data with coefficient of determination(R^2)up to 0.99 and root mean square error(RMSE) of 0.007 kΩ.

Optical generation,detection and non-destructive testing applications of terahertz waves

Optoelectronic terahertz generation and detection play a key role in the applications of non-destructive testing,which involves different areas such as physics,biological,material science,imaging,explosions detection,astronomy applications,semiconductor technology and superconductiong electronics. In this article,we present a reviewof the principle and performance of typical terahertz sources,detectors and non-destructive testing applications. On this basis,the newdevelopment and trends of terahertz radiation detectors are also discussed.

Non-Destructive Testing of Structures Using Optical and Other Methods: A Review

Non-destructive testing (NDT) of structures is one of the most important tasksof the proper maintenance and diagnosis of machines and constructions structuralcondition. NDT methods contribute to the damage tolerance philosophy used in theaircraft design methodology as well as many other operation and maintenance programsof machinery and constructions. The following study is focusing on overviewing animportant group of NDT methods: the optical and other ones, which found broadapplicability in scientific and industrial studies nowadays. The paper discusses theselected most widely applicable methods, namely, visual testing, ultrasonic testing,radiographic testing, infrared thermography as well as electronic speckle patterninterferometry and shearographic testing. Besides the basic principles of testing usingthese methods, their potential applications in various industrial and technologicalbranches are broadly discussed. The analysis as categorization of the NDT methodsprovided in this paper may help in selection of such methods in diagnosis of varioustypes of structures and defects and damage occurring in these structures.

Application Research of the Non-Destructive Testing Using Optical Fiber Sensor

In this paper, an optical fiber sensor is designed by using optical Faraday effect. It is composed of fiber collimator, polarizer, magneto-optical crystal and mirror. Based on the magnetic flux leakage (MFL) theory, The optical fiber sensor was placed between two permanent magnets with the N-pole. Therefore, the optical fiber sensing system was built to detect the defective ferromagnetic objects. Theoretical and experimental studies shown that the system can identify a little defects, such as irons’ blind hole (diameter φ =?3mm , depth t = 4mm?), irons’ grooves (length l= 30mm , width?ω = 10mm ), hole (φ?=?3mm ) and crackle etc. The system has the characteristics of small size, high sensitivity, fast signal response and high resolution. In terms of the defective oil and gas pipelines detection, The optical fiber sensing system is used in non-destructive testing, which will be valuable and meaningful.

Non-Destructive Testing of Rods Using a Potential Component of a Magnetic Field

An essentially new method for non-destructive testing of elastic electrically conductive rods using non-vortex electromagnetic induction is proved theoretically. An experimental technique for defining a location of a cross crack is offered.

Analysis of Non-destructive Testing and Disease Diagnosis Technology of Tunnel Projects

Engineering incidents caused by the quality of tunnel construction and geological diseases occur from time to time,which not only causes many problems in engineering geophysical prospecting,but also provided a broad space for the application and development of engineering geophysical prospecting technology.Non-destructive testing technology has made great progress.Combining the diagnosis and treatment of tunnel diseases,the ground penetrating radar non-destructive detection technology is discussed.

Intraprocedural gastric juice analysis as compared to rapid urease test for real-time detection of Helicobacter pylori

