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Motor skills are considered important for children's physical, social, and psychological development. Pre-school age seems to be decisive for the development of motor skills. Our study's aim was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks game education on the motor development of pre-school children aged 4 to 6 years. In the research, experimental method pre-test / post-test and control group design was used. In this study, a total of 30 boys and 30 girls were enrolled. The research consisted of a total of 60 children who were studying in pre-school and were selected via random sampling model. In order to collect data, 12 weeks game education was conducted on participants. Motor Performance test protocol, developed by Morris, Atwater Williams and Willmore in 1980, was used on both experiment and control group children, in order to measure their motor performance before and after 12-weeks game education. Average and standard deviation values were calculated for the data collected. Children's throwing, catching, long jump, vertical jump, running, and stopping skills were measured. Mean and standard deviations of the data obtained in the study were taken. A statistically significant difference was found between the experimental and control groups in terms of post-test. A statistically significant difference was found in the experimental group pre-test and post-test comparisons. In these comparisons, the post-test values were found to be higher than the pre-test values. According to the results of the research, it is necessary to apply more long-term applications to increase the positive effect of 12-Weeks basic game education at the levels of motor development in children aged 4 to 6 years old.

This work presents a comprehensive study of the uncertainties involved in the Frequency Response Function (FRF) of Piezoelectric Energy Harvesters (PEHs) based on experimental results. A proper experimental setup is designed facilitating the FRF identification for different PEHs. The test protocol consists in three test that quantify the aleatoric and epistemic uncertainties by the study of repeated measurements, variation in the mounting process, and variations in the electromechanical properties of the materials employed in the harvester. The experimental setup and the test protocol are tested employing two different bimorph-type harvesters identified as Model A and B. 20 harvesters corresponding to Model A and 10 to Model B are tested multiples times under the test protocol proposed. Results clearly indicate that the most important source of uncertainties deals with the variability of the electromechanical properties of the PEH, which is particularly greater than: (i) the noise on the measurements, (ii) the variations introduced by the clamping condition, and (iii) the dimensional variations in the geometry. The results are also compared with predictions performed by adopting a recent numerical framework to propagate uncertainties in PEHs. The present work is particularly important since it presents the experimental evidence of the variations in the electromechanical properties of PEH and their influence on the FRF. Additionally, the results not only validate the uncertainty propagation procedures previously proposed but also suggest that their use is mandatory to estimate the FRF. This work presents, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the first effort to experimentally quantify the uncertainties in PEHs.

Due to the severe natural environment found in high-altitude and cold regions, where the altitude is around 4000 m, and the average annual temperature is below 0°C, the design method and quality indicators of asphalt mixture performance is different in comparison to inland cities. To optimize design parameters and low-temperature performance of SBS modified asphalt mixture in high-altitude and cold regions, the beam bending, splitting, aging, and freez-thaw cycle tests were conducted based on the test protocol, field experience and quantitative analysis. Standard mixing procedures and evaluation indexes for low temperature anti-cracking performance were used to reveal the low temperature decaying characteristics of SBS modified asphalt mixtures. The results show that the optimum binder-aggregate ratio of 5.3% and the optimum SBS modifier dosage of 4%∼5% are recommended for SBS modified asphalt mixture in the high altitude and cold regions of the Tibetan Plateau. The splitting test is suitable for assessing low-temperature performance of asphalt mixtures in high altitude and cold regions with a loading rate adjusted to 2 mm/min. When the loading rate is adjusted to 10 mm/min, the beam bending test is suitable for studying the low-temperature performance of asphalt mixtures after long-term aging in high altitude and cold regions. The freezing and thawing split test is suitable for assessing low-temperature performance of asphalt mixtures after freezing and thawing in high altitude and cold regions when the loading rate is adjusted to 2 mm/min. Under long-term aging conditions, as temperature increases (−15°C∼0°C), the decay rate of maximum flexural-tensile strain of traditional asphalt mixture is bigger than that of SBS modified asphalt mixture. Having endured freezing and thawing cycles, the splitting strength and the maximum flexural-tensile strain of asphalt mixtures decreases. After 40 cycles of freezing and thawing, the maximum flexural-tensile strain decreases by 15.2% in comparison to state.

Background: Various field tests can be used to evaluate children's motor skills. Because of the complexity of their motor skills, which at their age are still in a very intensive stage of development, it is inadequate to use the same test protocol as in the adult population, as children receive and process information in a different way. Some evidence showed that familiarization with test protocols is important in children's motor skills evaluation process. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of familiarization on motor test results for the assessment of motor skills in preschool children population. A controlled research study design was conducted. Methods: The sample included 40 children, 20 boys and 20 girls (age 5.89 ± 0.42 years). Subjects underwent two testing sessions with two weeks between the trials, performed 6 motor skills: leg power, flexibility, abdominal muscles endurance, shoulder muscles endurance, agility, and running speed. Before the second testing session, subjects underwent a period of familiarization with motor tasks in 3 sessions, with 3 trials every 3 days. Results: Significantly better results in the second testing session were observed in countermovement jump (with both fixed and free arms), curl-ups, speed and agility test. The present study indicates that children significantly improved the results in the motor test of explosive strength, muscle endurance, speed and agility, being influenced by familiarization. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that familiarization with the test procedures prior to testing affect the results of the motor test, and represent an important part of the evaluation of motor skills of preschool children.

