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Highlights • We performed a validity test of the Renal Graded Prognostic Assessment. • Therefore, we developed a new grading index. These results were validated using another dataset including 397 renal cancer patients with BMs. • This new grading system was clearly useful for predicting post-SRS outcomes of BM patients with renal cancer., Background and purpose The Renal Graded Prognostic Assessment (GPA) is relatively new and has not been sufficiently validated using a different dataset. We thus developed a new grading index, the Renal Brain Metastasis Score (Renal-BMS). Materials and methods Using our dataset including 262 renal cancer patients with brain metastases (BMs) undergoing stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) (test series), we validity tested the Renal-GPA. Next, we applied clinical factor-survival analysis to the test series and thereby developed the Renal-BMS. This system was then validated using another series of 352 patients independently undergoing SRS at nine gamma knife facilities in Japan (verification series). Results Using the test series, with the Renal-GPA, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the post-SRS median survival times (MSTs) overlapped between pairs of neighboring subgroups. Among various pre-SRS clinical factors of the test series, six were highly associated with overall survival. Therefore, we assigned scores for six factors, i.e., “KPS ≥ 80%/

The application of Al or Si as antioxidants in MgO-C refractories leads to the in situ formation of new phases. Due to uncertainties regarding phase formation in some references four different test series were heat treated from 800 to 1600 °C under reducing conditions in 200 °C steps. The antioxidant systems investigated were pure Al, Al and Si in two different ratios and SiC. The addition of SiC did not lead to the formation of new phases but in case of Al and Si addition carbides, nitrides, oxycarbonitrides and oxynitrides were formed. The reaction series, its reason and its relation to equilibrium phase composition have been revealed.

This study contributes to the Collaborative Computational Project in Wave–Structure Interaction blind test series 2 by numerically investigating the dynamic response of two simplified point absorber wave energy converters (WECs – a hemispherical-bottom cylinder and a cylinder with moon-pool) under the action of focused waves of varying steepness. The open source toolbox OpenFOAM along with its new overset grid functionality is applied and evaluated for the complex flow problem involving both large free surface deformations and large-amplitude motions of floating objects. The quality of the numerically generated focused wave groups is first examined and validated against the experimental data. The effects of both wave steepness and the moon-pool on the dynamic responses and mooring loads of the simplified WECs are then analysed.

Structural PET foam has a plethora of industry applications, such as inlays for wind turbine blades. However relevant material properties, especially mechanical characteristics, vary significantly between foam types. With new foam compositions being continuously developed by leading vendors, there naturally is limited empirical data in literature on optimal milling parameters for these novel foams. To investigate the milling behavior, raw machine tool data was collected for a test series. Using these data, several distinct process features were calculated. The features were then used to evaluate the performance of several machine learning algorithms in regard to their predictive accuracy.

In the course of this study, several test series were carried out to investigate the triboelectrostatic charging behaviour of various oxides. At the beginning, the influence of the degree of aging and the influence of the sample storage on the charging efficiency of the oxide samples was analysed. For this purpose, two oxide samples were stored under different environmental conditions and then sorted using triboelectrostatic belt separation. Results of a previous series of tests showed that an increased feed temperature has a negative effect on the charging behaviour of calcium and magnesium oxide. Therefore, the effects of a reduced feed temperature were also examined. For these experiments, samples were stored at 8 °C under exclusion of air. In addition, a series of tests was carried out with a gradual increase of the voltage on the triboelectrostatic belt separator in order to determine possible differences in the charging efficiency of calcium oxide and magnesium oxide and to subsequently use them for the separation.

This article examines the use of fiber Bragg grating sensors for cure monitoring purposes in resin transfer molding processes. Within a resin transfer molding test series a thermoset epoxy-amine resin system was used in combination with a woven flax fiber reinforcement. Particular attention was paid on the location of the optical fiber sensor and its sensitive Bragg grating element inside the mold cavity. Three different installation approaches were tested and the correlation of the corresponding strain response with the actual cure state of the resin system was investigated at 50°C and 70°C isothermal cure temperature, respectively. We could demonstrate that characteristic, conspicuous strain changes are directly related to the sol–gel conversion of the thermoset polymer, which was analyzed considering different approaches for the gel-point detection based on rheological measurements. With the installation of the sensor inside a controllable, capsuled resin volume, we could achieve the most reliable strain response that provides capabilities to give in-situ information of the cure state beyond the gelation point.

