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Despite the significant increase in research on mask filtration testing since the COVID-19 pandemic, there remains considerable ambiguity regarding which parameters affect particle filtration efficiency (PFE) and how differences in standard testing protocols can lead to divergent PFE values. We evaluated the PFE (and differential pressure) of several common face masks and community face mask materials including woven cotton, spunbond polypropylene, and meltblown polypropylene, testing in accordance with ASTM F2100/2299 standards for medical masks, using polystyrene latex (PSL) aerosol, as well as NIOSH standards for respirators, using NaCl aerosol. In both cases, PFE was measured with and without aerosol charge neutralization, which is used to bring the particle population to a known, equilibrium bipolar charge distribution. Aerosols of either composition that were untreated (not neutralized) led to significant increases in measured PFE, especially in the case of PSL. In contrast, effective neutralization led to lower PFE measurements that also showed little to no dependence on aerosol composition across most materials. To investigate further, the bipolar charge distributions of PSL and NaCl aerosols, both neutralized and untreated, were characterized using an aerodynamic aerosol classifier operated in tandem with a scanning mobility particle sizer (AAC-SMPS). This technique illustrated the differences in the distribution of particle charge states between PSL and NaCl aerosols of the same size, and between PSL particles of different sizes, revealing the presence of highly charged particles in many cases. Most importantly, the equilibrium charge distribution after neutralization is shown to be independent of particle composition or initial charge distribution, highlighting the crucial role of aerosol charge neutralizers in preventing overestimates of mask performance (due to electrostatic effects) and promoting consistency in standard testing procedures.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical testing of newly designed implants provides valuable insight into their mechanical properties. This provides surgeons with information about implant choice for the treatment of fractures and the effect of the implant's mechanical properties on fracture healing METHODS: A novel interlocking forearm nail was subjected to standardised mechanical testing according to the Standard Specification and Test Methods for Intramedullary Fixation Devices (ATSM 126416), using static and dynamic four-point bending and static torsion (ASTM STP 588). Three nails were used for the static bending and torsion and nine for the dynamic bending tests. All nails were catalogued, numbered and photographed before testing RESULTS: The mechanical testing results showed a mean force yield (Fy) of 566 ± 20 N, a moment of yield (My) 10.75 ± 0.37 Nm, a stiffness of 67.10 ± 2 N/mm and structural stiffness of 1.53 ± 0.50 m2. The torsional stiffness of the nail was 0.088 ± 0.002 Nm/°. The four-point dynamic bending test showed a fatigue strength of 5.23 Nm. This value was determined using the semi-log moment/ number of cycles (M-N) diagram and showed a 50% failure at a million cycles. If the moment were reduced to 4.4 Nm, mathematically, the survival rate would improve to 90% CONCLUSION: The results from this mechanical testing show that this novel intramedullary forearm nail can resist mechanical forces experienced during fracture healing and could potentially be used in future clinical studies Level of evidence: Level 4

Son yıllarda kompozit yapılarda kendine önemli yer bulan tabakalı hibrit kompozitler yaygın olarak VARTM yöntemi ile üretilmektedir. Literatür araştırmaları incelendiğinde karbon ve cam takviye elemanları maliyeti artırırken çok yönlü ve tokluk kazandırmak amaçlı takviye elemanı olarak kullanılan polipropilen keçe, tez çalışmasında kullandığımız hibrit setlerinin temel fikir dayanağını oluşturmuştur. Hibrit kompozitlerde polipropilen kullanımı literatür açısından emsal teşkil ederken, teknik tekstil kavramı olarak dokuma kumaşın farklı yapıları olan düz dokuma (Plain Weave) ve dalgalı (Twill) karbon takviye yapısında incelenmiştir. Ayrıca farklı katman dizilimleri olarak beş (5L) ve dokuz (9L) katmanlı veya tabakalı dört set oluşturularak plakaların, öncelikle analiz modelleleri 'ANSYS ACP' ve 'ANSYS Material Designer' ile ön tasarım oluşturulmuştur. Modelleme çıktıları ANSYS analiz modullerinde teknik tekstil şartları kontrol edilerek tasarlama imkanı sunmuştur. Ayrıca mekanik özellikler ve hibritleşmenin temelindeki 'Klasik Laminant Teorisi' analiz modellemeleri ile birleştirilerek matris denklemlerinin oluşturulması ve sonucunda tasarım katsayıları, tamamlayıcı matrisleri oluşturmamızı sağlamıştır. Sonrasında ise yöntem ve tasarım unsurları belirlenen hibrit kompozitler VARTM ile üretilmiştir. Gerekli kürleşme ve hacimsel oranlarının bulunması laboratuvar şartlarında gerçekleştirmiştir. Üretilen plakalardan ASTM ve EN ISO standartlarına uygun olarak Çekme, Üç Nokta Eğme, ILSS deneyleri için 70'e yakın numune üretilmiştir. Mekanik testler ASTM ve EN ISO standartlarına uygun olarak gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çalışma sonrasında kırılma yapılarının mikroskop görüntüleri alınarak hasar analizi yapılmıştır. Çalışma, literatür araştırmalarına göre; analiz, teknik tekstil ve mekanik özellikleri birleştiren ve farklılık arz eden bir çalışma olarak tamamlanmıştır Layered hybrid composites, which have an important place in composite structures, are commonly produced by the VARTM method. Considering the literature, carbon and glass reinforcement elements increase the cost, while the polypropylene felt reinforcement element, which is versatile and used for toughness, formed the basic idea of the hybrid sets we used in the thesis. The use of polypropylene in hybrid composites setting a precedent in terms of literature, as a technical textile concept, wavy (Plain Weave) and flat woven (Twill) carbon reinforcement structure, which are different structures of woven fabric, were examined. In addition, the analysis models of the plates to be created as 5L and 9L 4 sets as different layer sequences were 'ANSYS ACP' preliminary design was created with ANSYS Material Designer. The modeling outputs provided the opportunity to design by controlling the technical textile conditions in ANSYS analysis modules. In addition, the mechanical properties and the 'Classsic Laminate Theory' analysis modeling on the basis of hybridization were combined with the analysis modeling to form matrix equations and as a result, the design coefficients and complementary matrices were formed. Afterwards, the method and design elements were determined. The required curing and volumetric void ratios were found in laboratory conditions. Approximately 70 samples were created from the produced plates for Tensile, 3 Point bending, ILSS tests in accordance with ASTM and ISO standards. Mechanical tests were performed on Universal SCHIMADZU AG-IC-250 KN test machines in accordance with ASTM and ISO standards. After the study, the microscope images of the fracture structures and the damage status were examined. The study was completed as a distinctive study combining analysis, technical textile and mechanical properties according to literature research.

We examined whether fabrication affects memory using a new paradigm combining the Deese/Roediger-McDermott paradigm (DRM) and the Amsterdam Short Term Memory task (ASTM). Participants were assigned to either a forced fabrication or honest condition, and encoded emotionally-negative and neutral wordlists by reading words out loud. The wordlists contained words that were associatively related to each other (e.g., symphony, sound, piano, radio, sing, orchestra), and converged to a non-presented critical word (e.g., music). Next, all participants had to indicate two words that were previously read out loud. However, participants in the forced fabrication condition had to fabricate that they read two additional words out loud, which were associated to the same DRM list. Participants in the forced fabrication condition formed false memories for their self -generated fabrications. Although fabrication did not increase spontaneous false memory rates for non -presented critical words, our results did highlight the perils of forcing people to fabricate.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, American Society for Testing and Materials level 3 and level 2 medical face masks (MFMs) have been used for most health care workers and even for the first responders owing to a shortage of N95 respirators. However, the MFMs lack effective peripheral seal, leading to concerns about their adequacy to block aerosol exposure for proper protection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the peripheral seal of level 3 and level 2 MFMs with a 3-dimensional (3D-) printed custom frame. METHODS: Level 3 and level 2 MFMs were tested on 10 participants with and without a 3D-printed custom frame; the efficiency of mask peripheral seal was determined by means of quantitative fit testing using a PortaCount Fit Tester based on ambient aerosol condensation nuclei counter protocol. RESULTS: The 3D-printed custom frame significantly improved the peripheral seal of both level 3 and level 2 MFMs compared with the masks alone (P < .001). In addition, both level 3 and level 2 MFMs with the 3D-printed custom frame met the quantitative fit testing standard specified for N95 respirators. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The 3D-printed custom frame over level 3 and level 2 MFMs can offer enhanced peripheral reduction of aerosols when using collapsible masks. With the shortage of N95 respirators, using the 3D-printed custom frame over a level 3 or level 2 MFM is considered a practical alternative to dental professionals.