Medicinal plants have bioactive compounds which are used for curing of various human diseases and also play an important role in healing. Secondary constituents contain alkaloids, flavonoids, phenol, sapon in, steroids and tannins. Medicinal plants have anticancer, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antidiuretic and anti-inflammation activities. The increasing interest in powerful biological activity of secondary metabolites outlined the necessity of determining their contents in medicinal plants. In Indian Ayurvedic system, Lagerstroemia Indica (Lythraceae) are well-known plants used for major and minor ailments. The aim of the present study is to examine leaf of Lagerstroemia Indica for phytochemical profile, antioxidant potential, antimicrobial including anti acne activity. Qualitative analysis of various phytochemical constituents and quantitative analysis of total phenolics and flavonoids were determined by the well-known test protocol available in the literature. Quantitative analysis of phenolic and flavonoids was carried out by FolinsCiocalteau reagent method and aluminium chloride method respectively. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, fixed oil and fats. The present study concluded that the crude extract of Lagerstroemia Indica is a rich source of secondary phytoconstituents which impart significant antioxidant potential. The extract of Lagerstroemia Indica possess antimicrobial effectiveness againt P. acne and other microbes, In Vitro anti acne activity. The findings of the present study will be helpful to phytochemists, pharmacologists and pharmaceutical industries. Keywords: Lagerstroemia Indica, Phytochemical, Antioxidant, Antiacne.

International audience; This paper presents a new cell-aware diagnosis flow that can be used to address a specific scenario (test protocol) one may encounter during diagnosis of customer returns. In this flow, we use a Bayesian classification method to precisely identify defect candidates. Experiments done on benchmark circuits as well as on a test chip from STMicroelectronics have proven the efficacy of our flow in terms of diagnosis accuracy and resolution.

Introduction The Oral Minimal Model (OMM), a differential-equations based mathematical model of glucose-insulin dynamics, utilizes data from a frequently sampled oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to quantify insulin sensitivity ( S I ). OMM-based estimates of S I can detect differences in insulin resistance (IR) across population groups and quantify effects of clinical or behavioral interventions. These estimates of S I have been validated in healthy adults using data from OGTTs with durations from 2 to 7 h. However, data demonstrating how protocol duration affects S I estimates in highly IR populations such as adolescents with obesity are limited. Methods A 6-h frequently sampled OGTT was performed in adolescent females with obesity. Two, 3-, and 4- hour implementations of OMM assuming an exponentially-decaying rate of glucose appearance beyond measured glucose concentrations were compared to the 6-h implementation. A 4- hour OMM implementation with truncated data (4h Tr) was also considered. Results Data from 68 participants were included (age 15.8 ± 1.2 years, BMI 35.4 ± 5.6 kg/m2). Although S I values were highly correlated for all implementations, they varied with protocol duration (2h: 2.86 ± 3.31, 3h: 2.55 ± 2.62, 4h: 2.81 ± 2.59, 4h tr: 3.13 ± 3.14, 6h: 3.06 ± 2.85 x 10-4 dl/kg/min per U/ml). S I estimates based on 2 or 3 h of data underestimated S I values, whereas 4-h S I estimates more closely approximated 6-h S I values. Discussion These results suggest that OGTT protocol duration should be considered when implementing OMM to estimate S I in adolescents with obesity and other IR populations.

Purpose: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the mechanical behavior regarding dynamic fatigue of different implant-abutment connections and the unitary indication of abutments for all regions of the mouth. Materials and Methods: This experimental study developed according to international standards (ISO 14801:2007) was performed using five types of implants and abutments: G1—external hex smart implant and 17-degree universal abutment (EHS); G2—cortical external hex implant and 17-degree universal abutment (EHTi); G3—internal hex implant and 30-degree universal abutment (IH); G4—Morse taper implant (11.5 degrees) and 17-degree universal abutment (MT11.5); and G5— Morse taper implant (16 degrees) and 30-degree universal abutment (MT16). A 15-Hz cyclic loading was applied to the specimens with the maximum number of cycles set at 5 × 106. Success was defined when three samples supported 5 million cycles without failure. The maximum load supported from each group after dynamic loading was recorded. The Spearman correlation and the Lowess method were used to analyze the correlation between the number of cycles and the applied load, and the Kruskal-Wallis and Nemenyi tests were used for comparison between the abutments when reaching 5 million cycles. Results: There was a negative correlation (r < 0.00) and significant difference (P < .05) between the number of cycles and the load for each type of implant and abutment. The load values supported by each group after cyclic loading to achieve 5 million cycles were as follows: EHS, 225 N; EHTi, 215 N; IH, 220 N; MT11.5, 210 N; and MT16, 240 N. The MT16 implant-abutment assembly presented a significantly higher load (P = .024) than the MT11.5 implant-abutment assembly. Conclusion: All implant-abutment connections investigated in this study resisted average occlusal force values reported as acceptable in the literature and may be indicated for any region of the mouth.