The purpose of this parameter test is to equip persik trainers with themselves and their staff in order to know the physical condition of the U-20 persik kediri athlete so that the training program can be on target. In addition, the parameter test is also used to evaluate the progress of training towards achievement in each match. This parameter test also has the benefit of setting methods for preparing parameter tests and compiling test guidelines, or SOP so that parameter tests carried out in the field have valid and reliable test prerequisites, and have the same interpretation throughout Indonesia, especially in the Football Sports Branch . For the method here, it uses the field practice method through the persik kediri athlete U-20 to carry out a series of parameter tests in soccer Athletes are asked to carry out the test series in accordance with SOPs that have been determined. The results of this parameter test are that the persik kediri athlete U-20 has physical conditions in categories or good norms in each form of test that is directed at the physical condition of soccer athletes

Purpose: To (1) compare the power output (PO) for both the 20-minute functional threshold power (FTP20) field test and the calculated 95% (FTP95%) with PO at maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) and (2) evaluate the sensitivity of FTP95% and MLSS to training-induced changes. Methods: Eighteen participants (12 males: 37 [6] y and 6 females: 28 [6] y) performed a ramp-incremental cycling test to exhaustion, 2 to 3 constant-load MLSS trials, and an FTP20 test. A total of 10 participants returned to repeat the test series after 7 months of training. Results: The PO at FTP20 and FTP95% was greater than that at MLSS (P = .00), with the PO at MLSS representing 88.5% (4.8%) and 93.1% (5.1%) of FTP and FTP95%, respectively. MLSS was greater at POST compared with PRE training (12 [8] W) (P = .002). No increase was observed in mean PO at FTP20 and FTP95% (P = .75). Conclusions: The results indicate that the PO at FTP95% is different to MLSS, and that changes in the PO at MLSS after training were not reflected by FTP95%. Even when using an adjusted percentage (ie, 88% rather than 95% of FTP20), the large variability in the data is such that it would not be advisable to use this as a representation of MLSS.

During the development and optimisation of wave energy converters, numerical wave tanks are useful tools, providing detailed insight into the hydrodynamic performance of devices. Specifically, computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based numerical wave tanks (CNWTs) can deliver high-fidelity, high-resolution results for a wide range of test conditions. However, CNWTs come at significant computational cost and require more man-hours during model setup, compared to lower-fidelity, frequency domain-based models. The computational costs can only be significantly decreased by improving the numerical solvers or by increasing expenditure on computational power. The required man-hours for the model setup, however, can be reduced by streamlining the setup of CNWTs. To this end, the formulation of best-practice guidelines can expedite this streamlining. A step toward such best-practice guidelines is blind tests. This paper presents the CNWT used for the authors’ contribution to the Collaborative Computational Project in Wave–Structure Interaction (CCP-WSI) Blind Test Series 3. In the employed numerical wave tanks, a self-calibrating impulse source wave maker is implemented for wave generation. In addition to the numerical results, and the comparison with the recently disclosed experimental data, the paper presents the spatial and temporal convergence studies, as well as results for the numerical wave maker calibration. The numerical results show average deviations with the experimental data of less than 10%. Furthermore, a correlation between the accuracy of the numerical replication of the wave and the agreement between numerical and experimental device motion is highlighted.

When coating and repairing operations demand the deposition of stainless steel material, the Cold Spray (CS) device needs to be run in high-pressure gas conditions requiring complex and heavy system architecture. The processing condition together with the system setup make prohibitive the adoption of high-pressure CS for in-situ operations. The design of a new CS solution for reaching the deposition of stainless steel alloy with low-pressure gas condition together with transportable-wise system for in-situ operation is presented. The performance of the proposed solution is validated with a test series and the results compared with the State of the Art (SoA).

53rd CIRP Conference on Manufacturing Systems 2020, CIRP CMS 2020, onlne, 1 Jul 2020 - 3 Jul 2020; Procedia CIRP 93, 20-25 (2020). doi:10.1016/j.procir.2020.04.013 special issue: "53rd CIRP Conference on Manufacturing Systems 2020 : 53rd CIRP Conference on Manufacturing Systems / Edited by Robert X. Gao, Kornel Ehmann", Published by Elsevier, Amsterdam [u.a.]

Steadily increasing traffic volumes and traffic loads lead to a continuously growing demand for bridge rehabilitation, strengthening and replacement projects. For existing steel girder bridges with non-composite concrete decks, the traffic load capacity can often be increased significantly if composite action can be created afterwards. Different kinds of shear connectors are more or less suitable for post-installation. Coiled spring pins are one type of interference fit connector that can be installed from below the bridge deck during traffic, in order to minimize the impact on road users. This paper describes an experimental study on the static capacity and stiffness of coiled spring pins used as shear connectors at steel-concrete interfaces. Six push-out test series are presented, with a total of 28 tests, together with an alternative type of test set-up. The results show that the failure of the coiled spring pins is very ductile and that the load capacity is predictable and sufficient for a cost-effective application. The tests also indicate a significantly lower stiffness of the connectors in comparison to welded headed studs of similar dimensions, which might be of great importance if an existing shear connection is strengthened.

