Search

Moving Target Defense (MTD) is a new defensive strategy to protect power system state estimation from cyber attacks. Using the distributed flexible AC transmission system (D-FACTS), MTD works by actively perturbing the branch parameters that are needed to construct the false data injection (FDI) attacks. Although there are many pioneer works on MTD, the relationship between the construction of MTD and detection of FDI attacks has not been revealed. In this paper, we reveal the correlation between the MTD design and FDI detection and optimize MTD's performance in terms of detecting FDI attacks. Moreover, with the aim to reduce the number of measurements that can be compromised by the attacker, we develop a heuristic algorithm to compute a near-optimal solution for the deployment of D-FACTS devices. Furthermore, we prove that the coordinated design of consecutive perturbation schemes within an MTD cycle can improve the performance of MTD in terms of detecting FDI attacks. Finally, we conduct extensive simulations with the IEEE standard test power systems to validate our findings.

Modeling photovoltaic (PV) modules is fundamental for analyzing their efficiency and performance under different operating conditions. Generally, photovoltaic module modeling is based on a suitable equivalent circuit and a set of parameters representing the PV module's properties. Defining these parameters is not a trivial task, as they are usually not included in the technical documentation of the module. Therefore, the need to find suitable values for the model parameters becomes imperative. In this paper, we will test and compare two methods of extracting single-diode model (SDM) parameters: analytical and numerical, under standard test conditions (STC conditions). We examined the performance of six techniques: three analytical and three numerical. Except for Saleem technique, which tends to underestimate the I-V and P-V curves in the MPP zone, the results demonstrated that both approaches (analytical and iterative/numerical) are valid and accurate for predicting the I-V and P-V curves under STC conditions.

Performance Ratio (PR) is one of the best performance metrics used to assess solar power plant performance. PR is also used for commercial acceptance of an installed PV power plants. If the PR is tested in different climatic conditions or seasons, there are bias errors, affecting the contractual acceptance testing. PR is often corrected to the Standard Test Conditions (STC), resulting in higher PR since modules usually operate at higher temperatures. This research work utilizes NREL's advanced methodology to determine weather corrected PR of PV power plants in six different geographical locations and climatic regions. The Solar PV plant performance is simulated to get the normal PR as per IEC 61724-1:2017. Percentage variation of Weather corrected PR with Normal PR is determined for all these six geographical regions and compared. The weather corrected PR of Montana (with the lowest annual average temperature of 1.58 °C.) PV power plant has a maximum variation of 7.64% from the normal PR during the summer and −8.61% variation in December during the winter. The weather corrected PR of Kuzhalmannam (with the highest annual average temperature of 27.28 °C) PV power plant has a maximum variation of only 1.16% from the normal PR during summer and a variation of −0.91% in July during the rainy season. It is concluded that the metric of weather-corrected PR gains paramount importance for colder areas, whereas it has minimal influence for tropical regions.

Item does not contain fulltext Measurement and production of traditional prosthetic sockets are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and highly dependent on the personnel involved. An alternative way to make prostheses is using computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) may be an alternative to make low-cost prosthetic sockets. This study investigates the tensile properties of potential printing materials suitable for FFF according to ISO527 (Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics). To ensure that FFF-printed sockets are safe for patient usage, the structural integrity of the 3D-printed prosthesis will be investigated according to ISO10328 (International Standard Structural Testing of Lower Limb Prostheses). Tough PLA was the most suitable print material according to ISO 527 testing. The Tough PLA printed socket completed 2.27 million cycles and a static test target value of 4025 N. Future research remains necessary to continue testing new potential materials, improve print settings, and improve the socket design for the production of FFF-printed transtibial prosthetic sockets. FFF using Tough PLA can be used to create transtibial prostheses that almost comply with the International Standard for Structural Testing of Lower Limb Prostheses.