Novel methods for advancing reliability testing of photovoltaic (PV) modules and materials have recently been developed. Combined-accelerated stress testing (C-AST) is one such method which has demonstrated reliable reproduction of some field-failures which were not reproducible by standard certification tests. To increase confidence and assist in the development of C-AST, and other new testing protocols, it is important to validate that the failure modes observed and mechanisms induced are representative of those observed in the field, and not the product of unrealistic stress conditions. Here we outline a method using appropriate materials characterization and modelling to validate the failure mechanisms induced in C-AST such that we can increase confidence in the test protocol. The method is demonstrated by applying it to a known cracking failure of a specific polyamide (PA)-based backsheet material. We found that the failure of the PA-based backsheet was a result of a combination of stress factors. Photo-oxidation from ultra-violet (UV) radiation exposure caused a reduction in fracture toughness, which ultimately lead to the cracking failure. We show that the chemical and structural changes observed in the backsheet following C-AST aging were also observed in field-aged samples. These results increase confidence that the conditions applied in C-AST are representative of the field and demonstrates our approach to validating the failure mechanisms induced.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, healthcare workers were extremely vulnerable to infection with the virus and needed continuous protection. One of the most effective and widely used means of protection was the FFP2 respirator. Unfortunately, this crisis created a shortage of these masks, prompting hospitals to explore opportunities to reuse them after decontamination.An approach for assessing the filtration efficiency of decontaminated FFP2 masks has been proposed and applied to evaluate the possibilities of their safe reuse. The decontamination processes adopted are those based on moist heat or hydrogen peroxide. The approach introduces efficiency measures that define the filtration and protection capacity of the masks, which characterize both chemical and structural changes, and encompasses many techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The test protocol was applied to mask samples that had endured different decontamination cycles and the results of their efficiency measures were compared to brand-new masks’ performances.The main result was that chemical and structural characterization of the decontaminated masks have shown no substantial change or deformation of their filter media structures. Indeed, the respiratory resistance test has shown that the results of both the FFP2 masks that have undergone a hydrogen peroxide disinfection cycle or a steam autoclave cycle remained constant with a small variation of 10 Pa from the EN149 standard. The chemical characterization, on the other hand, has shown that the filter media of the decontaminated masks remains unchanged, with no detectable chemical derivatives in its constituents.

The asphalt industry is constantly working to enhance the performances of asphalt materials, introducing innovative and more sustainable solutions. In this context, the incorporation of materials, such as additives, polymers, is more and more used to improve the properties of neat bitumen. This leads to even more complex bituminous binders, raising the question, are the current specifications and test methods appropriate for complex materials? To deal with this, the RILEM Technical Committee 272-PIM ‘Phase and Interphase behaviour of innovative bi-tuminous Materials’ with its Task Group TG1 is looking at the efficiency of vari-ous test methods for complex binders with an extensive inter-laboratory program with 17 laboratories. It includes seven different binders, two neat bitumen, two polymer modified bitumen and three binders with liquid additives, emphasising on compositional and physical changes at different conditions. The focus is low temperature; while a complementary experimental program encompasses as well as testing at intermediate and high temperatures. The outcomes of the work will provide indications on how robust the current binder characterisation techniques are and establish technical recommendations for future test methods specially de-signed for complex binders. Some first results are presented hereby.

This paper describes the development of a methodology for representing tire behaviour during extreme vehicle handling simulations. Firstly, the tire operating conditions during a “fishhook” maneuver are analyzed. During this maneuver the tires experience significantly higher vertical loads, sideslip rates and camber angles than during nominal passenger car tire testing conditions. As these tire measurements are used for model parameterization, only testing the tire under nominal conditions is insufficient for accurately modeling the tire performance during extreme handling maneuvers. Three different tire testing protocols are used to parameterize the MF-Tyre/MF-Swift model. The three generated parameter sets are used in vehicle dynamic simulations of which the results are compared to vehicle measurements. The effect of the sideslip angle rate (steering rate) on the tire behaviour is found to be most influential. The effect of the steering rate is eminent when tire thermal effects are considered. Results using an extended version of MF-Tyre/MF-Swift that takes into account thermal effects show that the steering rate directly influences the peak friction that the tire reaches. It is concluded that if a tire model is used for extreme handling maneuvers, the tire operating conditions during the vehicle maneuver should be considered in the tire parameterization test protocol to increase accuracy.

A seismically isolated structure needs to have a system that behaves with a certain ductility and remains gravitationally stable in the event of an earthquake. This can be obtained by a passive control system, such as rubber bearings. The objective of this research is to design a two-story single family structure. Additionally, design, construction, and testing of rubber bearings were performed. For the design of the bearings, a compilation of information was done between different standards and studies in the area of seismic isolation. Four rubber bearings with different materials were built to determine the influence of the material on performance. Two with virgin material and two with mixed material (40% virgin elastomer and 60% recycled elastomer) following the guidance of a manufacturing protocol. Subsequently, a test protocol was developed to set the bearings under the same load conditions. They showed good behavior when subjected to a series of cycles with load inversion at 50%, 100%, 110%, and 140% of the design displacement. After this, the characteristic curves were plotted. From the test results, it was found that the design method for rubber bearings is effective for both materials virgin and recycled up to 100% of the design displacement. The rubber bearings with recycled material presented breaks and detachment of the anchor plates with 140% of the design displacement. However, these results are positive for continuing with the study of recycled materials in the construction of passive type isolation systems.