În decembrie 2019, OMS a identificat un nou coronavirus care a dus la un sindrom de detresă respiratorie acută severă (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19, boala produsă de noul coronavirus, pare să afecteze mai puțin copiii și să fie mai puțin severă ca la adult, fiind asociată cu o rată de fatalitate redusă. Astmul și fibroza chistică (FC) sunt cele mai frecvente boli cronice care afectează copiii și adolescenții. Nu este bine stabilit dacă există un risc crescut de evoluție nefavorabilă datorată infecției cu SARS-CoV-2. Cercetări care au demonstrat că receptorul angiotensinei 2 (ACE2) necesar pentru recunoașterea coronavirusului și infectarea cu acesta ar putea fi mai puțin exprimate în căile aeriene ale copiilor atopici au condus către un paradox care situează astmul ca fiind o afecțiune protectoare pentru COVID-19. Pacienții cu FC manifestă disfuncție citokinică și inflamaţie cronică menținută de diversitatea de patogeni din căile respiratorii, mecanisme care se suprapun cu cele fiziopatologice din COVID-19. Date internaționale sugerează că un număr foarte restrâns de pacienți cu FC au avut simptome și complicații datorate COVID-19 şi, dacă boala este mai ușoară decât s-a anticipat în cazul FC, aceasta ar putea fi ca urmare a unei protecții rezultate din efectul celular al mutațiilor CFTR asociate cu procesarea virală. Luate împreună, astmul și fibroza chistică, boli cronice cu impact semnificativ asupra morbidității și mortalității la copil și la adult, pot constitui un model de factori care ar putea reduce impactul SARS-CoV-2, ceea ce creează oportunități pentru cercetări ulterioare.

Additive manufacturing processes and products are very present in the current productive landscape, and in fact these technologies have been one of the most intensively studied and improved during the last years; however, there is still no defined and homogeneous regulatory context for this field. In this work, a thorough review of the main general and specific regulatory developments in design, materials and processes standards for additive manufacturing has been carried out, with special attention to the standards for mechanical characterization of polymer-based products. In many cases standards developed for other productive contexts are identified as recommended references, and some contradictory trends can be identified when different documents and previous experiences are consulted. Thus, as it is logical considering that all these technologies are involved in an intensive and continuous evolution process, there is a certain lack of clarity regarding the standards to be considered. This work aims to contribute to clarify the current standardization context in additive manufacturing and provide some guidelines for the identification of appropriate standards. The paper also emphasizes that the key for next regulatory developments in mechanical testing is to develop standards that consider particular AM processes along with materials. Moreover, a great gap between available standard about additive technologies based on metallic materials and polymer materials during the last years has been detected. Finally, the provided overview is considered of interest as support for research and practice in additive manufacturing, and both in intensive productive scenarios and for particular users and makers.

A 3-dimensional (3D) printed custom-frame can improve the peripheral seal of readily available surgical/medical masks. This study aimed to assess the acceptance of a 3D-printed custom-frame with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) surgical/medical masks and the use of a face shield. A total of 206 subjects from a dental school participated, who answered a multiple-choice questionnaire. Participants received an invitation through the institutional email of the school via Qualtrics platform. 3D printed custom-frames were fabricated for each participant. According to their response, participants were divided into 4 groups: mask only (M), mask and frame (MF), mask and face shield (MFS), and all 3 personal protective equipment (MFFS). Data was analyzed in absolute and relative frequency. The acceptance of a 3D-printed custom-frame in the group MFFS varied between ''poor''/''very poor'' (44.7%). It allowed ''good'' performance of routine procedures (40.3%), but ''poor'' visual quality (48.1%). Musculoskeletal tolerance and ease to perform movements were adequate. There was no interference in olfactory sensitivity (44.7%) or in the ability to breathe (34.5%). Finally, it showed "moderate pain" (48.1%) on the ear and "no pain" (38.9%) on the head. The 3D-printed custom-frame adapted to ASTM surgical/medical face masks showed reasonable tolerance. Side effects of ear pain ranging in degrees were noted. Further research is indicated to evaluate safety, comfort, compliance, side effects, and occupational hazards of long-term use of enhanced PPE recommendations.Avoiding the recurrent outbreaks of COVID-19, the use of PPE by the public is necessary. Improper PPE use is a major source of concern for human and environmental health. Preventing such activities can be done by following steps involved in PPE disposals or by getting a new way to re-use such as improving peripherical sealing. Our work highlights that a custom-frame can improve protection, without adverse effects. Resumen El sellado periférico de las máscaras médicas/quirúrgicas puede ser mejorado fácilmente mediante un marco personalizado impreso en 3 dimensiones (3D). Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la aceptación de un marco personalizado impreso en 3D cuando usado en combinacion con máscaras médicas/quirúrgicas de la Sociedad Estadounidense para Pruebas y Materiales (ASTM) asi como con el uso de protector facial. Participaron un total de 206 sujetos de una facultad de odontología, quienes respondieron un cuestionario de opción múltiple. Los participantes recibieron una invitación a través del correo institucional de la escuela a través de la plataforma Qualtrics. Se fabricaron marcos personalizados impresos en 3D para cada participante. Según su respuesta, los participantes se dividieron en 4 grupos: solo máscara (M), máscara y marco (MF), máscara y protector facial (MFS) y los 3 equipos de protección personal (MFFS). Los datos se analizaron en frecuencia absoluta y relativa. La aceptación de un marco personalizado impreso en 3D en el grupo MFFS varió entre ''pobre''/''muy pobre'' (44,7%). Permitió un ''buen'' desempeño de los procedimientos de rutina (40,3%), pero una ''mala'' calidad visual (48,1%). La tolerancia musculoesquelética y la facilidad para realizar movimientos fueron adecuadas. No hubo interferencia en la sensibilidad olfativa (44,7%) ni en la capacidad de respirar (34,5%). Finalmente, mostró "dolor moderado" (48,1%) en el oído y "sin dolor" (38,9%) en la cabeza. El marco personalizado impreso en 3D adaptado a las máscaras faciales quirúrgicas/ médicas de ASTM mostró una tolerancia razonable. Se observaron efectos secundarios de dolor de oído que variaron en grados. Estudios futuros deben evaluar la seguridad, la comodidad, efectos secundarios y los riesgos laborales del uso a largo plazo para este tipo de combinación. Para evitar los brotes recurrentes de COVID-19, es necesario el uso de equipamento personal de protección (EPP) por parte del público. El uso inadecuado de EPP es una fuente importante de preocupación para la salud humana y ambiental. La prevención de tales actividades se puede hacer siguiendo los pasos involucrados en la eliminación de EPP o obteniendo una nueva forma de reutilización, como mejorar el sellado periférico. Nuestro trabajo resalta que un marco personalizado puede mejorar la proteccion, sin afectos adversos.

In Nepal, the formation of seven provinces has been seen as a driving force in promoting the development of civil engineering structures in remote parts of the nation. Although aimed to promote the livelihoods of people residing in such areas, if aforesaid activities are unplanned and unsustainable they lead to a backlash in the health of the community and the surrounding environment. In our study, bridges in Barjugad, Guigad, Dhangadhi, Kapadi Nadi, Patharaiya, and Thado Khola are taken as references. Some of these bridges are close to the Khaptad National Park. Likewise, the Makarigad Hydropower project is also cited, and the effects of the recommendation made are reviewed. Various American Society for Testing and Materials(ASTM), Indian Standard(IS) codes are validated, and the Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA) is made. The consequences of the boring, field test, groundwater table monitoring, and liquefaction are assessed. Case studies from around the world have also been stated and their health effect over several domains is presented. Potential risks to the health of construction workers based on etiological agents are mentioned, out of which occupational lung diseases are taken further into account. An example of dams and hydropower plants has been taken to explore the long-lasting effects of construction on the health of local residents. Airborne dust, a major hazard, has been identified and described to understand its pathogenicity. An epidemiological triangle, for occupational lung diseases, has been used as a simple model for disease causation. Similarly, four levels of prevention to control dust-related diseases in construction workers have been mentioned. In conclusion, our paper highlights the possible consequences of construction works and also suggests some precautionary measures to mitigate the same.

Astmul este o afecţiune heterogenă caracterizată prin inflamaţia cronică a căilor aeriene. Colesterolul este un factor proinflamator corelat, ȋn unele studii cu inflamaţia din astm. În Spitalul Clinic de Copii „Dr. Victor Gomoiu“, ȋn perioada ianuarie 2016-septembrie 2018, a fost initiat un studiu prospectiv care a inclus 100 de copii ȋn vȃrstă de 5-18 ani, diagnosticaţi cu astm alergic și sensibilizare aeroalergenică. Toţi pacienţii ȋnrolaţi au fost monitorizaţi privind nivelul colesterolului, treapta terapeuticǎ primită şi gradul de control al astmului. Obiectivul studiului a fost să se evalueze dacă există o asociere între valorile colesterolului seric și controlul astmului și între colesterolul seric și treapta de tratament de control (ca indicator al severităţii astmului). Concluzii. În lotul studiat, pacienţii ȋncadraţi ȋn categoriile de astm parţial controlat și necontrolat au fost ȋn procent mai mare cu valori crescute ale colesterolului seric comparativ cu cei cu astm controlat; copiii ȋnregistraţi ȋn categoriile de astm moderat și sever au fost ȋn procent mai mare cu colesterol seric total crescut faţă de cei cu astm uşor.

