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There is a great need for an easy-to-use tool to simulate drying of concrete floors. In order to model practical situations, the tool should take into account changing conditions, especially wetting at worksite, but also temperature. For this purpose, a simulation program was developed for drying time estimations for concrete floors, which was published in 2021 and is named as the “by2020 Concrete drying time estimate”. This study presents the results of the laboratory test series conducted to calibrate the drying time estimations of the by2020 software. As all possible scenarios for practical situations were not possible to study in the test series, results from the literature were partly used for calibration and validation of the tool. A methodology for test series for calibration of the drying time estimation model is proposed based on this study. It was found that a model suitable for practical applications can be implemented based on relative humidity measurements only. However, the tests series of relative humidity measurements should take into account the influence of various factors such as wetting period and different temperature conditions.

Introduction: The growing presence of allergens in materials and scarce data on allergic contact dermatitis in children has increased our need to refine its diagnosis in this population. We aimed to analyze children's specific responsivity to highly reactive subcomponents of Fragrance mix I, Fragrance mix II, and Textile dye mix from the European baseline series. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patch test records of children aged 2 to 18 who underwent patch testing with the European baseline series between 2014 and 2022 in Israel. Results: A total of 367 children were included in the study. In all, 160 children had positive results; 43 patients reacted to one of the mixes, and 20 performed further testing. Eleven of them completed the extended series at the exact same times as the regular European series, which benefited children. Farnesol was the most reactive compound (30.8%). Conclusions: Performing the extended European series provides a more accurate and time‐efficient allergic contact dermatitis diagnosis. Farnesol reactivity appears prominent in children and may justify tighter product regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibromyalgia is a common chronic pain condition. Rates of contact allergy in individuals with fibromyalgia have not been widely studied. Systemic contact allergy can present with muscle and joint pain and general malaise. The aim of this study is to investigate contact allergy rates in individuals with fibromyalgia to the sensitizers in an extended dental series and compare with control groups. Contact allergy to gold was significantly more common in the fibromyalgia group than the dermatitis control group. When corrected for patch test system, contact allergy to gold was significantly more common in the fibromyalgia group than the dental control group. Contact allergy to hydroxyethyl methacrylate and grouped acrylates and methacrylates was significantly more common in the fibromyalgia group than the dental control group. In conclusion, individuals with fibromyalgia may have a propensity to sensitization to gold, either via an increased exposure or an alteration in the oral environment. Gold is also implicated in systemic contact dermatitis and may be a factor in elicitation of symptoms in individuals with fibromyalgia. Acrylate allergy is also common in the fibromyalgia population and may be a consequence of occupational exposure or dental treatment.

Background There is emerging evidence of a relationship between atopic dermatitis (AD) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), though the data available are scarce with conflicting viewpoints. We explored the occurrence of contact hypersensitivity among children with atopic dermatitis by patch testing them with the Indian standard series and tried to correlate the presence of contact hypersensitivity with the clinical severity of AD in these children. Methods In this single-centre, cross-sectional study, children between 6 months and 12 years diagnosed with atopic dermatitis were included and patch tested with the Indian standard series. Outcome parameters were the proportion of patients having positive patch-test reactions, the proportion of positive patch-test reactions for each allergen and factors associated with patch test positivity in atopic dermatitis. Results Of the 136 patients, 80 were boys. The mean age of the study population was 5.6 ± 3.2 years. Twenty-eight (20.6%) patients had patch test positivity at 96 h. Fragrance mix was the commonest allergen, followed by potassium dichromate, cobalt chloride hexahydrate and nickel. SCORing atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) was significantly higher in patients with positive patch tests as compared to patients with negative patch tests (P = 0.009). Conclusion Greater disease severity in atopic dermatitis was found to be associated with patch test positivity. Limitations Inability to establish relevance in about 50% of the patients was a limitation of our study. Follow-up data regarding the impact of allergen avoidance is not available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibromyalgia is a common chronic pain condition. Rates of contact allergy in individuals with fibromyalgia have not been widely studied. Systemic contact allergy can present with muscle and joint pain and general malaise. The aim of this study is to investigate contact