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) was proved to be an effective and reliable technology in reducing serious consequences of road vehicles crashes. However, the feasibility in terms of end-users’ acceptability for the AEB for motorcycles (MAEB) still has to be evaluated. So far, only Automatic Braking (AB) activations in straight-line motion and decelerations up to 2 m/s2 were tested with common riders. This paper presents a procedure which provides comprehensive support for the design of new experiments to further investigate the feasibility of MAEB among end-users. Additionally, this method can be used as a reference for designing tests for other advanced rider assistance systems.•A comprehensive literature review was carried out to investigate previous findings related to MAEB. After that, a series of pilot tests using an automatic braking device on an instrumented motorcycle were performed.•The specifications for new AB experiments were defined (in terms of test conditions, participants requirements, safety measures, test vehicles and instrumentation).•A test protocol was defined to test the system in different riding conditions and with different AB working parameters. A proposal for the data analysis was presented., Graphical abstract Image, graphical abstract

Flex-PL I is the most used legform impactor in pedestrian protection test at present. However, Flex-PLI was found deficient in kinematics and biofidelity, especially in impactions of high vehicles such as SUVs. A legform impactor named advanced Pedestrian Legform Impactor (aPLI) was designed to have better kinematics and biofidelity and a optimized version SBL-B was released already. Comparison of the new and the old version of aPLI was conducted to find out their linear dependence and injury distribution. SBL-B results show reduced injuries and improved scores evaluated by NCAP test protocol, if compared with SBL-A results. Besides, aPLI performances on sedans and SUVs were distinguished as their different maximum injury positions.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Reduced laser-evoked potential (LEP) habituation indicates abnormal central pain processing. But the paradigm (four stimulation blocks a 25 stimuli) is time consuming and potentially omits important information on the exact habituation time course. This study examined whether a high temporal resolution (HTR) analysis (dividing the four stimulation blocks into 12 analysis blocks) can answer the following questions: (a) After how many stimuli does LEP habituation occur? (b) Is there a difference in LEP habituation in younger versus older subjects? (c) Is HTR applicable on radiculopathy patients? METHODS EEG data of 129 subjects were included. Thirty-four young healthy and 28 advanced-aged healthy subjects were tested with LEPs on the hand dorsum. Thirty-seven radiculopathy patients and 30 controls were tested with LEPs on the L3 dermatome. The EEG data of the hand dorsa have been analysed conventionally and with HTR analysis. The applicability of HTR has been tested on radiculopathy patients and respective controls. RESULTS HTR was well feasible in young healthy subjects and revealed a strong habituation effect during the first 25 stimuli (i.e. within the first 5 min). After approximately 48 stimuli, no further significant habituation was detectable. LEP amplitudes were higher in young subjects. HTR was unsuitable for elderly subjects and middle-aged radiculopathy patients. CONCLUSIONS In young healthy subjects, HTR allows a shortening of the test protocol while providing a detailed information on the time course of LEP habituation. A shorter protocol might be useful for the applicability of the LEP paradigm for clinical and experimental settings as well as pharmacological studies. SIGNIFICANCE The usage of high temporal resolution (HTR) analysis in young healthy subjects enables a short test protocol and provides the exact time course of laser-evoked potential habituation. This can be useful for the examination of neurological conditions affecting younger patients and for pharmacological studies. HTR was inapplicable in advanced-aged subjects and patients with radiculopathy.

Corrosion of Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) is a traditional concern in the Oil and Gas industry, as it represents a major component of well integrity management. Various corrosion mechanisms may affect the performance of materials in downhole applications, especially in corrosive environments containing large amounts of H2S, CO2, and Chlorides. In high sour environments, elemental Sulphur may also be present, in which case, it will act as a strong oxidizer, affecting the performance of the material selected. In this paper, a test methodology was developed to selected a technoeconomical fit for purpose material for application in the development of a Ultra Sour Reservoir Containing Elemental Sulphur. This methodology consisted in evaluation of the SCC (Stress Corrosion Cracking) behaviour of Corrosion Resistant Alloys (CRA) of group 4D, as per ISO15156-3/ NACE MR0175-3, at the border between 4D and 4E environmental limits including the simultaneous presence of dissolved and elemental Sulphur in the fluid. A testing set-up was developed to ensure the contact of elemental S with the material in order to ensure the strong oxidizing reaction at the surface of the material. The behavior of the materials was assessed by Slow Strain rate testing (SSRT), C-Ring Sulphide stress cracking and Crevice corrosion test, conducted on UNS N06985. Grades sourced from three (3) distinct manufacturers were tested to evaluate different manufacturing systems (routes) and levels of cold work, which are known to be critical in the performace of the cold worked CRA materials. Although, CRAs have a greater CAPEX due to the content of costly chemical elements: Chromium, Nickel, Molybdenum, etc, they may be cost effective in a life cycle cost analysis as they will prevent workovers, assure a higher HSE and well integrity level.