Liquefied petroleum gas (propane or butane) is a colorless liquid which readily evaporates into a gas. It has no smell, although it will normally have an odor added to help detect leaks. Liquefied petroleum gas is stored and handled as a liquid when under pressure inside an LPG cylinder. Liquefied petroleum gas cylinders are subjected to various tests to ensure their compliance requirements as per standard. This research studies the durability of welding and performance of base metal of L. P. G. home cylindrical in Kurdistan region. The experiments were carried out on three types of LPG cylinder using in Kurdistan regions A, B, and C and an unformed plate. To carried out the samples and tests during the research we depending on the standard tests for LPG cylinders. Three samples are extracted from each of LPG cylinders and unformed plate for each of tensile test, Bending test and Hardness test according to ISO 6892-2016 and ASME standards from each type of LPG cylinders and from unformed plate to examine the mechanical properties. In addition, chemical compositions also were carried out. These values are compared with standard.

Purpose The aim of this study was to compare the differences between the ASTM D790 and ISO 20795.1.2013 standards in evaluating the flexural strength of heat cure poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture base resin. Materials and Methods 30 heat cure denture base samples were fabricated in accordance to ISO 20795.1.2013 and ASTM D790 Standards. The specimens were finished and stored following the standardized protocol. The flexural strength was determined using universal testing machine at cross head speed of 1.50 mm/min and a span length of 40.00 mm. The mean flexural strength values were calculated in megapascals (MPa), and statistically analyzed. Results The mean flexural strength of heat cure PMMA found with ISO and ASTM ranged between 60.492 MPa and 61.470 MPa. There was no significant difference between the two methods. Conclusion The quantitative differences existed in the flexural strength of denture base resin between ISO 20795.1.2013 and ASTM 790 protocols but those differences had no statistical and clinical significance.

Dozarea oxidului nitric, un biomarker relativ nou apărut, este o metodă neinvazivă, din ce în ce mai accesibilă clinicienilor utilizată mai ales în domeniul pneumologiei, unde este folosit în monitorizarea inflamaţiei arborelui respirator. Scopul acestei lucrări este prezentarea experienţei Clinicii de Pediatrie a Spitalului Filantropia Craiova legată de dozarea oxidului nitric şi patologia astmatică, rezultatul a celor 10 ani de experienţă cu analizorul portabil al aerului expirat. Am selectat trei dintre cele mai importante lucrări ale noastre, prezentate la Congresele ERS (European Respiratory Society).

Human-related factors account for more than 80% of accidents at sea, based on studies. According to Global Claims Review 2017 released by Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty, an estimated 75-96% of shipping accidents have a high probability of involving human error (AGCS, 2017). Designs that do not meet human factors' needs play a significant role in contributing to human error. Documents in terms of design standards and guidelines, rules, and laws are analyzed. As a result, several documents related to human factors have been identified. These documents are based on whether to implement it, even if some are prescriptive, and others are mandatory, being published at different enforcement levels. In ensuring the consistent implementation of human factors, regulators and authorities need to take stricter measures in all the processes involved in designing and building such ships.

Magistritöö Maaehituse õppekaval Vajadus üha suuremate ning kõrgemate ehitiste järele on tekitanud olukorra, kus on vaja tugevamaid ehitusmaterjale. Üheks selliseks materjaliks on liimkihtpuit. Uurimuses võrreldi survetugevus ristikiudu väärtusi, mis oli saadud erineva kõrgusega materjali ja mida koormati erineva surutava pinnaga. Võrreldi väärtusi, mis olid määratud standardites EN 14374 ning ASTM D143 määratud tugevusarvu saamise meetodi järgi. Uuringus kasutati 792 katsekeha, mis olid toodetud kolme tootja poolt: Metsäwood (Kerto), Steico, Pollmeier (BauBuche). Katsed olid jaotatud 12 katseseeria vahel ning katsekeha kõrgused olid vahemikus 15-60 mm ning surutava pinna laius vahemikus 45-90 mm. Katsetulemustest selgus, et BauBuche, Kerto ja Steico liimkihtpuidu survetugevus ristikiudu EN 14374 standardi järgi on samas suurusjärgus läbi kõikide katseseeriate, kuid ASTM D143 standardi järgi leitud survetugevus ristikiudu hakkab survepinna laienemise korral vähenema. Lõputöös tehtud uuringu tulemusi on võimalik võrrelda erinevate tootjate poolt ette antud tugevusnäitajatega ning erinevate standardite põhjal määratud survetugevuste ristikiudu hindamiseks. Samuti on võimalik saadud teadmisi rakendada praktilises ehituses, nt. seinapaneeli karkassivööde projekteerimisel ning tugevdamisel. The need for larger and taller buildings has created a demand for stronger building materials. One such material is laminated veneer lumber (LVL). This research compares laminated veneer lumber’s compression strength perpendicular to the grain depending on different height and compressed surface area. The values were compared based on the compression strength methodology determinated by the EN 14374 and ASTM D143 standards. The research used 792 specimens from three different manufactures: Metsäwood (Kerto), Steico and Pollmeier (BauBuche). Tests were divided into 12 test series; the specimens' heights were between 15 and 60 mm. Compressed surface width was between 45 and 90 mm. The research results showed that BauBuche, Steico and Kerto’s LVL compression strength perpendicular to the grain determinated by EN 14374 were in the same sue magnitude throughout the test series.However, when the values were determinated according to the ASTM D143, compression strength started to decrease if the compressed surfaca area’s was increased. The results of the study can be used to compare compression strength values provided by different manufactures, and to compare different standards. Also, results of the study can be applied in construction, for example for the design and reinforcement of top plate.

This work is to explicate the data collected during the turning of AISI 1045 alloy steel components in near dry condition with emulsified cutting fluids prepared from cooking oils such as Palm oil and Peanut oil. The base oils are tested for its relative density, viscosity and flash point following ASTM standards . Highly influencing turning factors are identified and the experiments are planned and arranged using Taguchi's L27(35) orthogonal array, the experiments are repeated to reduce the errors. The quality aspect of machined components and the machining interface temperature is observed as the outcomes. The prediction models are created for the experiments through regression analysis.

This article is based on the determination of the mechanical capacity of the Connecting rodof the Kia Rio, Corsa Evolution and Volkswagen Gol vehicles, based on a static analysis by compression and buckling under column conditions, determining whether or not there is over-dimensioning of the same. The study is developed in phases:Chemical analysis performed by a spark spectro meter, material hardness tests and micrographic analysis based on ASTM standards,determining the specific material of each connecting rod. Analytical calculation determining the pressure and explosion force in the engine. Analysis of the connecting rods in column conditions, obtaining critical values to which the connecting rods will begin to buckle, these values are analyzed by means of EMF, being able to determine the safety factors for each case. Modeling and FEM compression analysis of each connecting rod with load increase until the last effort, displacement and safety factor values are obtained. Performing non-destructive tests by penetrating inks and magnetic particles based on ASTM standards determining whether or not there are possible cracks or porosities that influence the results. Experimental compression test in the universal testing machine obtaining results that will be compared with those obtained by FEM. Checking oversize in the connectingrods by comparing the forces obtained from the experimental test and using FEM considering the force in the expansion cycle. Determination of a mathematical model using linear regressions from which we will obtain the effort as a function of the compression force that we enter. Este artículo se basa en la determinación de la capacidad mecánica que soportan las bielas de los vehículos Kia Rio, Corsa Evolution y Volkswagen Gol, en base a un análisis estático por compresión y pandeo en condiciones de columna, determinando si existe o no sobredimensionamiento de estas. El estudio se desarrolla en fases: Análisis químico realizado por un espectrómetro de chispa, ensayos de dureza del material y análisis micrográfico basado en normas ASTM, determinando el material específico de cada biela. Cálculo analítico determinando la presión y fuerza de explosión en el motor. Análisis de las bielas en condiciones de columna logrando obtener valores críticos a los cuales las bielas empezarán a pandearse, estos valores son analizados mediante FEM pudiendo determinar los factores de seguridad para cada caso. Modelado y Análisis FEM a compresión de cada Biela con incremento de carga hasta obtener los valores de esfuerzo, desplazamiento y factor de seguridad últimos. Realización de ensayos no destructivos por tintas penetrantes y partículas magnéticasbasado en normas ASTM determinando si existe o no posibles fisuras o porosidades que influencien en los resultados. Ensayo experimental a compresión en la máquina de ensayos universales obteniendo resultados que serán comparados con los obtenidos mediante FEM. Comprobación de sobredimensionamiento en las bielas mediante comparación de esfuerzos obtenido del ensayo experimental y mediante FEM considerando la fuerza en el ciclo de expansión. Determinación de un modelo matemático usando regresiones lineales del cual obtendremos el esfuerzo en función de la fuerza de compresión que ingresemos.