allergy rates in individuals with fibromyalgia to the sensitizers in an extended dental series and compare with control groups. Contact allergy to gold was significantly more common in the fibromyalgia group than the dermatitis control group. When corrected for patch test system, contact allergy to gold was significantly more common in the fibromyalgia group than the dental control group. Contact allergy to hydroxyethyl methacrylate and grouped acrylates and methacrylates was significantly more common in the fibromyalgia group than the dental control group. In conclusion, individuals with fibromyalgia may have a propensity to sensitization to gold, either via an increased exposure or an alteration in the oral environment. Gold is also implicated in systemic contact dermatitis and may be a factor in elicitation of symptoms in individuals with fibromyalgia. Acrylate allergy is also common in the fibromyalgia population and may be a consequence of occupational exposure or dental treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The textile dye mix (TDM) 6.6% in petrolatum contains Disperse Blue (DB) 35, Disperse Yellow 3, Disperse Orange (DO) 1 and 3, Disperse Red 1 and 17, and DB 106 and 124. The most frequent allergen in TDM‐positive patients is DO 3. Around 85% of para‐phenylenediamine (PPD)‐allergic dermatitis patients have been positive to DO 3. There has been a discussion to exclude DO 3 from TDM 6.6% because of strong simultaneous reactions to TDM and PPD. Objectives: To study if DO 3 can be excluded from TDM 6.6%. Methods: Patch tests were performed on 1481 dermatitis patients with TDM 6.6%, TDM 7.0% (without DO 3 but the other disperse dyes at 1.0% each), DO 3 1.0%, and PPD 1.0% pet. Results: Contact allergy to TDM 6.6% was 3.6% and to TDM 7.0% was 3.0%. All 26 DO 3‐positive patients were positive to PPD. The 44 patients positive to TDM 7.0% plus the 13 positive to PPD and TDM 6.6% but negative to TDM 7.0% were 57, outnumbering the 53 positive to TDM 6.6%. Conclusion: TDM 7.0% can replace TDM 6.6% in the Swedish baseline series, since TDM 7.0% together with PPD 1.0% will detect patients with textile dye allergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Contact allergy can manifest in a variety of ways clinically. Systemic contact allergy may occasionally present with pain in muscles and joints. Fibromyalgia is a chronic rheumatic disease characterized by pain and with virtually unknown aetiology. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the contact allergy rates to the sensitizers in a baseline series and compare with corresponding rates in dermatitis patients and the general population. Methods: Patch testing with the Swedish baseline series was performed in 120 individuals with fibromyalgia. Fisher's exact test was used for pair‐wise comparisons of contact allergy rates between the fibromyalgia group and two control groups, dermatitis patients and individuals in the general population. Results: Contact allergy was significantly more common in the fibromyalgia group compared to the general population concerning nickel and the fragrance markers Myroxolon pereirae and fragrance mix I. There were fewer allergic reactions to preservatives in the fibromyalgia group compared with the dermatitis group. Conclusions: Myroxolon pereirae and fragrance mix I represent besides fragrance allergy also allergy to flavouring substances which indicate that oral exposure to flavouring substances and hygiene products might be important for sensitization and possibly elicitation of systemic contact allergy symptoms in fibromyalgia individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction : Contact dermatitis is a relatively common dermatosis reported among several population groups from all around the globe. However, the data from Kuwait is unavailable. Patch tests are essential for the diagnosis of contact sensitization. Aim : To determine a relative frequency and pattern of sensitizers to different allergens in patients of suspected contact dermatitis in Kuwait and, also to study the role of the commonest sensitizer in detail. Material and methods: Patch tests were performed in 2461 consecutive patients with a clinical diagnosis of contact dermatitis seen at our hospital between September 1, 2014 and August 31, 2015. Out of the total of 1381 (56.1%) patients with positive patch test results to at least one allergen, 546 (22.2%) patients with a single positive reaction to nickel only (single largest sensitizer) were selected as the study population for further detailed analysis. Results : At least one positive patch test reaction was found in 1381 (56.12%) patients. Nickel was found to be the most common sensitizer seen in 546 (40%) patients. The mean age was 37.3 ±13.8 years and the mean duration of disease was 27.3 ±13.8 months. Most (387/546) patients sensitized were females. The forearms/hands and wrists were the most prevalent sites (52.56% of the participants). In 58.91% of women, dermatitis was more often confined to other sites, mostly ears and the neck due to earrings and necklaces. Just more than half of the number (51.09%) of nickel allergic patients were found in the age group of 15–25 years. Hairdressers/beauticians were the most affected group followed by house workers (housewives, cleaners, housekeepers). Conclusions : Nickel is the single most common sensitizer found in our patients, and female sex, young age, occupation with long hours of contact to nickel are high risk factors. We recommend that a directive, which limits the release of nickel from products with extended skin contact, be approved in Kuwait.