Dissertação de Mestrado Integrado em Engenharia Mecânica apresentada à Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia Apesar de existirem alguns trabalhos já publicados, o estudo dos efeitos erosivos da cavitação de ligas de metal duro à base de carboneto de tungsténio, ainda não está devidamente efetuado. Em especial, a influência do material da fase ligante, no comportamento em situações de cavitação de materiais sinterizados à base de carboneto de tungsténio, não é suficientemente conhecida. O objetivo principal desta dissertação, é caracterizar a resistência à cavitação de carboneto de tungsténio obtido por sinterização. Contudo, como no laboratório onde se desenvolveu o trabalho, não havia experiência prévia em estudos de cavitação, tornou-se imprescindível ultrapassar as fases finais do desenvolvimento de um equipamento de cavitação por ultrassons, bem como estabelecer as metodologias para quantificar e qualificar o dano resultante dos testes. Nesta dissertação são descritas as fases de montagem e de estudos prévios que se destinaram a validar procedimentos e a identificar e ultrapassar as dificuldades inerentes à adaptação da norma ASTM G32. Inclui-se um protocolo de ensaio que se mostrou ajustado à aplicação do equipamento desenvolvido à caracterização de carboneto de tungsténio. É também apresentado um conjunto de resultados que inclui a quantificação da evolução da cavitação ao longo do tempo de ensaio, bem como a caracterização da morfologia observada por microscopia eletrónica de varrimento nas superfícies sujeitas a cavitação. O equipamento desenvolvido mostrou-se adequado à caracterização do comportamento de materiais submetidos a cavitação, e permitiu identificar que a erosão por cavitação em materiais sinterizados de carboneto de tungsténio ocorre por remoção da fase ligante deixando sem suporte os grãos de carboneto de tungsténio, que posteriormente serão removidos. Although there are some published studies, the erosive effects caused by cavitation on tungsten carbide-based alloys, is not yet properly done. In particular, the influence of the binder phase material on the behaviour of sintered materials based on tungsten carbide subjected to cavitation situations is not sufficiently known.The main objective of this dissertation is to characterize the cavitation resistance of tungsten carbide obtained by sintering. However, as there was no previous experience in cavitation studies in the laboratory where the work was developed, it became essential to overcome the final stages of the development of an ultrasonic cavitation equipment, as well as to establish the methodologies to quantify and qualify the resulting damage caused by the tests. This dissertation describes the stages of assembly and previous studies that were intended to validate procedures and to identify and overcome the difficulties inherent to the adaptation of the ASTM G32 standard.A test protocol is included, which proved to be adjusted to the application of the developed equipment for tungsten carbide characterization. A set of results is also presented that includes the quantification of the evolution of cavitation over the test time, as well as the characterization of the morphology observed by scanning electron microscopy on surfaces subject to cavitation. The developed equipment proved to be suitable for characterizing the behaviour of materials subjected to this phenomenon, and allowed to identify that cavitation erosion in sintered tungsten carbide materials occurs by removing the binding phase leaving tungsten carbide grains unsupported, which subsequently will be removed.

Purpose: Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) is a widely used tool to assess subjective perception of effort during exercise. The authors investigated between-subject variation and effect of exercise mode and sex on Borg RPE (6–20) in relation to heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (VO2), and capillary blood lactate concentrations. Methods: A total of 160 elite endurance athletes performed a submaximal and maximal test protocol either during cycling (n = 84, 37 women) or running (n = 76, 32 women). The submaximal test consisted of 4 to 7 progressive 5-minute steps within ∼50% to 85% of maximal VO2. For each step, steady-state HR, VO2, and capillary blood lactate concentrations were assessed and RPE reported. An incremental protocol to exhaustion was used to determine maximal VO2 and peak HR to provide relative (%) HR and VO2 values at submaximal work rates. Results: A strong relationship was found between RPE and %HR, %VO2, and capillary blood lactate concentrations (r = .80–.82, all Ps 2 decreased linearly with increased RPE, from ∼10% to 15% at RPE 8 to ∼5% at RPE 17. Compared with cycling, running induced a systematically higher %HR and %VO2 (∼2% and 5%, respectively, P 2 than men (P Conclusions: Among elite endurance athletes, exercise mode influenced RPE at a given %HR and %VO2, with greater differences at lower exercise intensities. Athletes should manage different tools to evaluate training based on intensity and duration of workouts.

Until now the reproducibility of the short latency stretch reflex of the internal rotator muscles of the glenohumeral joint has not been identified. Twenty-three healthy male participants performed three sets of external shoulder rotation stretches with various pre-activation levels on two different dates of measurement to assess test-retest reliability. All stretches were applied with a dynamometer acceleration of 104°/s2 and a velocity of 150°/s. Electromyographical response was measured via surface EMG. Reflex latencies showed a pre-activation effect (ƞ2 = 0,355). ICC ranged from 0,735 to 0,909 indicating an overall “good” relative reliability. SRD 95% lay between ±7,0 to ±12,3 ms.. The reflex gain showed overall poor test-retest reproducibility. The chosen methodological approach presented a suitable test protocol for shoulder muscles stretch reflex latency evaluation. A proof-of-concept study to validate the presented methodical approach in shoulder involvement including subjects with clinically relevant conditions is recommended .

presented at the Phillippine Nurses UK World Cafe Convention, 24 October 2020

Pinpoint's nanosensor-based platform detects SARS-CoV-2 antigen by (1) measuring baseline current through our functionalized nanosensor chip in ordinary PBS buffer; (2) measuring the change in current at specific voltage ranges after insertion of the specimen as a result of binding between probe aptamer and target antigen; (3) computing delta between these two measurements. These measurements and computations are performed internally in quadruplicate, with four separately measured nanosensor channels. Consolidated results are reported to the user as {Detected; Not Detected; Inconclusive; or Error}.