BACKGROUND Cases of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) caused by isobornyl acrylate (IBOA) in the Omnipod® insulin pump have previously been reported. OBJECTIVES To present three cases of patients with ACD caused by a new allergen in the pump, and results from chemical analyses. METHODS Omnipod pumps from different batches were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Aimed testing, with the department's medical device (MD) series and substances identified in the pump including dipropylene glycol diacrylate (DPGDA) at 0·01% and 0·1% in petrolatum (pet.), was performed. Patch testing also included extracts from the device, the adhesive patch as is, and allergens from baseline series. RESULTS All patients tested positive to 0·1% DPGDA in pet., and two patients additionally to a 0·01% concentration. DPGDA was found in extracts of the Omnipod pumps brought by the patients. An Omnipod pump from an earlier batch contained tripropylene glycol diacrylate, IBOA, N,N-dimethylacrylamide, di(ethylene glycol)ethyl ether acrylate (DEGEA) but no DPGDA. One of the patients reacted positively to all of these allergens except DEGEA, which was not tested. CONCLUSIONS When suspecting ACD to MDs, DPGDA at 0·1% in pet. should be tested. The contents of Omnipod have changed over time. Patch testing with updated test series and relevance assessment of positive reactions is a delicate task. Children, with lifelong use of MDs, risk contracting many allergies with potential cross-allergies. A question should be raised as to whether these low molecular weight acrylates should be used at all in devices constantly worn on the skin.

Equations for calculating evapotranspiration in technical soils show great differences regarding their results. Causes are the different climatic conditions and vegetation specifics during their development. Every equation of evapotranspiration only delivers 100% correct results if it is used under the same climatic condition as it was developed in. To determine the evapotranspiration, the loss of weight of different technical soils and plants was measured in a test series on load cells in a climate chamber. The result of these test series is the development of an easy-to-use equation. An equation for calculating evapotranspiration at any temperature is possible while using a polynomial correlation. To determine the evapotranspiration rate (in mm/m² per 24 h), only temperature, vegetation type, and technical soil have to be defined to obtain an output of evapotranspiration in mm/day. Using the well-known equation by Makkink, evapotranspiration in technical soils is 0.12 mm/day, whereas the newly developed equation calculates (1) 2.59–5.58 mm/day for the variant with no vegetation, (2) 3.15–4.00 mm/day for Sedum floriferum, (3) 4.40–4.55 mm/day for Geranium x cantabrigiense. The application of this equation will help to determine the evapotranspiration in chosen technical soils (used in the sector of rainwater management) with or without vegetation.

The fatigue limits of shafts and shaft-hub connections are subject to a probability distribution. This distribution can be described by the mean value and the scatter of the fatigue limit. The mean fatigue limit can be determined with very few samples, whereas the scatter cannot be determined precisely. In order to develop a reliable design of shafts and shaft-hub connections, it is certainly necessary to know the scatter of the fatigue limit. Parameters that may influence the scatter are investigated on the basis of evaluated test series from literature, for shafts with failure at the free surface and shaft-hub connections. The analysis focuses on the type of load, the highly stressed surface or the shaft-hub connection type. A calculation method for determining the fatigue limit for a given survival probability will be presented.

At the French-German Research Institute (ISL), several railgun setups are used to investigate different military scenarios. One compelling scenario for a railgun application is the long-range artillery. For this, it is required to be able to handle multimegaampere currents to accelerate heavy launch packages of velocities above 2 km/s and to do so as efficient as possible. The NGL-60 is a 6-m-long open-barrel breech-fed railgun with a square caliber of 60 mm. With this railgun, it will be possible to fully utilize the currently available 10-MJ capacitor-based power supply unit (PSU). To validate the concept of the NGL-60 design, a 2-m-long prototype was installed. Subsequent tests showed that the railgun design is able to handle currents above 2 MA without structural damages or electrical failures. After the successful test series with the prototype, the construction of the full NGL-60 started and is finished by now. In this report, results from the prototype tests are reported, and the first experiments with the 6-m-long NGL-60 are presented.

The paper presents the detailed test setup and results of a test series on bolted single steel angles in compression with varying end support conditions and slenderness ratios. For all tests FEM-calculations were done, which are also presented. In total 27 specimens with one-bolt and two-bolt connections with and without preload are tested. Three different boundary conditions on both ends are investigated: Boundary condition 1 (BC1) is a clamped support. BC2 is a knife edge support that allows only for rotations about the axis parallel to the connected leg. BC3 is a fully hinged support. In addition to the results of the member tests, imperfection measurements and results of material tests are presented in order to carry out the FEM-calculations and to allow for comparison with current design standards.