Transformer insulating oils are exposed to repeated electrical discharge or breakdowns inside power transformers. Durability tests are conducted to analyze the ability of oil to resist decomposition due to such high electrical stresses. With the increasing demand for alternative insulating oils for oil-immersed transformers, it is worthy to compare the performance of different types of insulating oils (conventional mineral-based insulating oil and natural ester-based insulating oil) under repeated electrical breakdown. In this paper, the AC breakdown voltage of different mineral-based and natural ester-based insulating oils is reported. Durability tests were conducted based on the AC breakdown voltage behavior of insulating oils after 50 electrical breakdown shots. The AC breakdown voltage of each insulating oil sample was assessed according to the ASTM D1816 standard test method. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the dissimilarity in chemical composition of the insulating oils has a significant effect on the AC breakdown voltage behavior of these oils under repeated electrical breakdowns.

There is growing interest in the environmental safety of ultraviolet (UV) filters found in cosmetic and personal care products (CPCPs). The CPCP industry is assessing appropriate environmental risk assessment (ERA) methods to conduct robust environmental safety assessments for these ingredients. Relevant and reliable data are needed for ERA, particularly when the assessment is supporting regulatory decision-making. In the present study, we apply a data evaluation approach to incorporate nonstandard toxicity data into the ERA process through an expanded range of reliability scores over commonly used approaches (e.g., Klimisch scores). The method employs an upfront screening followed by a data quality assessment based largely on the Criteria for Reporting and Evaluating Ecotoxicity Data (CRED) approach. The method was applied in a coral case study in which UV filter toxicity data was evaluated to identify data points potentially suitable for higher tier and/or regulatory ERA. This is an optimal case study because there are no standard coral toxicity test methods, and UV filter bans are being enacted based on findings reported in the current peer-reviewed data set. Eight studies comprising nine assays were identified; four of the assays did not pass the initial screening assessment. None of the remaining five assays received a high enough reliability score (Rn ) to be considered of decision-making quality (i.e., R1 or R2). Four assays were suitable for a preliminary ERA (i.e., R3 or R4), and one assay was not reliable (i.e., R6). These results highlight a need for higher quality coral toxicity studies, potentially through the development of standard test protocols, to generate reliable toxicity endpoints. These data can then be used for ERA to inform environmental protection and sustainability decision-making. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:3441-3464. © 2021 Personal Care Products Council. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Background The 3M™ Environmental Scrub Sampler with 10 mL Wide Spectrum Neutralizer is a nonspecific sampling device intended for use for environmental monitoring surface sampling. Objective The aim was to evaluate 3M Wide Spectrum Neutralizer using the 3M Environmental Scrub Sampler for AOAC® Performance Tested MethodsSM (PTM) certification. Methods Matrix studies, inclusivity/exclusivity, product consistency/stability, neutralization, and robustness testing were conducted for Salmonella and Listeria species. Stainless steel, sealed concrete, and plastic environmental surfaces were evaluated in the matrix study comparing the performance of the 3M™ method for sample collection to that of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) reference methods. Four classes of sanitizers, namely quaternary ammonium, high acid, hydrogen/peroxyacetic acid and chlorine/bleach-based, were assessed in the neutralization study following ASTM E1054 - 08, Standard Test Methods for Evaluation of Inactivators of Antimicrobial Agents. The other testing parameters followed typical PTM study design. Results In matrix studies the 3M sampling device demonstrated no significant differences between candidate and reference sampling method results. All inclusivity organisms were detected, and all exclusivity organisms were excluded, for both Salmonella and Listeria strains when tested by the appropriate FDA BAM detection method. Robustness, product consistency, and stability studies showed that the sampling device is not affected by lot or testing parameter differences. The Wide Spectrum Neutralizer was proven to effectively neutralize sanitizers at the concentrations tested and was itself shown to be nontoxic and did not affect target microorganism recovery. Conclusions The 3M Environmental Scrub Sampler with 10 mL Wide Spectrum Neutralizer is an effective, stable, robust sampling device for the recovery of Salmonella spp. and Listeria spp. Highlight The 3M Environmental Scrub Sampler with 10 mL Wide Spectrum Neutralizer is an acceptable sampling device for use in FDA BAM Salmonella and Listeria reference methods.