Approximately 235,000 military personnel participated at one of 230 U.S. atmospheric nuclear weapons tests from 1945 through 1962. At the Nevada Test Site (NTS), the atomic veterans participated in military maneuvers, observed nuclear weapons tests, or provided technical support. At the Pacific Proving Ground (PPG), they served aboard ships or were stationed on islands during or after nuclear weapons tests. Participants at seven test series, previously studied with high-quality dosimetry and personnel records, and the first test at TRINITY formed the cohort of 114,270 male military participants traced for vital status from 1945 through 2010. Dose reconstructions were based on Nuclear Test Personnel Review records, Department of Defense. Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) and Cox and Poisson regression models were used in the analysis. Most atomic veterans were enlisted men, served in the Navy at the PPG, and were born before 1930. Vital status was determined for 96.8% of the veterans; 60% had died. Enlisted men had significantly high all-causes mortality SMR (1.06); officers had significantly low all-causes mortality SMR (0.71). The pattern of risk over time showed a diminution of the 'healthy soldier effect': the all-causes mortality SMR after 50 years of follow-up was 1.00. The healthy soldier effect for all cancers also diminished over time. The all-cancer SMR was significantly high after 50 years (SMR 1.10) primarily from smoking-related cancers, attributed in part to the availability of cigarettes in military rations. The highest SMR was for mesothelioma (SMR 1.56) which was correlated with asbestos exposure in naval ships. Prostate cancer was significantly high (SMR 1.13). Ischemic heart disease was significantly low (SMR 0.84). Estimated mean doses varied by organ were low; e.g., the mean red bone marrow dose was 6 mGy (maximum 108 mGy). Internal cohort dose–response analyses provided no evidence for increasing trends with radiation dose for leukemia (excluding chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)) [ERR (95% CI) per 100 mGy −0.37 (−1.08, 0.33); n = 710], CLL, myelodysplastic syndrome, multiple myeloma, ischemic heart disease, or cancers of the lung, prostate, breast, and brain. No statistically significant radiation associations were observed among 114,270 nuclear weapons test participants followed for up to 65 years. The 95% confidence limits were narrow and excluded mortality risks per unit dose that are two to four times higher than those reported in other investigations. Significantly elevated SMRs were seen for mesothelioma and asbestosis, attributed to asbestos exposure aboard ships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

1. Summary 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 [...]

In operational flood defense, it is common practice to use sandbag systems. However, their installation is time-consuming as well as material- and labor-intensive. Sandbag replacement systems (SBRSs) can be installed in significantly shorter time and with less effort. However, owing to the lack of confidence in their functionality, they are only used to a limited extent. Testing and certifying such innovative systems according to defined criteria is supportive in promoting their use in flood defense. In order to test SBRSs and as a first step toward systematic tests, the Institute for Hydraulic and Coastal Engineering of the Bremen University of Applied Sciences, Germany (IWA) has set up a test facility in which defined test series can be carried out with different SBRSs on an underlying surface of turf. The focus of the test series is on installation time, possible water head, system stability, and seepage rates when in use. A conventional sandbag dam was used as reference in order to compare the test results with the different SBRSs. Test series show that damming with SBRSs has a clear advantage over the use of sandbags in terms of the time it takes to put them in place and comparable values of seepage rates and water heads. In order to professionally promote the spread of SBRSs in operational flood protection, it is recommended to introduce the certification of SBRSs, since they are technical systems whose functional capability must be proven before their use in an emergency. Together with existing international certification schemes, the test series that were carried out deliver a basis for developing a specific testing scheme for SBRSs.