Self-tapping screws are fasteners that are versatilely applicable in timber engineering. For the design of such screw connections, preferential axial-loading, all possible failure mechanisms have to be considered. Recently, in compact groups of axially-loaded screws the block shear failure mechanism, which has not been investigated so far, turned out to fail rather brittle at load levels lower than currently allowed. This failure mechanism is defined as failure of (rolling) shear and/or tension perpendicular to grain planes encompassing the group of screws. This failure mechanism was observed in groups given a number of different parameter settings, i.e. thread-fibre angles of 90° and 45°, glulam, structural timber and cross laminated timber and various group designs. This paper focuses on groups of axially-loaded screws in glulam and solid timber of Norway spruce (Picea abies) and inserted at a thread-fibre angle of 90°. Varying group sizes, loading and supporting distances and group designs, i.e. various penetration lengths lef and spacing in and perpendicular to grain, a1 and a2, respectively, are analysed by two different “push-pull”-test setups. To predict the block shear capacity and failure characteristics of such groups of screws and to separate this failure mechanism from other failure mechanisms, a mechanical-based block shear model was established. This parallel acting spring model considers load sharing and redistribution between concerned failure planes and depends on a number of material, geometrical and stress distribution parameters. To ensure a reasonable parameter setting, background and potential influencing parameters on each model parameter are discussed. In validation, the model shows overall good predictions of capacities, failure mechanisms and failure sequence for all test series involved. It turned out that the current regulations, comprising the definition of minimum spacing together with minimum edge and end distances, are not sufficient for controlling this three-dimensional block shear failure. In addition, the consideration of the number of screws in the group as well as the penetration length is required.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: MR imaging rescans and recalls can create large hospital revenue loss. The purpose of this study was to develop a fast, automated method for assessing rescan need in motion-corrupted brain series. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A deep learning–based approach was developed, outputting a probability for a series to be clinically useful. Comparison of this per-series probability with a threshold, which can depend on scan indication and reading radiologist, determines whether a series needs to be rescanned. The deep learning classification performance was compared with that of 4 technologists and 5 radiologists in 49 test series with low and moderate motion artifacts. These series were assumed to be scanned for 2 scan indications: screening for multiple sclerosis and stroke. RESULTS: The image-quality rating was found to be scan indication– and reading radiologist–dependent. Of the 49 test datasets, technologists created a mean ratio of rescans/recalls of (4.7 ± 5.1)/(9.5 ± 6.8) for MS and (8.6 ± 7.7)/(1.6 ± 1.9) for stroke. With thresholds adapted for scan indication and reading radiologist, deep learning created a rescan/recall ratio of (7.3 ± 2.2)/(3.2 ± 2.5) for MS, and (3.6 ± 1.5)/(2.8 ± 1.6) for stroke. Due to the large variability in the technologists9 assessments, it was only the decrease in the recall rate for MS, for which the deep learning algorithm was trained, that was statistically significant (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Fast, automated deep learning–based image-quality rating can decrease rescan and recall rates, while rendering them technologist-independent. It was estimated that decreasing rescans and recalls from the technologists9 values to the values of deep learning could save hospitals $24,000/scanner/year.

The innovative RPM-Synchronous Grinding process enables highly efficient manufacturing of various geometries in an ordinary plunge grinding process. An oscillation of the infeed axis, which is coupled to the rotary workpiece spindle axis, like in conventional non-circular grinding approaches is not required. This is achieved by using a fixed ratio of grinding wheel- and workpiece speed and also a non-circular grinding wheel geometry. In this first test series, practice-orientated circular steel-workpieces are Synchro-Finish ground with conventional vitrified grinding wheels for finishing applications. The surface topography of the Synchro-Finished parts is evaluated and compared with conventionally ground workpieces.

The primary function of shaft-hub connections is the transmitting of torsional moments. The polygon-shaft-hub connection is a type of shaft-hub connection with increasing importance. Compared to conventional press fits, a main advantage of this type of connection is the additional normal force in the contact joint due to the eccentricity of the polygonal profile. This results in the possibility of transmitting high static torsional moments. These static torsional moments often occur with rotating bending. Due to this aspect, the combined load case is of particular importance for the durability of shaft-hub connections. Therefore, the currently unknown static load capacity and high cycle fatigue strength of polygon-shaft-hub connections were investigated in this paper. Part of the investigations were polygon-shaft-hub connections with a hypotrochoidal profile shape manufactured from the materials C45E or 42CrMo4. The static tests aimed at evaluating the transmissible torsional moment up to the point of permanent deformation. The different test series in the field of fatigue strength were evaluated under rotating bending or rotating bending with static torsion as mean stress. Based on the evaluated fatigue strengths, notch factors were calculated. Using the notch factors, an approach for a calculation method for the fatigue strengths of polygon-shaft-hub connections was developed.