Biodiesel has continued to receive enormous patronage from world energy demand as a result of its renewable nature, low toxicity, rapid degradation, robust fuel performance and low emission characteristics and its overall environmental friendliness.Hence, these data showed the optimization of temperature, catalyst concentration and type of catalyst, alcohol type and alcohol to oil molar ratio and reaction time on Avocado plant oil biodiesel yield and quality produced via alkali-catalyzed transesterification reaction. Data on the quality of the biodiesel produced by using the American Standard for Testing Materials (ASTM) procedures for biodiesel characterization with different concentrations of alcohol and catalyst under varying temperatures and reaction durations are also provided. The tested biodiesel properties are the cold flow properties (pour point and cloud point) and the critical parameters such as kinematic viscosity at 40 °C, specific gravity at 15 °C, flash point, cetane number, calorific value, iodine value, acid number and sulphated ash percentage. Keywords: ASTM, Avocado Oil, Biodiesel quality, Biodiesel yield, Transesterification reaction

Of late there has been a resurgence in studies investigating parameters that quantify combustion knock in both standardized platforms and modern spark-ignition engines. However, it is still unclear how metrics such as knock (octane) rating, knock onset and knock intensity are related, and how fuels behave according to these metrics across a range of conditions. As part of an ongoing study, the air supply system of a standard Cooperative Fuel Research (CFR) F1/F2 engine was modified to allow mild levels of intake air boosting while staying true to its intended purpose of being the standard device for ASTM-specified knock rating, or octane number tests. For instance, the carburation system and intake air heating manifold are not altered, but the engine was equipped with cylinder pressure transducers to enable both, logging of the standard knockmeter read-out, as well as state-of-the-art indicated data. For this study, the engine was operated using primary reference fuel 90 (PRF90) at 600 rpm, first following the procedures of the ASTM D2699 research octane number test protocol in order to define the geometric compression ratio set point for standard knock number. Thereafter, compression ratio sweeps were conducted at intake temperatures ranging from 30 to 150 °C and intake air boost extending from 0 to 0.3 bar above ambient. The resulting operating map provided a broad envelope of compressed in-cylinder conditions relevant to modern spark ignition engines. The indicated data were used to conduct standard heat release, as well as power spectral density analyses. This provided insight into the effects of intake manifold conditions on the physical manifestation of in-cylinder knock while highlighting anomalies not captured by the standard CFR knockmeter.

In lignocellulosic biomass, the volatile matter can vary from 65 to 85%. Different standards are described in the literature for obtaining this parameter. However, it is observed that some studies of regression models have not considered these differences. They create a volatile matter content database, where the standards for obtaining the same parameter are different. Thus, the objective of the study was to verify whether different standards for volatile matter present statistically equal values. That is if they can be compared with each other, without danger of bias. For this, three types of biomasses of Brazil used were used (eucalyptus chips, pine chips, and sugarcane bagasse). The samples were collected, size reduction, size separation, and stored in the laboratory. Three standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM D1762, ASTM E872, ASTM D3175) and one standard of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 18123) were tested. The experimental design was completely randomized, consisting of four treatments and five replications. The central limit theorem was tested in some literature databases of the volatile matter. The results showed statistical differences when changing the type of standard used. For eucalyptus sawdust, the four standards resulted in methodologies with different averages. Still, the central limit theorem was not observed in some databases of different articles. This was explained by the non-standardization of a single standard when grouping data from different works. Therefore, different volatile content standards produce different results and when comparing values, it is important to take this assumption into account. En biomasa lignocelulósica, el contenido de materiales volátiles puede variar del 65 al 85%. Sin embargo, se observa que en algunos estudios de modelos de regresión no consideraron estas diferencias. Crean una base de datos de contenido de materiales volátiles, donde los estándares para obtener un mismo parámetro son diferentes. Así, el objetivo del estudio fue verificar si diferentes estándares para el contenido de materiales volátiles presentan valores estadísticamente iguales. Para ello, se utilizaron tres tipos de biomasa de Brasil (astillas de eucalipto, astillas de pino y bagazo de caña de azúcar). Las muestras se recolectaron, se redujeron de tamaño, se separaron y se almacenaron en el laboratorio. Se probaron tres estándares de la Sociedad Estadounidense de Pruebas y Materiales (ASTM D1762, ASTM E872, ASTM D3175) y un estándar de la Organización Internacional de Normalización (ISO 18123). El diseño experimental fue completamente al azar, con cuatro tratamientos y cinco repeticiones. El teorema del límite central se probó en algunas bases de datos de literatura de contenido de material volátil. Los resultados mostraron diferencias estadísticas al cambiar el tipo de estándar utilizado. Para el aserrín de eucalipto, los cuatro estándares dieron como resultado metodologías con diferentes medios. Aún así, el teorema del límite central no se observó en algunas bases de datos de diferentes artículos. Esto se explica por la no estandarización de un solo tipo de norma en la agrupación de datos de diferentes trabajos. Por lo tanto, diferentes estándares para materiales volátiles producen resultados diferentes. Na biomassa lignocelulósica, o teor de materiais voláteis pode variar de 65 a 85%. Diferentes normas são descritas na literatura. No entanto, observa-se que em alguns estudos de modelos de regressão não consideraram essas diferenças. Eles criam um banco de dados de teor de materiais voláteis, onde as normas para obtenção do mesmo parâmetro são diferentes. Assim, o objetivo do estudo foi verificar se diferentes normas para o teor de materiais voláteis apresentam valores estatisticamente iguais. Para isso, foram utilizados três tipos de biomassas do Brasil (cavaco de eucalipto, cavaco de pinus e bagaço de cana). As amostras foram coletadas, reduzidas de tamanho, separadas de tamanho e armazenadas em laboratório. Três padrões da American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM D1762, ASTM E872, ASTM D3175) e um padrão da International Organization for Standardization (ISO 18123) foram testados. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições. O teorema do limite central foi testado em algumas bases de dados da literatura de teor de materiais voláteis. Os resultados mostraram diferenças estatísticas ao mudar o tipo de norma utilizada. Para a serragem de eucalipto, os quatro padrões resultaram em metodologias com médias diferentes. Ainda assim, o teorema do limite central não foi observado em algumas bases de dados de diferentes artigos. Isso se explica pela não padronização de um único tipo de norma no agrupamento de dados de diferentes obras. Portanto, diferentes normas de materiais de voláteis produzem resultados diferentes.

[ES] La fabricación aditiva es una tecnología de fabricación que está revolucionando rápidamente la industria y sus procesos. Sin embargo, todavía es necesario trabajar más en su regulación, trazabilidad y en los parámetros de calidad de los productos impresos. Este proyecto nace de esta necesidad, y pretende determinar si el comportamiento mecánico de probetas fabricadas con tecnología aditiva, es similar a otras fabricadas con tecnologías tradicionales. En este Trabajo de Fin de Grado se ha realizado un análisis estructural de piezas fabricadas con tecnología FDM ''Fused Deposition Modelling''. Se han producido una gran cantidad de piezas en PLA (ácido poliláctico) con diferentes parámetros de fabricación y se han sometido a ensayos de compresión, siguiendo las especificaciones de la normativa ASTM D695-15. Esta norma, explica el método de ensayo para la determinación de las propiedades mecánicas a compresión de materiales plásticos. Posteriormente, se realiza el post-procesamiento de los resultados, se analizan y se comentan las conclusiones obtenidas., [EN] Additive manufacturing is a technology which is revolutionizing the industry and its processes. Nevertheless, it is necessary to work more on its regulation, traceability and on the quality parameters of printed products. The aim of this project is to determine if test pieces manufactured with additive technologies have similar behaviour under compression test than the ones assembled by traditional processes. This Final Degree Project is based on the structural analysis of parts manufactured by FDM's (Fused Deposition Modeling). A large number of PLA pieces will be assembled with different manufacturing parameters and evaluated according to the speci cations of ASTM D695-15. This standard explains the test method for being able to determine the mechanical properties of plastic materials under compression tests. Finally, the post-processing and analysis of the results is carried out, extracting several conclusions about the work done.