The effect of irradiance and increase of temperature on the back surface of the PV module would decrease the standardized efficiency of PV. To overcome this problem observed results of solar module (ORSM) and Newton Raphson’s (iterative) methods have been proposed in this research. This article compares ORSM and iterative methods of changing the specifications of a single diode model (SDM) extracted from a PV module beneath standard test conditions (STC) to calculate irradiance and various operating conditions. To make this comparison, the exact value of each diode parameter on the STC is essential. These are achieved by accepted algebraic values and iterative techniques. Newton Raphson’s technique has been proven to be the mainly precise method to find these specifications in STC. Therefore, these specifications are used to different techniques that change the parameters of an SDM with radiation and temperature. The MATLAB model is designed to assess the conducting of individual techniques by PVM. The results are compared with the measured data, and the accuracy of photovoltaic module efficiency has been achieved through different technologies at different temperature and insolation levels.

The competitiveness of rubber membranes determined by their durability, quality, reliability, including the time required to create. During operation, the membranes undergo complex deformations, as a result of which a large number of potential destruction zones of a different nature arise, which can lead to the failure of the product. The standard test methods used in the development of formulations for membranes involve testing the material under uniaxial tension conditions in most cases and do not take into account the actual loading conditions of the product during operation, which significantly increases the development time of new formulations for membranes. The paper presents and applies in practice a computational and experimental method of analysis the complexly stressed state of rubber membranes, including carrying out simple laboratory tests in a heterogeneous complexly stressed state, which is realized during the operation of rubber membranes, and analyzing the stress-strain state by the finite element method. An inhomogeneous complexly stressed state was realized by forcing the rubber membrane with a spherical indenter. The application of a computational-experimental method for analyzing the complexly stressed state of rubber membranes is considered on the example of a rubber corrugated membrane of an automatic valve of a bag filter purge system. An assessment of the physical and mechanical properties of rubbers in a heterogeneous complexly stressed state was carried out, as well as an analysis of the stress-strain state of the membrane when it was loaded with a spherical indenter, which made it possible to identify the most dangerous zones of the section. The complex use of this method made it possible to improve the resource of this corrugated membrane by thirty five percent in comparison with the standard, while reducing the creation time.

Realistic industrial process is usually a dynamic process with uncertainty. Chance constraints are applicable to industrial process modeling under uncertain conditions, where constraints cannot be strictly met, or need not be fully met. Therefore, chance constrained dynamic optimization (CCDO) formulation is available to address realistic industrial process issues. Because of the dynamic and uncertainty, chance constrained dynamic optimization problems (CCDOPs) arising from practical industries are hard to cope with. In this article, a novel CCDO method is proposed to resolve this issue, where an adaptive sample average approximation method, a control vector parameterization method, and a state constraint handling strategy are integrated. Specially, a hybrid intelligent optimization algorithm is introduced to realize a global and efficient optimization performance. The proposed method is applied to CCDOPs modified by dynamic optimization standard test functions and industrial experiments to demonstrate its effectiveness. The experimental results show that the proposed method has good performance in solving CCDOPs.

Precise and accurate determination of particle size distribution (PSD) and compositional analysis is of prime importance for road dust management as most of the dust after collection is dumped on the adjacent side of the road or landfill sites. In this manuscript, we have compiled the scattered information about the dust classification, sources, PSD, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), traces metals, etc. and also determined the PSD of collected road dust of representative samples from selected commercial, institutional, traffic intersection and residential sites in Delhi NCR. The moisture has been conducted by using IS 2720 (Part-2) standard test method. It was observed that moisture varied from 3.38 ± 0.14% to 8.05 ± 0.33%, respectively. The uncertainty evaluation to determine PSD has been carried out. The effects of balance, recovery, sieves diameter, have also been determined as per EURACHEM/GUM guidelines. The classification of road dust as per Indian Standard Specification (IS: 1498) suggested that the major percentage of road dust falls in the sand category and has possibilities to use widely for construction purposes, preparation of blocks, kerb, development of footpaths, etc. The modifications of road design, development of green belts and growing of dust capturing plants are the other alternatives to control emission of road dust. However, there is a dire need to develop reference material for accurate measurement of road dust to control road dust emissions in a scientific perspective.