An experimental study was performed to determine the influence of centre bow length and tunnel height on the magnitude of the wave slamming loads and bending moments acting on a 112 m Incat wave-piercer catamaran vessel. A 2.5 m hydroelastic segmented catamaran model was tested in regular head sea waves at a high model speed in multiple test series, whilst five centre bow (CB) and wet-deck configurations were considered, designated here as the parent, low, high, long and short CBs. The model global motions, centre bow slam loads, accelerations, and slam induced vertical bending moments of the catamaran model in waves were measured. It was found that the slamming force, the centre bow entry force and slam induced bending moment all increase as the centre bow length increases. Increasing the wet-deck height increased the motions but reduced the maximum slam load in moderate waves. It was seen that the short CB was the best design for the alleviation of slam loads. The high CB was the second best choice for operation in moderate waves but it was the worst configuration in terms of heave and pitch motions among various CB configurations tested.

Frequency falls in the elderly still a problem that often happens in Indonesiaespecially in the Village of Rumah Great Kec Biru-Biru Kabupaten Deli Serdang. High prevalence rates incident falls in the elderly, which makes researchers want to apply the TUG (Timed Up And Go) test through the amount of time provided and the ability of the elderly complete the test series with the time needed by the elderly themselves. This research aims to knowing Relationship of the TUG Test (Timed Up And Go) with Frequency of falls In the elderly in Rumah Great Kec Biru-Biru Kabupaten Deli Serdang. Where is this TUG test used for knowing balance and disruption of walking in the elderly. Data collection begins from March to June 2017 with a total of 64 respondent by using categorical analytic research and cross sectional approach as a sampling method. Research instrument used in the form of a demographic data questionnaire, a TUG (Timed Up And Go) test questionnaire and a Meter Meter. The results showed that the sign value was 0.002

Two test series were carried out on angle cleat connections between cold-formed channels as beams and rectangular hollow sections as support members. The objective of the tests was to deter...

Background: Many countries have introduced a compulsory use of community masks for certain public areas during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Different manufacturers offer reusable community masks in large quantities. The efficacy of these masks, however, is unknown. Method: We tested available community masks of major manufactures and determined the filtration efficacy using radioactive aerosol particles as well as air resistance with a vacuum measurement. Results: Filtration efficacy of the tested reusable community masks ranged from 34.9% ± 1.25% to 88.7% ± 1.18%. Air resistance ranged from 4.3 ± 0.06 to 122.4 ± 0.12 Pa/cm2. There was a good correlation between filtration efficacy and air resistance (Pearson correlation 0.938, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Filtration efficacy and air resistance differ significantly between the different community masks, but the two measurements correlate well with each other within the entire test series. For optimal protection, one should select a rather airtight mask. When selecting a mask, the highest level of tolerable air resistance can be used as a selection criterion.

Finite element models tend to overestimate the actual elastic response of structural timber connections. The paper shows how such overprediction relates to the modelling of the contact between fasteners and timber. The use of a control parameter called stiffness contact is proposed. After an experimental campaign, a method to determine it, based only on the geometry of a rectangular contact area, is proposed. The modeling adequacy is demonstrated by applying it to dowel embedment and moment resistant wood joint tests. The obtained results show good agreement with the experimental test series.

Materials 13(12), 2774 (2020). doi:10.3390/ma13122774, Published by MDPI, Basel

The Additive Manufacturing Benchmark (AM-Bench) test series was established to provide rigorous measurement test data for validating additive manufacturing (AM) simulations for a broad range of AM technologies and material systems. AM-Bench includes extensive in situ and ex situ measurements, simulation challenges for the AM modeling community, and a corresponding conference series. In 2018, the first round of AM-Bench measurements and the first AM-Bench conference were completed, focusing primarily upon laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) processing of metals, and both LPBF and material extrusion processing of polymers. In all, 46 blind modeling simulations were submitted by the international AM community in comparison with the in situ and ex situ measurements. Analysis of these submissions provides valuable insight into existing AM modeling capabilities. The AM-Bench data are permanently archived and freely accessible online.

This document provides details on the files available for download in the data set “In situ thermography of the metal bridge structures fabricated for the 2018 Additive Manufacturing Benchmark Test Series (AM-Bench 2018).” The experiments were performed to support the 2018 AM-Bench1 Class 01 experiments consisting of metal three-dimensional (3D) builds. The modeling community was invited to predict the following: (1) part deflection, (2) residual elastic strains, (3) microstructure, (4) phase fractions, and (5) phase evolution. Details for these proposed challenges and the postprocess measurement results can be found at their respective links on the AM-Bench website.

Contact allergy (CA) is prevalent in patients with chronic leg ulcers (CLUs) due to venous stasis1 and may delay wound healing. Exposure to different ointments and wound dressings over time, combined with occlusive bandaging, may predispose to contact sensitization.2 The spectrum of allergens depends on wound care practices.3, 4 Studies on CA in patients with CLUs from Norway are lacking. To determine the occurrence of CA in patients with CLUs, patch testing was performed with the Leg Ulcer Series (LUS) containing 27 chemicals and five additional substances relevant to wound treatment: Caine mix III and V, hydrocortisone, IntraSite gel (propylene glycol 20%, Smith & Nephew), and Brulidine (dibrompropamidine 0.15%, Sanofi‐Aventis) (Table S1). Fifty‐two of the 97 patients were also tested with the European Baseline Series (EBS) (Table S2).