The 2015 edition of the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) includes significant changes to the acoustic requirements for residential constructions. The 2015 edition defines the acoustic requirements in terms of the Apparent Sound Transmission Class (ASTC) rating which includes contributions from flanking transmission and therefore is a better descriptor of how well the sound insulation of a building will actually protect the inhabitants of the building from unwanted noise than the STC rating which was used in earlier editions of the NBCC. The 2015 NBCC requires an ASTC rating ≥ 47 for constructions between dwelling units. The ASTC rating that a construction will achieve depends on the design of the building elements including the gypsum board, the framing and the thermal insulation as well as the design of the junctions between the building elements. Changes to the building elements or the junctions will change the ASTC rating. Fifty five examples of the calculation of the ASTC rating for typical mid-rise wood constructions (single and triple staggered wood stud walls and floors constructed of I-joists) with 15.9 mm (5/8”) SilentFX® QuickCut gypsum board, 15.9 mm CertainTeed Type X gypsum board and CertainTeed Sustainable fiberglass insulation are presented. All of the constructions shown in the examples have an ASTC rating which is greater than 47. In addition to the examples for mid-rise wood framing, an example using 15.9 mm SilentFX® QuickCut gypsum board as a lining on a cross laminated timber (CLT) construction is also presented., 3rd edition supersedes 1st and 2nd editions

Pada PLTU UJP Banten 3 Lontar terjadi kerusakan pada Roda Gigi Miring dalam Gearbox, dimana benda tersebut patah yang menyebabkan unit 1 berhenti beroperasi. Dari segi pengamatan visual yang terjadi dikarenakan benda kelelahan kerja, gap yang tidak merata sehingga Air Preheater bekerja dengan gesekan yang besar antara elemen yang berputar dengan seal perapat. Tidak maksimalnya putaran elemen dan motor terus memberi beban putaran, sehingga roda gigi terjadi deformasi fracture fatigue, dengan dibuktikan dari hasil pengamatan visual, uji komposisi kimia yang masih sesuai dengan standar ASTM A291, uji kekerasan sebesar 264 HB dan 282 HB diatas standar ASTM A291 sebesar 223-263 HB, uji metalografi menunjukan fasa martensit yang tidak seragam, dan SEM-EDX melihat morfologi mikrostruktur pada permukaan poros, yaitu pada beachmark, rubbings, dan rekahan akhir.

Additive Manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, is a technology where successive layers of material are deposited one on top of the other to form parts. AM has a high degree of design flexibility and allows the fabrication of highly customized parts in a short amount of time, making it ideal for industries such as aerospace. The mechanical properties of 3D printed materials, especially those produced via Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), are dependent on many factors, making standardization difficult. Thus far, only a handful of standards have been created specifically for AM so most of the research still relies on previous standards. These old standards generally assume isotropic materials, which makes the results obtained through their use not entirely accurate since 3D printed materials usually have a high degree of anisotropy. This paper is dedicated to the study of the differences in the elastic moduli measured with two different types of coupons designed using ASTM standard D638. Comparison of the values measured for each type of sample shows that the sample geometry does not make a difference when testing 3D printed materials. NRF (Natl Research Foundation, S’pore) Published version

A wide range of professions is enjoying the privilege of standardized work, where a document states what operations are the best way to go about any given task. In the work of a digital forensic examiner, standards and guidelines are harder to define given the full range of tasks and continuously developing digital aspect. This study has the goal of mapping out existing digital forensic standards and examining whether or not any digital standards and guidelines are being used in the field of law enforcement. This study is also setting out to explain why, or why not these standards and guidelines are being used. This task is being performed using a literary study, using existing digital forensic standards, and also a set of interviews targeting digital forensics working in law enforcement. The study shows how digital forensic standards are not actively being used, and when guidelines are being used, they are used somewhat vaguely and not firmly enforced. The work of a digital forensic proves to use a more “best practice” approach where experience and competence are key. Standards and guidelines are being used so rarely because, with the extremely different cases, the constant development of technology, and the use of “unrestrained evaluation of evidence”; it simply cannot exist without limiting the digital forensic process.

Visita Técnica Internacional El alcance del proyecto se desarrolla con base en la visita internacional a la empresa CEMEX ubicada en México, la cual se caracteriza por la fabricación de concretos y que también cuenta con presencia en Colombia, lo que permite llevar a cabo una identificación de aspectos comunes y diferenciales a partir de la recopilación de la información acerca de los controles de calidad en concretos. Con ello se logró:  Conocer los procesos de ensayo de caracterización para el control de calidad del concreto de una de las mejores plantas de Cemex a nivel mundial.  Realizar un análisis comparativo con los procesos colombianos.  Determinar cuáles procesos pueden ser aplicados en la industria colombiana. Igualmente, se realizó un recorrido por la normatividad y normas técnicas aplicables en Colombia; donde se definen los parámetros o estándares de calidad determinados por los ensayos que estipulan la resistencia y durabilidad de los concretos, producto utilizado en la construcción y ejecución de proyectos de ingeniería civil. Con ello se realizó un análisis comparativo entre la normatividad colombiana y la mexicana. Pregrado Ingeniero Civil INTRODUCCIÓN 1. GENERALIDADES 2. PLANTEAMIENTO DEL PROBLEMA 3. OBJETIVOS 4. JUSTIFICACIÓN 5. DELIMITACIÓN 6. MARCO REFRENCIAL 7. METODOLOGÍA 8. RESULTADOS VISITA TÉCNICA INTERNACIONAL 9. RESULTADOS VISITA TÉCNICA NACIONAL 10. ANÁLISIS DE RESULTADOS 11. CONCLUSIONES 12. RECOMENDACIONES 13. BIBLIOGRAFÍA 14. ANEXOS

Fibroza chistică (FC) este cea mai comună afecţiune autozomal recesivă la populaţia caucaziană. Boala pulmonară se caracterizează prin afectarea clearance-ului mucociliar cu obstrucţia căilor aeriene, infecţie şi inflamaţie cronică. Wheezingul este un simptom comun în FC, dar în unele cazuri este determinat de prezenţa concomitentă a astmului. Nu există un consens în cum definim astmul în fibroza chistică, dar diagnosticul se bazează în principal pe istoricul personal şi familial de atopie al pacientului.

Obiective. Stabilirea relaţiei între valoarea concentraţiei oxidului nitric expirat (FENO) şi atopia în astmul bronşic la copii. Metode. Au fost examinaţi 92 de pacienţi cu diagnosticul de astm bronşic stabilit, cu vârste cuprinse între 5 şi 18 ani, care s-au prezentat în Clinica de Pediatrie a Spitalului Clinic de Urgenţe pentru Copii „Grigore Alexandrescu“. Terenul atopic a fost evaluat prin date anamnestice, clinice şi investigaţii de laborator (eozinofile serice şi IgE totale). Tuturor pacienţilor li s-a determinat concentraţia oxidului nitric expirat. Rezultate. S-au obţinut valori crescute ale FENO la copiii cu astm bronşic alergic faţă de cei cu astm bronşic nonalergic, valori care se corelează cu eozinofilia şi creşterea imunoglobulinelor E totale. Concluzii. Măsurarea FENO este utilă pentru evaluarea inflamaţiei mucoasei bronşice la copiii cu astm bronşic atopic.

In this study, to minimize the difficulties encountered in the surface profile and shape of testing samples in slake durability index test, a new sample preparation method that is called Pasha Method is used. In order to apply this new sample preparation method, marl block samples were collected at Tuncbilek open pit mine located at the Kutahya region in Turkey. Samples were prepared as two different profiles or shapes. The rounded test samples whose sharp sides were hammered and ground with abrasives were chosen first. These first testing samples were prepared according to both the ASTM and ISRM standard. The second test samples were equal-sized spheres that were prepared according to the new method.After sample preparation, these two different samples were subjected to the Slake durability index test. The test results of two different samples are presented in this paper. According to the test results, the highest slake durability index values were obtained from equal-sized sphere test samples that are prepared according to the new method when the sphere samples were compared to the rounded samples.

The transmit–receive (Tx/Rx) birdcage head coil is often used for excitation instead of the body coil because of the presumably lower risk of heating in and around conductive implants. However, this common practice has not been systematically tested. To investigate whether the Tx/Rx birdcage head coil produces less heating than the body coil when scanning individuals with implants, we used a 3T clinical scanner and made temperature measurements around a straight 15 cm conductor using either the Tx/Rx body or the head coil for excitation. Additionally, the transmitted fields of a Tx/Rx head coil were measured both in air and in gel using a resonant and a non-resonant B field probes as well as a non-resonant E field probe. Simulations using a finite-difference time domain solver were compared with the experimental findings. When the body coil was used for excitation, we observed heating around the 15 cm wire at various anatomical locations (both within and outside of the active volume of the head coil). Outside its active area, no such heating was observed while using the Tx/Rx head coil for excitation. The E and B fields of the Tx/Rx birdcage head coil extended well-beyond the physical dimensions of the coil. In air, the fields were monotonically decreasing, while in gel they were more complex with local maxima at the end of the ASTM phantom. These experimental findings were line with the simulations. While caution must always be exercised when scanning individuals with metallic implants, these findings support the use of the Tx/Rx birdcage head coil in place of the body coil at 3T in order to reduce the risk of heating in and around conductive implants that are remote from the head coil.