This article summarizes results of statistical analyses of an intelligence test for 155 braille-educated blind and low-vision children, aged 6-15, in the Netherlands. Results indicate some accuracy in predicting academic achievement; factor analysis indicates 4 interpretable factors in children with and without usable vision. (Author/PB)

Background: Patch testing is the gold standard diagnostic test for allergic contact dermatitis and needs to be relevant to the region and the population being tested. The aim of this study was to develop a specific New Zealand baseline series (NZBS). Method: We performed a retrospective case note review of patients attending four regional patch test centres between 2008 and 2020. Demographic and diagnostic information was collected for each patient along with results of patch testing. Using the results of this review, a group of 11 dermatologists with an interest in contact dermatitis agreed on a core group of allergens for inclusion in an NZBS, based on the frequency of positive reactions and allergens of interest. The remaining potential allergens were ranked by each dermatologist using an online questionnaire, with inclusion in the final NZBS by consensus. Results: Results from 2402 patients (67% female, mean age 44 years) from Auckland, Wellington, Palmerston North and Christchurch were collated. The 10 most frequent positive (relevant and non‐relevant) allergens were nickel sulfate (22.0%), fragrance mix I (8.6%), cobalt chloride (7.3%), Myroxylon pereirae (5.6%), colophonium (5.1%), p‐phenylenediamine (4.9%), methylisothiazolinone/methylchloroisothiazolinone (4.1%), fragrance mix II (3.9%), potassium dichromate (3.5%) and methylisothiazolinone (3.4%). Based on these results, a core series of 30 allergens was developed, with an additional 30 allergens added to form the extended series (total 60 allergens). Conclusion: The baseline series of patch test allergens for routine use in New Zealand (NZBS) is based on national patch test data and expert consensus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: (Meth)acrylates are potent sensitizers and a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). The frequency of (meth)acrylate ACD has increased with soaring demand for acrylic nails. A preliminary audit has suggested a significant rate of positive patch tests to (meth)acrylates using aimed testing in patients providing a clear history of exposure. To date, (meth)acrylates have not been routinely tested in the baseline patch test series in the U.K. and Europe. Objectives: To determine whether inclusion of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2‐HEMA) 2% in petrolatum (pet.) in the baseline series detects cases of treatable (meth)acrylate ACD. Methods: During 2016–2017, 15 U.K. dermatology centres included 2‐HEMA in the extended baseline patch test series. Patients with a history of (meth)acrylate exposure, or who tested positive to 2‐HEMA, were selectively tested with a short series of eight (meth)acrylate allergens. Results: In total 5920 patients were consecutively patch tested with the baseline series, of whom 669 were also tested with the (meth)acrylate series. Overall, 102 of 5920 (1·7%) tested positive to 2‐HEMA and 140 (2·4%) to at least one (meth)acrylate. Had 2‐HEMA been excluded from the baseline series, (meth)acrylate allergy would have been missed in 36 of 5920 (0·6% of all patients). The top (meth)acrylates eliciting a positive reaction were 2‐HEMA (n = 102, 1·7%), 2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate (n = 61, 1·0%) and 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate (n = 57, 1·0%). Conclusions: We recommend that 2‐HEMA 2% pet. be added to the British baseline patch test series. We also suggest a standardized short (meth)acrylate series, which is likely to detect most cases of (meth)acrylate allergy. What's already known about this topic? A significant rate of sensitization to (meth)acrylates has been demonstrated worldwide.Increasing demand for acrylic nail fashion is putting consumers and nail technicians at risk of sensitization to (meth)acrylates. What does this study add? Inclusion of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2‐HEMA) 2% in petrolatum (pet.) in the baseline series detects treatable (meth)acrylate allergic contact dermatitis (ACD).Identifying (meth)acrylate ACD is important as it can have adverse health consequences for patients who require composite fillings, surgical glue and bone cement, all of which contain (meth)acrylates.We recommend that 2‐HEMA 2% pet. be added to the British baseline patch test series, and to baseline series used in other countries. Linked Comment: Goncalo. Br J Dermatol 2019; 181:663–664. Plain language summary available online Respond to this article [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several cases of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to the glucose sensor FreeStyle Libre have been reported. Isobornyl acrylate (IBOA) and N,N‐dimethylacrylamide (DMAA) are known culprit allergens. Objectives: To evaluate patients with suspected ACD to FreeStyle Libre in a standardized manner, present causative allergens, and assess patient‐reported implications. Methods: A total of 15 patients