The in-box LOCA (Loss of Coolant Accident) is a relevant safety issue for the design of the WCLL BB. Research activities are ongoing to master phenomena and processes occurring during the postulated accident, to enhance the predictive capability and reliability of numerical tools, and to validate computer models, codes and procedures for their applications. Current status of knowledge requires the availability of qualified and reliable experimental data to support these activities. In view of this, the new separate effect test facility LIFUS5/Mod3 has been commissioned and the Series D experimental campaign is in progress. The tests are focused on the generation of reliable experimental data for the validation of the modified version SIMMER codes for fusion application. Moreover, data will be also used to investigate the dynamic effects of energy release on the structures and to provide relevant feedbacks for the follow up experimental campaigns. The experimental data and results of Test D1.1 are reported and critically discussed, focusing on pressures, temperatures, amount of injected water, and hydrogen production quantification.

In this paper a system for experiments on redox flow batteries is presented, giving the operator the possibility of dealing independently with advantages and challenges of this innovative energy converter, in particular with regard to testing new, in this case recycled, materials. The recycling aspect is included due to the permanent requirement of reducing cost of especially as far as bipolar plates is concerned. In addition the hole recycling discussion, it is necessary to use the material recycling in different stages of system development and evaluation. Included in the tests was the development of a four-part series of experiments, in the framework of which the operators will treat intensely the cell structure, its characterization as well as testing of the electrolytes and the challenge of the crossover.

To investigate the ice resistance of an icebreaker under the influence of snow cover, two series of tests, i.e. normal level ice and snow covered level ice, were performed with different navigating speeds in the Ice Engineering Laboratory of Tianjin University. The model ship was mounted on a rigid carriage through a one-directional load cell to measure the total ice resistance. A tactile sensor covering the area from stem to bow shoulder on one side of the model vessel was used in measuring the spatial distribution and temporal variation of the ice pressure on the bow area. Different ice cusp patterns and ice channel shapes were observed in different test series. The measurements indicate that the presence of snow cover increases the ice resistance both in the breaking and submersion components. The measured results are also compared with the calculated results through Lindqvist method, and some improvements and important discussions are made in the paper.

In both building and civil engineering structures, the occurrence of impact loading to column elements can be a significant issue, particularly in regard to disproportionate collapse. For existing structures vulnerable to impacts, the development of appropriate strengthening techniques is key to extending service life and improving robustness. In the case of structural steelwork, composites such as carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) offer a promising means of retrofitting and improving performance under impact. Towards this, the present study experimentally investigated a total of 12 square hollow section (SHS) columns under impact loads. The test series included both unstrengthened and CFRP strengthened samples with different fibre orientations with a view to finding the optimum CFRP configuration. As a means of simulating lateral impact on axially loaded elements, a purpose-built test rig was manufactured to apply a compressive preload to the samples prior to impact. Different preloading levels were applied to the samples before they were impacted transversely. The results show that the strengthening effectiveness increased with higher preloading level. The average reduction in the transverse displacement for the strengthened columns tested under 70% preloading level was around 32% compared to the unstrengthened column while this value was about 22% for the columns tested without compressive preload.

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) are core components of intralogistics systems. Revealing the potentials regarding energy efficiency and further optimizing these systems are of importance. A benchmarking procedure for AS/RS was developed to characterize parameters and specifications in order to derive energy efficiency indicators. The benchmarking procedure for AS/RS has recently been varified. A comprehensive test series was conducted to rate the energy efficiency of three AS/RS systems that are available on the market: Miniload-Crane, Horizontal Carousel- and Shuttle-Systems. This paper presents the investigation methods as well as the final results for the energy efficiency of all three AS/RS types based on comparable logistic performance.

Crimped sleeves are anchorages suitable for permanent fastening of structural components to reinforced and unreinforced concrete. These consist of a steel sleeve with an internal thread and are crimped at the end to ensure a defined embedment depth in concrete. In this work, experimental investigations were carried out on the tensile and shear behavior of crimped sleeves in steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC). A selection of four crimped sleeves of the same type (M16 × 60, M16 × 80, M20 × 70 and M20 × 100) were tested in normal strength plain concrete and SFRC with 30 kg/m3 and 50 kg/m3 fiber content. The aim was to investigate how these fiber contents contributed to the load-bearing behavior of concrete in tension and shear. In total, 48 crimped sleeves were tested in axial tension and 48 crimped sleeves in shear. The results show, with respect to the embedment depth and diameter, that the steel fibers have a positive effect on the load-deformation behavior of the crimped sleeves. With an improved ductile behavior and the crack bridging by the steel fibers in the SFRC, an optimal utilization of the crimped sleeves can be achieved. A comparison of the present results with further test series from the literature demonstrates that the maximum tensile and shear capacity of concrete can even be increased compared to normal strength concrete.