The mechanical response of a middle strength rock, namely Pietra sandstone, is assessed both numerically and experimentally under unconfined compressive loading condition. Two experimental approaches, based on different specimens’ arrangements, have been conducted on Pietra Serena sandstone to determine its unconfined compressive strength (UCS). This parameter greatly influences the boreability of rocks and a precise method for obtaining this parameter is thus always required. The experimental tests have been replicated in LS-DYNA in conjunction with an advanced material model, called the Karagozian and Case Concrete (KCC) model, to benchmark the results and, therefore, to conclude which experimental approaches yield the most reliable results.

SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications 2016 (August 28-September 1, 2016), San Diego, California, USA, 形態: 図版あり, Physical characteristics: Original contains illustrations, 資料番号: PA1710045000

Obiective. Revizuirea datelor din literatura de specialitate privind asocierea DSIgA cu boli alergice. Material şi metodă. S-a cercetat baza de date medicale PubMed şi, dintr-un număr total de 99 de articole publicate în intervalul 1973-2011 au fost selectate 20 articole semnifi cative pentru asocierea studiată. Rezultate. Primele studii privind această asociere datează de peste 35 de ani. Studiile publicate în acest interval citează asocieri cu astmul, dermatita atopică, rinita / conjunctivita alergică, urticaria, alergiile medicamentoase şi alimentare şi anafi laxia posttransfuzională. Uneori, relaţia dintre DSIgA şi bolile alergice poate fi bidirecţională, cum este cazul rinitei alergice sau a dermatitei atopice. Alteori, DSIgA poate chiar să reprezinte un factor agravant al bolii alergice. Concluzii. Deşi în literatura de specialitate există puţine date privind asocierea acestor afecţiuni, alergiile respiratorii şi dermatita atopică par a fi mai frecvente la pacienţii cu DSIgA. Unele studii susţin chiar un efect agravant al DSIgA în aceste boli. Nu trebuie neglijată asocierea DSIgA cu boala celiacă şi reacţiile anafi lactice posttransfuzionale. Manifestările alergice pot fi cele care determină pacientul să se prezinte la medic, de aceea un procent important din DSIgA este depistat cu ocazia consulturilor alergologice.

Infl amaţia cronică caracteristică astmului bronşic implică multiple componenete şi este orchestrată de numeroase tipuri celulare, în mod particular de mastocite, eozinofi le şi limfocitele CD4+, dar şi de celulele structurale ale căilor respiratorii. Activarea acestor celule conduce la eliberarea a peste 100 de mediatori proinfl amatori şi citokine, care determină edem, bronhoconstricţie, infi ltrare celulară, hipersecreţie de mucus, hiper-reactivitate bronşică (HRB) şi, nu în ultimul rând, remodelarea bronşică. Aceste modifi cări se exprimă clinic prin wheezing, dispnee şi tuse şi se asociază în mod caracteristic cu obstrucţia reversibilă a căilor respiratorii. Controlul infl amaţiei alergice în astm se obţine folosind corticosteroizi inhalatori (CSI) ca primă linie terapeutică, dar nu toţi pacienţii răspund, chiar şi atunci când sunt folosiţi în doze mari sau în combinaţie cu alte medicamente, inclusiv β2 agonişti cu durată lungă de acţiune şi/sau antileucotriene. Astfel de pacienţi au nevoie de terapie adiţională. În ultimii ani, pe măsură ce s-a înaintat în cunoaşterea patogeniei astmului, s-au dezvoltat câteva noi terapii antiinfl amatorii, cea mai avansată fi ind terapia cu Omalizumab (anticorpi antiIgE). Alte opţiuni terapeutice au ca target citokinele pro-infl amatorii sau celulele inflamatorii.

Introducere: Determinarea rezistenţei respiratorii prin metoda întreruperii fl uxului (TIF) este o tehnică atractivă în pediatrie, deoarece necesită doar cooperare minimă din partea copilului. Pentru a putea interpreta rezultatul oricărei metode diagnostice este necesară cunoaşterea variabilităţii ei. Variabilitatea globală a unei metode depinde de variabilitatea între diferiţii subiecţi, dar şi de variabilitatea înregistrată la acelaşi subiect pe termen scurt şi lung. Obiectiv: Studiul de faţă şi-a propus evaluarea variabilităţii pe termen scurt, la acelaşi subiect, a rezistenţei respiratorii determinate prin metoda întreruperii fluxului, atât la copiii astmatici, cât şi la copiii non-astmatici. Material şi metodă: S-a determinat Rocc la 21 de copii fără astm bronşic şi la 22 de copii astmatici. La fi ecare copil s-au efectuat două determinări ale Rocc la 20 de minute interval. Rezultate: Variaţia absolută a Rocc la copiii non-astmatici a fost de 0,0033 kPa/L/s (deviaţie standard 0,14; interval de confi denţă 95%: de la –0,062 la +0,06), iar la copiii astmatici 0,04 kPa/L/s (deviaţie standard 0,09; interval de confi denţă 95%: de la –0,080 la +0,0001), diferenţele nefi ind statistic semnifi cative între cele două loturi (p = 0,24). Percentilele 5 şi 95 ale modifi cării procentuale a Rocc la copiii non-astmatici au fost –26,3%, respectiv +34,0%. La copiii cu astm bronşic aceste percentile au fost –22,6%, respectiv +17,2%. Concluzii: Studiul arată că Rocc este o măsurătoare relativ stabilă pe termen scurt, iar pentru ca modifi carea ei să fi e etichetată ca semnifi cativă după o anumită intervenţie (de exemplu, administrarea de salbutamol) trebuie să depăşescă variabilitatea metodei pe termen scurt.

Dozarea oxidului nitric în aerul expirat este una din metodele folosite pentru cuantifi carea infl amaţiei bronşice. Relativ recent apărută în practica medicală, această metodă este neinvazivă şi tot mai larg accesibilă, având astfel aplicabilitate şi în pediatrie. După o scurtă trecere în revistă a datelor istorice relevante, autorii detaliază modalitatea tehnică de obţinere a valorilor oxidului nitric şi implicaţiile practice în diagnosticul şi monitorizarea terapiei din astmul bronşic.

Introducere: Explorarea funcţională respiratorie este difi cil de realizat la copilul de vârstă mică, incapabil să efectueze corect manevrele de expir forţat. Tehnica întreruperii fl uxului este o metodă atractivă în pediatrie deoarece necesită doar o minimă cooperare din partea copilului. Obiective: Evaluarea sensibilităţii şi specifi cităţii acestei metode pentru detectarea răspunsului bronhodilatator la copiii astmatici. Metodă: Au fost incluşi în studiu copii diagnosticaţi cu astm bronşic, capabili să efectueze manevre expiratorii forţate. S-au determinat atât debitele şi volumele pulmonare prin spirometrie, cât şi rezistenţa respiratorie (Rocc) prin tehnica întreruperii fl uxului. Determinările au fost efectuate bazal şi după administrarea de bronhodilatator (salbutamol inhalator 400 µg). În funcţie de prezenţa sau absenţa reversibilităţii bronşice decelată în urma spirometriei, copiii au fost împărţiţi în 2 grupuri, urmărindu-se în continuare corelaţia dintre spirometrie şi Rocc la cele 2 grupuri. Rezultate: Dintre cele 54 de cazuri, după efectuarea spirometriei, 10 copii au prezentat un test pozitiv de reversibilitate bronşică. Valorile bazale ale Rocc, dar nu şi cele după bronhodilatator, au fost semnifi cativ mai mari la copiii ce prezentau un test pozitiv de bronhodilataţie (0.89 ± 0.20 kPa/L/s vs. 0.63 ± 0.18 kPa/L/s, p < 0,0001; respectiv 0.66 ± 0.21 kPa/L/s vs. 0.55 ± 0.16 kPa/L/s, p = 0,067). Modifi carea Rocc după bronhodilatator (∆Rocc, exprimată ca procent al modifi cării faţă de valoarea bazală) a fost de -19,22 ± 23,53% în grupul cu test bronhodilatator pozitiv şi de -10,31 ± 18,87% la cei fără reversibilitate (p = 0.06). Valoarea optimă a ∆Rocc, calculată pe baza curbei receiver operating characteristic, este de -25%, valoare la care sensibilitatea este de 50% şi specifi citatea de 86,4% în detectarea unui test pozitiv de bronhodilataţie (aria de sub curbă 0,692). Concluzie: Tehnica întreruperii fl uxului permite evaluarea răspunsului bronhodilatator la copilul astmatic, consituindu-se într-o alternativă importantă pentru testarea reversibilităţii bronşice în stiuaţiile în care spirometria nu este posibilă.