This is a fast (one hour), very simple LAMP-based Covid-19 diagnostic test using readily-available components that is appropriate for point-of-care use and also can be easilty scaled up on a pipetting robot such as an Opentrons OT2 because the protocol requires no cengtrifugation. It leverages a commercially-avaialble swab kit to collect a sample from the mouth of the patient in a safe manner. Viruses are inactivated by the buffer in the swab kit so risk of exposure is minimal. The sample can be safely handled once the swab is placed back in the collection tube. The collection kit has an EUA from FDA. A commercially-available reagent kit called prepIT.Q2A is used to prepare an aliquot of the sample for LAMP analysis. The two kit reagents are added to 100uL of the sample, a precipitate forms and falls to the tube bottom with no centrifugation necessary, and the RNA is pipetted off the top of the liquid in the tube. The RNA solution is diluted 1:10 with water and analyzed by adding 1uL to a preloaded PCR tube with primers and the NEB WarmStart Colorimetric LAMP reagent. Incubation at 68C for 30min produces a color change visible to the eye for a simple yes/no readout. The whole process takes an hour from start to finish.

This work proposes a new test methodology to characterize the fracture toughness values for either brittle or ductile materials, such as steels of risers and pipelines used in the oil and gas industry by using non-standard four-point bending specimens. Four-point bending (4PB) specimens show to be reliable configuration to characterize fracture toughness values. The methodology involves obtaining compliance equations, stress intensity factors, the proportionality factors between the deformation energy and J-integral, known as η-factor. This study evidences the impact of geometry variation on the crack-tip constraint. Laboratory tests were performed with four-point bending specimens. These experiments were compared with experimental data of standardized geometries SE(B) and SE(T). The results from the preliminary experimental campaign validated the numerical analysis. Thus, the proposed equations can be used to obtain the fracture toughness values using four-point bending specimens.

Radar technology has the potential for providing new insights into maximal horizontal deceleration ability. This study aimed to investigate the intra- and inter-day reliability and sensitivity of kinematic and kinetic variables obtained from a novel, maximal horizontal deceleration test, using radar technology. Thirty-eight university sport athletes completed testing for intra-day analysis. Twelve of these participants also completed the deceleration test on a second day for inter-day analysis. The maximal horizontal deceleration test required participants to decelerate maximally following 20 m maximal horizontal sprint acceleration. Reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV%). Sensitivity was evaluated by comparing typical error (TE) to the smallest worthwhile change (SWC). A number of kinematic and kinetic variables had good (ICC > 0.75, CV < 10%) overall intra-day reliability, and were sensitive to detect small-to-moderate changes in deceleration performance after a single familiarisation session. Only kinetic variables had good overall inter-day reliability and were sensitive to detect moderate changes in deceleration performance. The utilisation of this test protocol to assess maximal horizontal deceleration can provide new insights into individual maximal horizontal deceleration capabilities. Future work using this or similar approaches may provide insights into the neuromuscular performance qualities needed to decelerate maximally.

The incidence of presyncopal events is high soon after a long-duration spaceflight;>60% of returning astronauts could not complete a 10-min 80° head-up tilt test on landing day (R+0) after ~6 months of spaceflight. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the ability of a lower body gradient compression garment (GCG) to protect against an excessive increase in heart rate and a decrease in blood pressure during standing after long-duration spaceflight. Methods: Eleven astronauts (9 M, 2 F) volunteered to participate. The stand test protocol consisted of 2 min of prone rest followed by 3.5 min of standing. Subjects completed one familiarization session, two preflight data collection sessions in standard clothing, and three tests on landing day while wearing GCG. Postflight tests were conducted 1–4 h (R+0A), ~12 h (R+0B), and ~28 h after landing (R+0C). Results: All astronauts completed the stand test preflight. Three astronauts were unable to attempt the stand test at R+0A, and one of these was unable to start the test at R+0B. One astronaut was unable to complete 3.5 min of standing at R+0B (test ended at 3.3 min). Review of the individual’s blood pressure data revealed no hypotension but the astronaut reported significant motion sickness. Of the astronauts who participated in testing on landing day, the heart rate and mean arterial pressure responses to standing (stand-prone) were not different than preflight at any of the postflight sessions. Conclusion: Wearing the GCG after spaceflight prevented the tachycardia that normally occurs while standing after spaceflight without compression garments and protected against a decrease in blood pressure during a short stand test.