Mechanochemical dechlorination and destruction of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and -furans (PCDD/F) on fly ash from Municipal Solid Waste Incineration was tested with and without additives (CaO and CaO/aluminium powder). The first results disappointed because of obvious PCDD/F-reformation and a second test series was conducted after removing soluble salts (NaCl, KCl …) by thorough two-stage water washing. This second test series was successful and demonstrated good destruction results, especially with combined CaO/aluminium powder as additive. In a third test series salt was again added to the water-washed fly ash, and the first, poor results were largely reconstituted. For all tests a fairly complete (94 out of 136 congeners) isomer-specific analysis was conducted and analysed, allowing to differentiate between, e.g., 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDD/F and congeners formed following the chlorophenol route. The first became more important in the samples series Fly Ash, Milled Fly Ash, milling with added CaO, and milling with CaO/aluminium-addition. The second follow the opposite trend. This isomer-specific analysis will form the basis for further study using Principal Component Analysis.

This research investigates the effectiveness of strengthening flat slab to column corner connections by using carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets. Towards this, four full scale un-strengthened and strengthened flat slab specimens were studied experimentally. Further variation in the test series was introduced via addition of openings near the slab column intersections. The structural performance of the strengthened specimens was compared with that of the un-strengthened specimen in terms of ultimate punching shear resistance, deflection profile and strain profile etc. From the series of slabs tested, it can be concluded that strengthening in the slab without the opening increased the ultimate punching shear capacity by 11%, while in the case of the slab with openings, strengthening increased the punching shear capacity by up to 23%. In parallel with the experimental work, a numerical study was also conducted in order to gain further insight into the structural behaviour of the slabs.

This paper presents an investigation into the effect of unexpected overloading on scuffing initiation with a twin-disc test device. An existing twin-disc test device was modified to be suitable for applying overloading dynamically to the disc contact. Three test series including three pairs of discs in each series were subjected to combined normal force and rolling/sliding loading. First a base level for scuffing initiation was defined by increasing the normal load stepwise until failure, while keeping the rolling and sliding between the discs constant. In the subsequent test series, the overload cycles were applied at a significantly lower level in two different patterns leading to scuffing at both an earlier and later stage than was observed for the base level. acceptedVersion

MiniCan is a field test designed to highlight certain aspects of corrosion in a KBS-3 type repository for spent nuclear fuel. Five experimental packages containing miniature copper-cast iron canist...

The punching shear design of flat slabs and column bases was revised with the introduction of Eurocode 2. While in many former codes the punching shear resistance was determined regardless of the type of member, in Eurocode 2 two different design equations for flat slabs and column bases were introduced. Additionally, different control sections for flat slabs and column bases were defined. The differentiation between flat slabs and column bases and especially the iterative design procedure for the determination of the punching shear resistance of column bases require great effort in daily practice. Based on the punching shear provisions according to Eurocode 2, a new Uniform Design Method (UDM) for flat slabs and column bases is developed. The derivation of the design method is described in detail. To verify the changes in the current design provisions, the new design method is evaluated using large databanks for flat slabs and column bases without and with shear reinforcement as well as systematic test series.

Introduction: The knowledge of the functions that interact in the process of training and development in sportspreparation leads to reflection on the search for different procedures and methods for the current interest in the world of sport,especially in soccer. Objective: To evaluate the technical level of the athletes of the basic categories of a professional club of thecity of Patos - PB. Materials and Methods: Twenty young soccer players from the Sub-categories of the professional club ofPatos-PB were evaluated. The study was developed through the evaluation and technical skills of the soccer being necessary todo this to evaluate the dribble, the pass, the kick of the athletes, to measure the domain, medium and long pass or launch, tomeasure the domain, to dribble and to pass, to measure the domain , Dribbling and kicking, measuring the field, conducting andlong pass or throwing, measuring the field and kicking or finishing and, therefore, to evaluate the technical level of the athletes ofthe base categories of a professional club of the city of Patos - PB. The present study is a cross-sectional, descriptive study andafter the tests were performed the athletes were duly scored for evaluation by means of classification with their data analyzedthrough the descriptive statistics. Results: The analysis of the present study was to perform a test series where the data for all thetechnical level tests are specific for field soccer. The age of the patients was 13 to 15 years. The results show that 35% ofadolescents are considered to be WEAK, 50% considered REGULAR and 15% of adolescents considered being GOOD.CONCLUSION: We can say that with tests aimed at positioning the results would be different, but as they were done in generalthe results of the research are presented above where the athletes show that they can improve in several abilities including thosethat did well.