Standards are important tools in evaluating and predicting the performance of medical devices prior to implantation. There are three types of standards that are available: a material specification, a standard test method, and a standard test guide. Each of these types of standards is defined with examples of how each is used to facilitate evaluation of medical devices. The standards development process is also described: this is a complex process, requiring the involvement of a multidisciplinary team, usually consisting of engineers, scientists, and clinicians who represent healthcare, academia, government, and industry. Finally, standards have a clear and defined role in the development of medical devices, and the benefits, strengths, as well as the limitations in this role are discussed.

Introduction: Electronic health record (EHR) is defined as digitally stored healthcare information about an individual's life time with the purpose of supporting continuity of care, education, and research. Major issue that needs to be addressed in order to accomplish with sharing and exchange is the development and use of content and structure standards in the EHR. Based on, this investigation has done on EHR content, structure and vocabulary standards and designs a suitable model for Iran. Methods: This cross section comparative study was conducted in the year 2005-2006. The means for collecting data were check list and questionnaire. Participants include ASTM, HL7, and CEN TC. Data analysis was done by way of qualitative methods and comparative tables. Based on the standards advantages and limitations, a model was recommended. Using Delphi systems, a workable model for content, structure, and vocabulary of EHR was presented. Results: Study shows that there are three main organizations that create standards related to EHR: HL7, CEN TC251, and ASTM E31. HL7 dose not have a compressive standards for content and structure, but in two sections, namely the Clinical Document Architecture (CDA) and the Document Ontology Task force (DOTF) proposal give some ideas regarding EHR and used vocabulary standards such as SNOMED, LOINC, and UMLS. CEN TC 251 defines the structure of an EHR but not it's content. Pre-standard ENV13606-1 suggests structure EHR and ENV13606-2 partially suggests some content of the EHR and dose not any vocabulary standard. ASTM E1384 "Standard Guide for Content and Structure of the Electronic Health Record" partially defines an EHR content and structure and used vocabulary standards such as ICD9, SNOMED, READ. Conclusions: Theses organizations paid a lot attention to the structure, content, and vocabulary standards. Based on theirs weakness and capabilities, a model was recommended and finalized using the Delphi technique.

Technical specifications for the asphalt concrete properties are developed to be able to specify mixtures that will perform well in pavement applications. Being able to identify and determine properties related to pavement performance in practice is crucial for both road authorities and contractors, since it allows for design and risk management by determining design life times and reliability. However, the properties of Asphalt Concrete (AC) change over its lifetime and since most pavement layers last for a decade or more these changes are crucial in determining the performance in practice.For many of the standard materials the effect of aging is implicitly dealt with in the safety factors that also account for other effects such as the variation rest periods/healing and variations in traffic and weather in the design methods and specifications. Rapid changes in the materials used (increasing percentages reclaimed asphalt, bio‐bitumen, rejuvenators, waste materials) and in theproduction of both bitumen (new refining methods resulting in different composition of bitumen) and asphalt concrete itself (warm mix asphalt, porous asphalt concrete, rubber asphalt mixtures) lead to increased uncertainty in the effects of aging. As a result, the uncertainties in pavement performance increase, which means the prediction of maintenance and the necessary budgets is getting more inaccurate.In order to maintain the ability to reliably design and maintain pavements and determine the most cost‐effective solutions for a given situation, a better understanding of the aging processes and objective methods to take into account aging effects on material properties is needed. This need is widely recognized, in the USA the Mechanical Empirical Design Guide takes aging into account through aging tests on the bitumen used and in Europe CEN TC227 works on establishing a method to assess the aging sensitivity of asphalt mixtures. This symposium aimed at combining the existing information and insights from ongoing research into recommendations that will allow thedevelopment of methods to determine aging sensitivity and the impact on pavement performance, facilitate the exchange of obtained data and stimulate further developments The resulting recommendations are: Do make long term aging sensitivity of binders part of the bitumen standards and take the results from the aging sensitivity of binders into consideration when assessing AC properties.Be aware that RTFOT testing only gives an indication of the sensitivity of a penetration grade binder to aging during hot mix production and construction, it doesn’t work for hard grades, PMB’s or warm mixes. Because of the many variables involved, developing one test method to characterise aging sensitivity seems improbable. However, PAV aging is both practical and, if tests at various conditions are carried out, able to give kinematic properties. A PAV protocol for testing at two temperatures and time intervals could provide practical characterisation information forthe short term and enable model development and validation on the long term. RCAT and other aging procedures could also be used in this sense, but considering the availability of equipment and the wide spread experience, PAV is the best candidate to allow the rapid development of international experience with the approach.Based on the current standards and the work presented during the symposium, PAV tests at 90 and 100 degrees Celsius and 20 and 40 hours, respectively, are suggested. The low values for temperature and duration are based on the current standards and fit both the USA and CEN procedure, while research shows that after 40 hours at 100 degrees the chemical (FTIR) and rheological (DSR) properties of laboratory aged and field samples were similar (Section6.5 and 8.5). At 100oC the temperature is low enough so that the effect of secondary reactions is negligible. As such, these conditions are appropriate for kinetic expressions for in service pavement performance. For high temperature processes and possibly also for repeated recycling (very long term) more sophisticated methods are needed. Set‐up and maintain field monitoring of temperature and UV radiation in various climate zones, as well as regular sampling over time and height to keep checking the predicted changes (from both tests and models), versus the actual changes in properties order to ensure reliability of the data as well as the applicability for pavement performance prediction. In setting up field tests, it is important to get both the composition of the virgin bitumen and the composition after mixing, transport and placement in the pavement. Thesecompositions provide the starting points from both the material and pavement structure point of view and can be used to assess the development of aging products over time. There is a lot of discussion about the impact of binder recovery methods on the observed composition, so until it is proven that this does not have an influence, for comparisons the same recovery method should be used. Set up a coordination and support action on AC‐Aging to continue to exchange information and experiences, both in research and in construction projects. develop an IR testing protocol, to facilitate the exchange of results and information.  Compare the bitumen composition that is found through various recovery methods toestablish if there is an effect and if so, develop a procedure to address this. To further understanding of aging, a Round Robin test on the differences in test conditions between US and EU, allowing better access to each other’s data and knowledge would be seful. When developing aging tests for AC, it would be useful to look at the US experience. As long as there is no fundamentally correct method for assessing the aging, it would be preferable to standardize it as much as possible in order to allow cooperation and exchange of data.

Technical specifications for the asphalt concrete properties are developed to be able to specify mixtures that will perform well in pavement applications. Being able to identify and determine properties related to pavement performance in practice is crucial for both road authorities and contractors, since it allows for design and risk management by determining design life times and reliability. However, the properties of Asphalt Concrete (AC) change over its lifetime and since most pavement layers last for a decade or more these changes are crucial in determining the performance in practice.For many of the standard materials the effect of aging is implicitly dealt with in the safety factors that also account for other effects such as the variation rest periods/healing and variations in traffic and weather in the design methods and specifications. Rapid changes in the materials used (increasing percentages reclaimed asphalt, bio‐bitumen, rejuvenators, waste materials) and in theproduction of both bitumen (new refining methods resulting in different composition of bitumen) and asphalt concrete itself (warm mix asphalt, porous asphalt concrete, rubber asphalt mixtures) lead to increased uncertainty in the effects of aging. As a result, the uncertainties in pavement performance increase, which means the prediction of maintenance and the necessary budgets is getting more inaccurate.In order to maintain the ability to reliably design and maintain pavements and determine the most cost‐effective solutions for a given situation, a better understanding of the aging processes and objective methods to take into account aging effects on material properties is needed. This need is widely recognized, in the USA the Mechanical Empirical Design Guide takes aging into account through aging tests on the bitumen used and in Europe CEN TC227 works on establishing a method to assess the aging sensitivity of asphalt mixtures. This symposium aimed at combining the existing information and insights from ongoing research into recommendations that will allow thedevelopment of methods to determine aging sensitivity and the impact on pavement performance, facilitate the exchange of obtained data and stimulate further developments The resulting recommendations are: Do make long term aging sensitivity of binders part of the bitumen standards and take the results from the aging sensitivity of binders into consideration when assessing AC properties.Be aware that RTFOT testing only gives an indication of the sensitivity of a penetration grade binder to aging during hot mix production and construction, it doesn’t work for hard grades, PMB’s or warm mixes. Because of the many variables involved, developing one test method to characterise aging sensitivity seems improbable. However, PAV aging is both practical and, if tests at various conditions are carried out, able to give kinematic properties. A PAV protocol for testing at two temperatures and time intervals could provide practical characterisation information forthe short term and enable model development and validation on the long term. RCAT and other aging procedures could also be used in this sense, but considering the availability of equipment and the wide spread experience, PAV is the best candidate to allow the rapid development of international experience with the approach.Based on the current standards and the work presented during the symposium, PAV tests at 90 and 100 degrees Celsius and 20 and 40 hours, respectively, are suggested. The low values for temperature and duration are based on the current standards and fit both the USA and CEN procedure, while research shows that after 40 hours at 100 degrees the chemical (FTIR) and rheological (DSR) properties of laboratory aged and field samples were similar (Section6.5 and 8.5). At 100oC the temperature is low enough so that the effect of secondary reactions is negligible. As such, these conditions are appropriate for kinetic expressions for in service pavement performance. For high temperature processes and possibly also for repeated recycling (very long term) more sophisticated methods are needed. Set‐up and maintain field monitoring of temperature and UV radiation in various climate zones, as well as regular sampling over time and height to keep checking the predicted changes (from both tests and models), versus the actual changes in properties order to ensure reliability of the data as well as the applicability for pavement performance prediction. In setting up field tests, it is important to get both the composition of the virgin bitumen and the composition after mixing, transport and placement in the pavement. Thesecompositions provide the starting points from both the material and pavement structure point of view and can be used to assess the development of aging products over time. There is a lot of discussion about the impact of binder recovery methods on the observed composition, so until it is proven that this does not have an influence, for comparisons the same recovery method should be used. Set up a coordination and support action on AC‐Aging to continue to exchange information and experiences, both in research and in construction projects. develop an IR testing protocol, to facilitate the exchange of results and information.  Compare the bitumen composition that is found through various recovery methods toestablish if there is an effect and if so, develop a procedure to address this. To further understanding of aging, a Round Robin test on the differences in test conditions between US and EU, allowing better access to each other’s data and knowledge would be seful. When developing aging tests for AC, it would be useful to look at the US experience. As long as there is no fundamentally correct method for assessing the aging, it would be preferable to standardize it as much as possible in order to allow cooperation and exchange of data.