This study aimed to explore a valid test protocol for measuring VO2max in healthy untrained male Wistar rats of different ages and quantifying the exercise intensity (%VO2max) of running under different treadmill grades and speeds. The test protocols and %VO2max will provide a reference for the design of exercise intensity. We tested male Wistar rats aged 4 weeks, 10 weeks, 10 months and 16 months old with three test protocols (Procedure 1 [P1], 2 [P2] and 3 [P3]) for each age group to quantify VO2max. We analysed VO2max, respiratory exchange ratio and test duration to determine an optimal test protocol of VO2max for different age groups. We used the optimal test protocol to explore the changes in age-related VO2max. Finally, %VO2max of running under different treadmill speeds and grades was quantified. VO2max of Wistar rats decreased significantly after the age of 4 weeks (p 2max can be induced by personalised protocols for different ages. In 4-week-old Wistar rats, the highest VO2max values were attained by P1 (104.4 ± 6.9 mL · kg−1 · min−1, p = 0.032). The highest VO2max value (84.7 ± 3.7 mL · kg−1 · min−1, p = 0.037) of 8-week-old Wistar rats was attained in P2. In 10-month-old Wistar rats, the highest VO2max value was obtained in P3 (63.3 ± 1.7 mL · kg−1 · min−1). This work could be used as a reference for assessing aerobic capacity in studies on exercise intervention with untrained male Wistar rats. However, the %VO2max measurements at various treadmill speeds and grades only apply to untrained male Wistar rats.

Ageing, disease and osteoporosis treatment have been linked to accumulation of microdamage, which is caused by repetitive loading and may eventually causes fatigue failure of bones. Post-hoc investigations for in vivo loading and in vitro experiments have been developed to better understand microdamage formation. In this context, previous studies were not able to discriminate the effects caused by structural changes of the trabecular network from differences of tissue/material properties on microdamage formation. In the present study a fatigue test protocol was established to induce microdamage at a defined tensile stress state of individual trabeculae. Further, a thorough analysis of microdamage analysis was presented for 2D and 3D confocal images, enabling a comparison between the tissue and the meso-scale. Eight individual trabeculae were tested for 1500 cycles, six for 2100 cycles and seven for 3000 cycles (close to failure). Microdamage increased slowly from 1500 to 2100 cycles and showed a rapid increase at 3000 cycles. Diffuse damage was mainly present, although also linear microcracks were visible at 2100 and 3000 cycles. Average microcrack length was 93 µm and diffuse damage density was 4.4% for samples tested for 3000 cycles, comparable to previous studies on trabecular bone cores. Only one to three large microdamage sites were observed in the central region, connected to the trabecular surface with small straight cracks. The presented procedure is a first step to better understand how microdamage formation is influenced by material properties in aged and diseased bone, independently of deteriorated trabecular microarchitecture.

This work presents a damage-healing protocol on SnBi bulk solder samples. After tensile-cycling a cylindrical sample until failure, the effect of liquid-assisted healing is utilized in the healing step. In the course of the protocol, the mechanical performance and the residual stress-force curves after healing are obtained and converted into significant parameters for further evaluation. The presentation of mechanical performance after the healing regime is paramount in the presented test protocol. The work concludes with a discussion of damage-healing results of the studied Sn-40wt%Bi alloy.

Objective: the aim of this study was to verify the reproducibility index of the frequency meter with GPS technology with recording speed of 1Hz in acyclic displacement and intermittent intensity, performed by soccer referees. Materials and methods: it was characterized by a field study with a quantitative trait involving 14 men, aged 20.42 ± 2.78 years, from a barracks in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Polar heart rate monitor with 1Hz GPS model V800 was used. The protocol used was adapted from the FIFA test protocol for soccer referees, so that 10 "shots" of 75m in 15s were accomplished by 25m in 20 of recovery. Testing and retest were applied with 7 days interval and identical protocols: heating, ambiance (4 "shots" following the model of the protocol above) and then the test. Since the circuit covered in the test protocol was 1000 m.Results: a mean of 1002.5 ± 17.12 m was obtained in the test and in the test 1010.83± 32.88 m, the coefficients of variation were respectively 1% and 3%. The difference wasnot significant between the test and the retest (P-value> 0.05), and the intraclasscorrelation coefficient indicated a moderate association between the measures.Conclusion: therefore, it is suggested that it is acceptable to use a frequency gauge with a recording speed of 1Hz to monitor displacements of soccer referees in acyclic displacement and intermittent intensity.

To assess the thermoregulatory capacities of backpack-designs, five male participants were equipped with a temperature and moisture measuring system. Relative humidity (rH) and temperature (T) were measured underneath the participants’ t-shirt—microclimate (MC)—and between shirt and backpack—interlayer climate (ILC). Participants completed a test protocol simulating a hiking exercise in three conditions in a randomized order: (W) without backpack and (B1-B2) with each of the backpacks (total weight: 5.4 kg). The test-protocol consisted of a 5-min rest, 10-min walk at 4 km/h without gradient, 15-min walk at 4 km/h with 8% incline, and a final 10-min rest. Results showed that the temperature and absolute humidity (aH) values generally decreased from the microclimate to the interlayer climate. Differences of up to ΔT = 1.27 °C and ΔaH = 2.55 g/m3 in the microclimate of the upper back area were observed for different backpack designs, indicating the influence of backpack design on thermoregulation.