Objective: The training of middle-distance runners is based on intermittent exercises. However, no study has proposed intermittent test to assess endurance performance for middle-distance athletes. The aims of the present study are 1) to develop a new specific testing for middle-distance runners entitled the 180/20 intermittent athletic test and to examine the validity of this test as compared to a standard continuous test 2) to check whether the maximal aerobic speed obtained from the 180/20 intermittent athletic test is related to the 800-m performance. Methods: Nineteen male middle-distance runners (age: 21.3 ± 2.2 years, height: 1.75 ± 0.04 m, and body mass: 68.8 ± 3.8 kg) performed in a random order three field-tests: a standard test, the 180/20 intermittent athletic test and 800-m time-trial. The new test consisted of repeated 180m distance runs interspersed with 20m of active recovery performed until exhaustion. The speed is increased by 0.5 km.h-1 every 200 m. Results: The results of this study showed the maximal aerobic speed achieved during the new test was significantly correlated to the maximal aerobic speed determined from a standard test (r = 0.82, p < 0.05) with low agreement limits (-1.69–1.48 km.h-1) without systematic bias (-0.10 km.h-1). The maximal aerobic speed in new test was better correlated to the 800-m running performance than the maximal aerobic speed achieved during a standard test (r = -0.78 and r = -0.66, respectively). Conclusions: The 180/20 intermittent athletic test is a valid test for scheduling intermittent training sessions in middle-distance runners.

We summarize some general ideas regarding approximation of mixed variational problems using saddle point reformulation. We consider the concepts of optimal and almost optimal (or α ) test norm and provide estimates for the continuity and stability constants. A preconditioning strategy for solving the discrete mixed formulations is used in combination with the special test norms. We further provide a choice for a discrete trial space, that depends on the choice of a standard test space and leads to discrete stability, when using the appropriate test norm. Examples to illustrate how the stability of the saddle point discretization can be improved using special test norms are included.

The lack of a standard test method for evaluating the resistance of pervious concrete to cycles of freezing and thawing in the presence of deicing salts is the motive behind this study. Different sample size and geometry, cycle duration, and level of submersion in brine solutions were investigated to achieve an optimized test method. The optimized test method was able to produce different levels of damage when different types of deicing salts were used. The optimized duration of one cycle was found to be 24 h with twelve hours of freezing at −18 °C and twelve hours of thawing at +21 °C, with the bottom 10 mm of the sample submerged in the brine solution. Cylinder samples with a diameter of 100 mm and height of 150 mm were used and found to produce similar results to 150 mm-cubes. Based on the obtained results a mass loss of 3%–5% is proposed as a failure criterion of cylindrical samples. For the materials and within the cycles of freezing/thawing investigated here, the deicers that caused the most damage were NaCl, CaCl 2 and urea, followed by MgCl 2 , potassium acetate, sodium acetate and calcium-magnesium acetate. More testing is needed to validate the effects of different deicers under long term exposures and different temperature ranges.