Eden izmed večjih problemov v zdravstveni informatiki je učinkovita in enostavna izmenjava podatkov med zdravstvenimi informacijskimi sistemi. Kot rešitev tega problema se vse pogosteje priporoča uporaba standardov za poenotenje podatkovnega modela in načina izmenjave podatkov. Izmed teh standardov so trenutno najbolj razširjeni predvsem openEHR, HL7 in ASTM CCR, ki so tudi predstavljeni v diplomskem delu. Opisana je tudi openEHR implementacija repozitorija kliničnih podatkov Dora eKarton, kamor se stekajo podatki iz vseh aplikacij presejalnega programa Dora. One of the key issues in healthcare informatics is the easy and efficent exchange of information between healthcare information systems. The use of standards for unifying the data model and exchange is one of the most recommended solutions to this problem. The most widespread among these standards are mainly openEHR, HL7 and ASTM CCR, which are also presented in the thesis. Thesis also describes the openEHR implementation of a repository of clinical data Dora eKarton, which collects the data from all applications of Dora screening program.

Validerat; 20150611 (global_studentproject_submitter)

The purpose of this study is to research on the climate difference of long-pile artificial turf. The use of the long-pile turf has been under 15 years and the life span of the turf has not yet to come. The manufactures are doing experiment research indoor, however the research on the actual field has not yet done. Therefore this study has a chance to prove the result from the indoor experiment. Osaka University of Health and Sports Sciences has competed their work on the turf 16 month before Sendai College's work. They also examined the turf surface or performance change after their completion. Therefore we decided to compare the difference of change in climate by using same tests that they have used in their study. The specific tests that we used were followed. 1) Shock absorption performance test 2) Polishing performance test 3) Shoes traction test As a result, the difference was not found, however the data as of now is only from two times, so there is a possibility that the data size was too small. The result might have change due to the influence of the unique weather change, such as snowfall, freezing, midsummer days etc. Even though the difference was not found from different weather conditions, many comparable designs can be used. For example, there could be a new design to find out the user's feeling of two different weather conditions in summer and winter, if there is no difference in change of years or quality of those two places. This study is limited to report the mid result of this comparative study until now and written to be the reference of the next expanded design research information.

The conductivity is one of the main properties of HVDC cable insulation materials and needs to be evaluated carefully. Since measurement on cables is time consuming, often thin specimens and normal conductivity measurement cells are used to compare the materials. In this way however, the bulk effects will be less represented in the measurement and the results will be less representative. Instead, one needs to perform the measurements on thick plate samples and with higher voltage levels. This work focuses on the conductivity measurements on thick HVDC insulation plate samples subject to a high electric field and carefully controlled conditions. In the literature, there are many different methods of measuring the leakage current such as dielectric spectroscopy, PD, IV and PEA measurements. In this thesis a three electrode setup is used to measure the leakage current where the electrodes are placed inside the oven. This is to be able to control both temperature and high voltage under similar and different conditions where it is possible to change these two parameters during measurement. This was made by two Labview programs; one for creating a schedule and one control program which controls the equipment in the cell. The task was to make sure that the cell functioned by obtaining repeatable and reasonable measurements. The results that were obtained were reasonable and verified that the cell functioned. The executed measurements were performed in order to achieve a better understanding of error factors in the measurement system, ranging from preparing the sample to measuring the leakage current. The purpose with the cell is it to investigate the quality of the HVDC insulation by conductivity measurements on millimetre thick plate samples. Den elektriska konduktiviteten är en av de viktigaste egenskaperna av HVDC kablars isolationsmaterial, XLPE, och den måste utvärderas noggrant. Mätning på fullskaliga kablar är tidskrävande och för att jämföra material används istället ofta tunna prover och normerade konduktivitetmätningsceller. En nackdel med denna metod är att bulkeffekterna blir mindre framträdande i mätningen och resultaten kommer att vara mindre representativa. Istället måste man utföra mätningen på tjockare prover och vid högre spänning. Detta examensarbete fokuserar på mätning av ledningsförmåga hos tjocka HVDC- isolationsprover under noggrant kontrollerade förhållanden och starka elektriska fält. I litteraturen finns det många olika metoder att mäta läckströmmar på, till exempel dielektrisk spektroskopi, PD, IV och PEA mätningar för att nämna några. I denna avhandling kommer ett tre-elektrod system att användas där en temperatursensor är monterad på ena elektroden. Systemet används för att både mäta läckströmmar och temperatur vid provet. Detta gör det möjligt att kontrollera temperatur och spänning oberoende av varandra vilket gjordes med hjälp av två Labview program. Det ena för att skapa ett schema och det andra användes som kontrollprogram för att styra utrustningen i cellen. Uppgiften var att kontrollera cellens funktion genom att erhålla rimliga repeterbara mätningar. Mätningarna gav rimliga resultat vilket indikerade att cellen fungerar tillfredställande. Syftet med mätningarna var att få en bättre förståelse för felfaktorer i mätsystemet som kan vara allt från att förbereda provet till att mäta läckström. Syftet med cellen är att undersöka isolationsegenskaperna på millimetertjocka pressade XLPE prover.

We present the Proposed Standard ASTM E57.02 "Standard Test Method for Evaluating Static Pose Measurement Systems" (Work Item ASTM WK31638) and explain why it should be considered important by coordinate metrologists. The stated purpose of the standard is to provide metrics and procedures to evaluate how well a non-contact 3D imaging system is able to determine an object's pose relative to the 3D imaging system. Pose estimation is particularly important for 3D imaging systems that can be moved during the process of generating a digital surface model of a surface, such as arm-mounted 3D imaging systems. The quality of the digital surface model generated by merging multiple depth maps depends on how well the 3D imaging system, or systems, was able to determine their pose during acquisition. We provide a summary of the document to date, the proposed test methods, and the current status of the proposed standard.

Information systems begin to date increasingly faster because of rapidly changing business environment. Usually, small changes are not sufficient to adapt complex legacy information systems to changing business needs. A new functionality should be installed with the requirement of putting business data in the smallest possible risk. Information systems modernization problems are beeing analyzed in this paper and a method for information system modernization is proposed. It involves programming code transformation into abstract syntax tree metamodel (ASTM) and model based transformation from ASTM into knowledge discovery model (KDM). The method is validated on example for SQL language.

There have been accelerated corrosion tests in salt spray chamber in order to know how aggressively they possess the polluted salt marsh in the seaport area and especially in the southern base of the Ecuadorian Navy on metal materials, where it is known that there are large environmental corrosion problems not only their marine condition, but also because it was verified that the pH of the water of the estuary is less than 7 and has been modified by industrial pollution which leads to failure of materials resistant to marine environments. The objective of this thesis was a study of the corrosion of engineering materials known to determine the rate of deterioration of them. The metals selected for evaluation in a standard salt spray chamber using the ASTM B117 specification are: Aluminum bronze, Stainless Steel AISI 304 Stainless Steel AISI 306 Stainless Steel 406, Brass and Brass or bronze called Silver Cupro - Nickel (Cu 30% Ni).