Inspired by fully continuous interpretation a completely automated interpretation workflow for reference samples was implemented in our lab. It's based on a quite simple model, which includes DNA amount and degradation as well as backward and forward stutters. The current implementation can handle CE results of any number of replicates, even from different autosomal or Y-chromosomal STR kits. Results, lessons learned in a first set of test series and potential future extensions are discussed.

The effect of pre-stress on the buckling behaviour of geometric unit cells of collinear square lattices is investigated experimentally and numerically. The geometric unit cells are manufactured using fused deposition modelling. Manufacturing strategies are presented which incorporate fibres subjected to pre-stress within the unit cell. The effect of pre-stressed fibres is analysed by comparing the compressive behaviour of unit cells with and without fibre reinforcement. The buckling behaviour of the unit cells is also investigated numerically by employing a parametric study within Abaqus varying the pre-stress in the fibres. The experimental test series shows that the addition of pre-stressed fibres to the system results in an increase in buckling and maximum load of 260%–480% and 220%–350% respectively. The increase strongly relates to the manufacturing quality, i.e. the bonding between the lattice material and the fibres, where a sufficient bonding yields significantly larger loads. The experimental findings on the qualitative and quantitative buckling behaviour correspond well with results obtain from the numerical study.

Results from Blind Test Series 1, part of the Collaborative Computational Project in Wave Structure Interaction (CCP-WSI), are presented. Participants, with a range of numerical methods, simulate blindly the interaction between a fixed structure and focused waves ranging in steepness and direction. Numerical results are compared against corresponding physical data. The predictive capability of each method is assessed based on pressure and run-up measurements. In general, all methods perform well in the cases considered, however, there is notable variation in the results (even between similar methods). Recommendations are made for appropriate considerations and analysis in future comparative studies.

The article at hand follows the understanding that future cities cannot be built the same way as existing ones, inducing a radical paradigm shift in how we produce and use materials for the construction of our habitat in the 21st century. In search of a methodology for an integrated, holistic, and interdisciplinary development of such new materials and construction technologies, the chair of Sustainable Construction at KIT Karlsruhe proposes the concept of &ldquo, prototypological&rdquo, research. Coined through joining the terms &ldquo, prototype&rdquo, and &ldquo, typology&rdquo, prototypology represents a full-scale application, that is an experiment and proof in itself to effectively and holistically discover all connected aspects and address unknowns of a specific question, yet at the same time is part of a bigger and systematic test series of such different typologies with similar characteristics, yet varying parameters. The second part of the article applies this method to the research on mycelium-bound building materials, and specifically to the four prototypologies MycoTree, UMAR, Rumah Tambah, and Futurium. The conclusion aims to place the results into the bigger research context, calling for a new type of architectural research.

Summary Background A previous study among neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses showed that the antibacterial efficacy of alcohol-based handrubs (ABHR) can be achieved in 15 s instead of 30 s with a significant increase in the frequency of hand antisepsis. This study aimed to examine 15-s vs 30-s antisepsis performance by measuring microbial load on fingertips and compliance among nurses in a low-risk gynaecological ward. Methods An independent trained observer monitored the frequency and compliance with hand antisepsis during shifts in a crossover design. Fingertips including thumbs were rinsed in soy broth before hand rubbing at the beginning of a shift and then hourly to determine the bacterial load. Performance activity was assigned to the contamination class of the Fulkerson scale. Immediately before the lunch break, volunteers cleaned their hands for a randomly determined application time of 15 or 30 s. Results Examination of bacterial load on fingertips revealed no difference between 15 vs 30 s application time. Controlled hand antisepsis before the lunch break also showed no difference in efficacy for either test series. Participants rubbing for 15 s were more likely to perform hand antisepsis compared with those rubbing for 30 s (P=0.2). The compliance increased from 54.7% to 69.5% in the 15-s trial. Discussion Shortening the duration for hand antisepsis did not decrease efficacy. Shortening the application time to 15 s should be considered within the critical components of a successful multimodal intervention strategy to improve hand-hygiene compliance in clinical practice.

Human health is dependent on the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) of residential and public buildings, where people spend a substantial amount of time. Part of IAQ parameters, like temperature or humidity influence the thermal comfort of users, whereas too high carbon dioxide concentration (CO2) could cause various complaints or diseases. In buildings like offices and schools, where we have a brush with a high density of users, the main source of CO2 is simply people. The type of their activity brings higher or lower carbon dioxide gains, that must be taken into account to design and properly use room ventilation, allowing recommended CO2 levels not to be exceeded. This paper presents an approach to marking human CO2 generation off by using an experimental method. The method was verified based on measuring results of six test series conducted in different types of rooms at Bialystok University of Technology (Poland) during lectures, meetings, projects and laboratories. Carbon dioxide gains were comparable with an average value of 0.0045 L/s, which corresponds to theoretical CO2 generation rates that are symptomatic of males and females, between 16 and 30 years old, with low physical activity.