with suspected ACD to FreeStyle Libre were patch tested with the Swedish baseline series and a new medical device series. IBOA and DMAA were tested at 0.1% and 0.3% in petrolatum (pet.). Readings were performed on day (D) 3 and D7. Background data, details on skin reactions, and associated implications were assessed using a questionnaire. Results: Thirteen patients were sensitized to IBOA and four to DMAA. Two positive reactions to IBOA and one to DMAA were seen only at 0.3% concentration on D7. Median duration of sensor use before dermatitis onset was 6 months. Half the number of the patients took precautions in everyday life due to sensor‐related skin reactions. Six patients discontinued sensor usage. Conclusions: Patients with suspected ACD to glucose sensors should be evaluated with a relevant patch test series containing IBOA and DMAA. Adding the 0.3% pet. concentration is recommended. The reading on D7 is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In ultrasonic metal welding, low specific resistances and large joining surface cross-sections require the use of mechanical testing to quantify the joint quality. In this study, different quality features of ultrasonically welded joints made of pure copper sheet are investigated during the successive phases of joint formation. Two test series with different workpiece geometries are examined. It is shown that mechanical quality features such as shear and peel forces behave differently over the formation of the joint and are not transferable. As an alternative to these, laser scanning microscopy is used to record images of the fracture surface that describe the growth of the joint area during formation. The study finds that shear tensile force growth and joint area growth are non-linear and comparable, with optimized welds achieving joint areas of 30 mm2 out of 64 mm2 and 6 mm2 out of 16 mm2. Although overall quality increases with increasing welding time, the material strength in the joint zone decreases. Depending on the original rolling condition, between 43% and 59% of the original material strength can be identified as the joint strength. The automatic analysis of fracture images is a suitable alternative to mechanical testing for similar joints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Timber–concrete composite (TCC) structural systems are characterized by the combination of timber and concrete, which are connected to transmit shear forces between the two elements. In addition, to achieve an efficient connection, the slip between the two materials should be limited. Therefore, the load-carrying capacity, the stiffness, and the failure mode of TCC connections are important for the behavior of the composite element. This work aims to investigate the influence of test conditions on TCC connections using shear tests to determine the mechanical properties of connections. Therefore, it is essential to understand the influence of the configuration of the specimens (symmetric as push-out tests or asymmetric as inclined tests), the type of interface between the timber and concrete, and the test procedure (static or cyclic load protocol) on the resulting load-carrying capacity, stiffness, and failure modes. This paper reviews experimental tests conducted on TCC shear connection specimens, using various configurations to assess the influence of the test specimen configuration, material interface, and testing protocol on the determination of the mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: There is a significant rate of sensitization worldwide to the oxidized fragrance terpenes limonene and linalool. Patch testing to oxidized terpenes is not routinely carried out; the ideal patch test concentration is unknown. Objectives: To determine the best test concentrations for limonene and linalool hydroperoxides, added to the British baseline patch test series, to optimize detection of true allergy and to minimize irritant reactions. Methods: During 2013–2014, 4563 consecutive patients in 12 U.K. centres were tested to hydroperoxides of limonene in petrolatum (pet.) 0·3%, 0·2% and 0·1%, and hydroperoxides of linalool 1·0%, 0·5% and 0·25% pet. Irritant reactions were recorded separately from doubtful reactions. Concomitant reactions to other fragrance markers and clinical relevance were documented. Results: Limonene hydroperoxide 0·3% gave positive reactions in 241 (5·3%) patients, irritant reactions in 93 (2·0%) and doubtful reactions in 110 (2·4%). Linalool hydroperoxide 1·0% gave positive reactions in 352 (7·7%), irritant reactions in 178 (3·9%) and doubtful reactions in 132 (2·9%). A total of 119 patients with crescendo reactions to 0·3% limonene would have been missed if only tested with 0·1% and 131 patients with crescendo reactions to 1·0% linalool would have been missed if only tested with 0·25%. In almost two‐thirds of patients with positive patch tests to limonene and linalool the reaction was clinically relevant. The majority of patients did not react to any fragrance marker in the baseline series. Conclusions: We recommend that limonene hydroperoxides be tested at 0·3% and linalool hydroperoxides at 1·0% in the British baseline patch test series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]