Introduction This study aims to develop a standard number of repetition at angular velocities of 60°/sec and 180°/sec and define the difference of number of repetitions between genders. Method One hundred ninety-six athletes (judo, volleyball, Greco-Roman wrestling, runners, and gymnastics) were involved. Concentric-concentric isokinetic muscle strength of the knee flexor-extensor muscles of the athletes were performed with an ISOMED 2000 isokinetic dynamometer. The evaluation test protocol consisted of 10 repetition of knee flexion-extension at 60°/sec and 30 repetitions at 180°/sec. Results Athletes performed with maximal knee flexion strength at their second and third trial at 60°/sec and third-forth trial at 180°/sec. It was found that 2 repetitions and 2–3 repetitions were needed for knee extension peak torque at 60°/sec and 180°/sec respectively. The difference between the genders was significant at 60°/sec for knee flexion and extension on the dominant side; at 180°/sec for knee extension on the dominant and non-dominant side. It was determined that 3 repetitions for 60°/sec, 4 repetitions for 180°/sec were enough to determine peak torque values. Discussion Optimal number of repetitions is crucial so that athletes could have the opportunity to reach maximal strength without unnecessary workload or waste of time. Conclusions Protocols involving 3 repetitions for 60°/sec, 4 repetitions for 180°/sec were enough to determine peak torque values. Gender of athletes should be considered when establishing isokinetic knee evaluation protocols.

The aim of this study was to investigate if the order of submaximal lactate threshold and maximal oxygen uptake testing would influence test outcomes. Twelve well-trained male cross-country skiers (mean age 19.6 years) performed two test sessions within a week in a within-subjects repeated measures with cross-over design study. A maximal oxygen uptake test (VO2max) followed by a lactate threshold (LT) test and vice versa, were performed. The test data included VO2, blood lactate (La-b), heart rate (HR), performance speed, Borg scale (RPE) at all stages and lactate accumulation throughout the whole test protocol including the breaks. No significant effect of testing order was found for: VO2max (74.23 vs. 73.91 mL∙min&minus, 1∙kg&minus, 1), maximal HR (190.7 vs. 189.9 bpm) and speed at LT during uphill running. Three out of four common definitions of LT resulted in the same La-b at the last two steps, 11 and 12 km/h respectively, in the two protocols. It is worth noting that VO2, HR and La-b were higher in the first two stages of the LT test when VO2max was tested first in the protocol. Well-trained cross-country skiers conclusively attained a similar VO2max and LT in both protocols, and the two tests did not seem to influence each other in terms of the degree of exhaustion that occurs in a single VO2max or an incremental LT test. However, when using a curvilinear function to define the LT, it is important to know that the VO2max test can influence levels of VO2, HR and La-b at the first two stages of the LT test.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to describe a test protocol for the determination of the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) in dogs. METHODS Ten animals were submitted to a variable number of sessions (3 to 5), with a duration of 30 minutes each. Every session started with a warm-up period of 10 minutes at 7 km/h, at a 0% inclination. The treadmill was then set at a 5% inclination and at a constant speed, maintained for 20 m. In subsequent sessions, speed was increased or decreased 0.5 km/h. Blood samples were collected, and blood lactate (BL), heart rate (HR), rectal temperature (RT) and glycaemia were determined at rest (T0), after the warm-up (T1) and every 5 minutes until the end of the test (T2-T5). RESULTS Significant variations were observed in BL, HR and RT, when comparing values at rest and T1 with those at the MLSS level (P

Far side has been identified in the literature as a potential cause of numerous injuries and fatalities. Euro NCAP developed a far side test protocol to be performed to assess adult protection. A monitoring phase was undertaken between January 2018 and December 2019, and the far side assessment will become part of the rating for all vehicles launched in 2020 onward. A test buck was developed and 6 paired WorldSID / Post Mortem Human Subjects (PMHS) were subjected to the test protocol proposed by Euro NCAP to contribute to the development of limits. The buck consisted of a rigid seat and a rigid central console covered with 50 mm of Ethafoam TM 180 with a density of 16 kg/m3. The buck was mounted on the sled with an angle of 75° between the X axis of the vehicle and the X axis of the sled. The peak head excursion was compared between PMHS and the WorldSID dummy. It was found reasonably similar. However, the dummy repeatability was found to be poor. Out of 6 tests conducted on 6 PMHS, 2 specimens sustained AIS3 and, 3 specimens AIS2 cervical spine injuries, 3 specimens sustained AIS3, 1 AIS2 and 1 AIS1 thoracic injuries, and 2 specimens sustained AIS2 abdominal injuries. The peak values recorded on the dummy according to the Euro NCAP protocol were compared with the injury assessments of the PMHS tests. In the configuration used, which includes a central console, the hard thorax injury prediction was found to be excellent. For the neck injury prediction, the data were merged with similar results available in the literature and an Injury Risk Curve was proposed as a derivative from the curve published by Mertz et al. (2003) for neck extension.

[RETRACTED]This is a fake protocol to play with protocols.io.

Although there were some regulation and consumer test protocol for pedestrian protection, however, they did not consider the protection for other VRU such as bicyclist, E-bicyclist, and motorcyclist. This paper is aimed to study different dynamic response and injury patterns after collision between three kinds of two-wheelers and cars. This study is carried out by utilizing the PC-Crash software to design 54 sets of collision simulations between cars and three kinds of two-wheeler according to the realistic and frequent traffic accidents. Then compare the riders' dynamic response and injury index, such as HIC, femur and lower leg force. The results show that different kinds of the two wheelers have considerable difference when in the same impact patterns. The injury difference is caused by the construction of different two-wheelers, such as the different mass and seat height causing the various of posture and contact patterns on riders after the impact occurs. The results can provide useful information for the design both vehicle and two-wheeler to mitigate the serious injury of riders.