BACKGROUND Endofaster is an innovative technology that can be combined with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy(UGE)to perform gastric juice analysis and real-time detection of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori).AIM To assess the diagnostic performance of this technology and its impact on the management of H.pylori in the real-life clinical setting.METHODS Patients undergoing routine UGE were prospectively recruited.Biopsies were taken to assess gastric histology according to the updated Sydney system and for rapid urease test(RUT).Gastric juice sampling and analysis was performed using the Endofaster,and the diagnosis of H.pylori was based on real-time ammonium measurements.Histological detection of H.pylori served as the diagnostic gold standard for comparing Endofaster-based H.pylori diagnosis with RUT-based H.pylori detection.RESULTS A total of 198 patients were prospectively enrolled in an H.pylori diagnostic study by Endofasterbased gastric juice analysis(EGJA)during the UGE.Biopsies for RUT and histological assessment were performed on 161 patients(82 men and 79 women,mean age 54.8±19.2 years).H.pylori infection was detected by histology in 47(29.2%)patients.Overall,the sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,positive predictive value,and negative predictive value(NPV)for H.pylori diagnosis by EGJA were 91.5%,93.0%,92.6%,84.3%,and 96.4%,respectively.In patients on treatment with proton pump inhibitors,diagnostic sensitivity was reduced by 27.3%,while specificity and NPV were unaffected.EGJA and RUT were comparable in diagnostic performance and highly concordant in H.pylori detection(κ-value=0.85).CONCLUSION Endofaster allows for rapid and highly accurate detection of H.pylori during gastroscopy.This may guide taking additional biopsies for antibiotic susceptibility testing during the same procedure and then selecting an individually tailored eradication regimen.

Rapid testing methods for food contaminants and toxicants

Food safety is one of the major concerns in every country regardless of the economic and social development. The frequent occurrence of food scandals in the world has led the Chinese government to implement several strategies to fortify the food supply system to a high food safety standard. This relies heavily on laboratory testing services but conventional methods for detection of food contaminants and toxicants are limited by sophisticated sample preparation procedures,long analysis time,large instruments and professional personnel to meet the increasing demands. In this review,we have incorporated most of the current and potential rapid detection methods for many notorious food contaminants and toxicants including microbial agents,toxic ions,pesticides,veterinary drugs and preservatives,as well as detection of genetically modified food genes and adulterated edible oil. Development of rapid,accurate,easy-to-use and affordable testing methods could urge food handlers and the public to actively screen for food contaminants and toxicants instead of passively relying on monitoring by the government examination facility. This review also provides several recommendations including how to encourage the public to engage in the food safety management system and provide optimal education and financial assistance that may improve the current Chinese food safety control system.

Assessment of rapid impact compaction in ground improvement from in-situ testing

Ground improvement has been used on many construction sites to densify granular materials,in other word,to improve soil properties and reduce potential settlement.This work presents a case study of ground improvement using rapid impact compaction(RIC).The research site comprises the construction of workshop and depots as part of railway development project at Batu Gajah-Ipoh,Malaysia.In-situ testing results show that the subsurface soil comprises mainly of sand and silty sand through the investigated depth extended to 10m.Groundwater is approximately 0.5m below the ground surface.Evaluation of improvement was based on the results of pre-and post-improvement cone penetration test(CPT).Interpretation software has been used to infer soil properties.Load test was conducted to estimate soil settlement.It is found that the technique succeeds in improving soil properties namely the relative density increases from 45% to 70%,the friction angle of soil is increased by an average of 3o,and the soil settlement is reduced by 50%.The technique succeeds in improving soil properties to approximately 5.0m in depth depending on soil uniformity with depth.

Retrospective analysis of discordant results between histology and other clinical diagnostic tests on helicobacter pylori infection

BACKGROUND A reliable test is essential for diagnosing Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection,and crucial for managing H.pylori-related diseases.Serving as an excellent method for detecting H.pylori infection,histologic examination is a test that clinicians heavily rely on,especially when complemented with immunohistochemistry(IHC).Additionally,other diagnostic tests for H.pylori,such as the rapid urease test(CLO test)and stool antigen test(SA),are also highly sensitive and specific.Typically,the results of histology and other tests align with each other.However,on rare occasions,discrepancy between histopathology and other H.pylori diagnostic tests occurs.AIM To investigate the discordance between histology and other H.pylori tests,the underlying causes,and the impact on clinical management.METHODS Pathology reports of gastric biopsies were retrieved spanning August 2013 and July 2018.Reports were included in the study only if there were other H.pylori tests within seven days of the biopsy.These additional tests include CLO test,SA,and H.pylori culture.Concordance between histopathology and other tests was determined based on the consistency of results.In instances where histology results were negative while other tests were positive,the slides were retrieved for re-assessment,and the clinical chart was reviewed.RESULTS Of 1396 pathology reports were identified,each accompanied by one additional H.pylori test.The concordance rates in detecting H.pylori infection between biopsy and other tests did not exhibit significant differences based on the number of biopsy fragments.117 discrepant cases were identified.Only 20 cases(9 with CLO test and 11 with SA)had negative biopsy but positive results in other tests.Four cases initially stained with Warthin-Starry turned out to be positive for H.pylori with subsequent IHC staining.Among the remaining 16 true discrepant cases,10 patients were on proton pump inhibitors before the biopsy and/or other tests.Most patients underwent treatment,except for two who were untreated,and two patients who were lost to follow-up.CONCLUSION There are rare discrepant cases with negative biopsy but positive in SA or CLO test.Various factors may contribute to this inconsistency.Most patients in such cases had undergone treatment.

Secondary analysis of malaria rapid diagnostic tests from rounds 5–8 of WHO product testing with a focus on false-negative results

Despite the widespread use of malaria rapid diagnostic test(RDT)in clinical practice,there are a lot of challenges.We conducted a secondary analysis of 129 malaria RDT data from rounds 5–8 of the World Health Organization(WHO)product testing summary and discuss the causes of false-negative(FN)results with a focus on low parasite density,improper RDT storage,operation and interpretation,and Plasmodium falciparum with a pfhrp2/3 gene deletion.The results demonstrated that the malaria RDTs currently commercially available might cause FN results in practice.

Feasibility Study for Applying Spectral Imaging for Wheat Grain Authenticity Testing in Pasta

Authentication of pasta is currently determined using molecular biology-based techniques focusing on DNA as the target analyte. Whilst proven to be effective, these approaches can be criticised as being destructive, time consuming, and requiring specialist instrument training. Advances in the field of multispectral imaging (MSI) and hyperspectral imaging (HSI) have facilitated the development of compact imaging platforms with the capability to rapidly differentiate a range of materials (inclusive of grains and seeds) based on surface colour, texture and chemical composition. This preliminary investigation evaluated the applicability of spectral imaging for identification and quantitation of durum wheat grain samples in relation to pasta authenticity. MSI and HSI were capable of rapidly distinguishing between durum wheat and adulterant common wheat cultivars and assigning percentage adulteration levels characterised by low biases and good repeatability estimates. The results demonstrated the potential for spectral imaging based seed/grain adulteration testing to augment existing standard molecular approaches for food authenticity testing.

Dual specimens increase the diagnostic accuracy and reduce the reaction duration of rapid urease test

AIM:To evaluate the influence of multiple samplings during esophagogastr oduodenoscopy(EGD) on the accuracy of the rapid urease test,and the validity of newly developed rapid urease tests,HelicotecUT plus test and HelicotecUT test,CLO test and ProntoDry test.METHODS:A total of 355 patients undergoing EGD for dyspepsia were included.Their Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) treatment status was either nave or eradicated.Six biopsy specimens from antrum and gastric body,respectively,were obtained during EGD.Single antral specimens and dual(antrum+body) specimens were compared.Infection status of H.pylori was evaluated by three different tests:culture,histology,and four different commercially available rapid urease tests(RUTs)-including the newly developed HelicotecUT plus test and HelicotecUT test,and established CLO test and ProntoDry test.H.pylori status was defined as positive when the culture was positive or if there were concordant positive results among histology,CLO test and ProntoDry test.RESULTS:When dual specimens were applied,sensitivity was enhanced and RUT reaction time was signif icantly reduced,regardless of their treatment status.Thirty minutes were enough to achieve an agreeable positive rate in all the RUTs.Both newly developed RUTs showed comparable sensitivity,specif icity and accuracy to the established RUTs,regardless of patient treatment status,RUT reaction duration,and EGD biopsy sites.CONCLUSION:Combination of antrum and body biopsy specimens greatly enhances the sensitivity of rapid urease test and reduces the reaction duration to 30 min.