Since environmental factors at pavement construction sites are usually changed, the behavior of plastic shrinkage cracking, which is a common type of distress in concrete pavement, needs to be assessed to avoid deterioration and apply a more appropriate preventive method. This study evaluates the effects of different ambient temperature (30, 35, and 40 °C), relative humidity of the air (20, 45, and 70%), and wind speed (18, 24, and 30 km/h) on the characteristics of plastic shrinkage cracking distress in concrete pavement that are more practical in terms of inspection. These practical characteristics include temporal characteristics (time of balance of bleeding and evaporation, and time of the start of crackling) and geometric characteristics (mean cracking width, length of cracking, and area of cracking). They were examined in different environmental conditions according to ASTM C1579 standard test method, using an environmental simulator chamber and a digital monitoring approach consisted of digital image analysis. The results showed that practical characteristics are useful in denoting the behavior of plastic shrinkage cracking distress in concrete pavements in different environmental conditions. Each environmental factor has a different significant effect on the behavior of plastic shrinkage cracking distress. The time of balance was the most affected temporal characteristics, which shows higher sensitivity of the bleeding state of concrete pavement to environmental factors. Among geometric characteristics, the area of cracking was changed the most. Different environmental factors also had a more significant effect on the transverse changing of cracking than its longitudinal. The relative humidity had the most effects on the temporal and geometric characteristics, and the effects of temperature and wind speed were close to each other. A significant relationship was observed between the time of balance and the area of cracking, which indicates that the time of balance can be used effectively to predict cracking severity in different environmental conditions.

Мета: визначення ступеню впливу спеціально-підготовчих вправ на показники координаційних здібностей баскетболістів груп початкової підготовки. Матеріал і методи: у дослідженні брали участь 40 спортсменів у віці 9 – 11 років, що навчаються в групах початкової підготовки другого року навчання ДЮСШ № 7 міста Харкова (контрольна група 20 спортсменів, експериментальна група 20 спортсменів). Для встановлення показників координаційної підготовленості юних баскетболістів використовувались стандартні тестові вправи, запропоновані Л.П. Сергієнко [13]. Результати: використовувалися у навчально–тренувальному процесі експериментальної групи спеціально-підготовчих вправ: різноманітні стрибки та акробатичні вправи, а також комплекси вправ на батуті. Дана методика позитивно вплинула на показники координаційних здібностей баскетболістів групи початкової підготовки, і між результатами до та після педагогічного експерименту було встановлено достовірні розбіжності (р0,05). Ключові слова: спортсмени-баскетболісти, координаційні здібності, спеціально підібрані комплекси акробатичних вправ, вправи на батуті.

Objective: We evaluate the performance of the Blue-Carba Test (BCT) and Mast ISOPLEX ®CRE-ART-LAMP assay as quick and affordable assays for the detection of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae clinical isolates, Khartoum State-Sudan. Methods: A total of 384 Enterobacteriaceae (122 CPE and 262 non-CPE) clinical isolates were tested for a rapid biochemical method for detection of carbapenemase activity using Blue-Carba Test (BCT), and the Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for carbapenemase target genes detection by MAST ISOPLEX®CRE-ART (19 CPE and 1 non-CPE). Results: The overall sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for carbapenemase detection were 100% (95% CI, 97.0%–100%), 93.9% (95% CI, 90.3%-96.5%) and 95.8 % (95% CI, 93.3%-97.6%) for BCT with 80.3% present positive blue color was appeared after 15 min of test. Interestingly, the Mast ISOPLEX CRE-ART showed specificity 100%, accuracy 96.7% (95% CI, 90.6%-99.9%), and sensitivity 94.7%(95% CI, 90.3 -98.7%) for LAMP assay for detection of the target genes and it provides rapid results with a 45-minute. Considering PCR as a standard test for CPE genes detection, the kappa value of BCT and LAMP assays were calculated to be 0.907 and 0.900 respectively, suggesting good agreement between the PCR assay and both selected tests. Conclusion: The promptness and simplicity of both assays make them suitable for inexperienced operators to readily identify carbapenemase production and characterization of major carbapenemase blagenes. Besides exhibits an almost good agreement (Kappa>0.600) emphasizing their high sensitivities and specificities with a rapid and reliable epidemiological screening of carbapenemase production in resource-limited settings.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) enforces underground coal mining lighting regulations in the United States and issues approvals for electrical devices and machines. Companies submit standard test and evaluation (STE another company has saved about $200,000 USD using the LCM. It is projected that the LCM will save millions of dollars. This article provides several examples to illustrate the LCM.

Background Isolation gowns are one of the crucial pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent the migration of microorganisms and body fluids from patients to health care personnel and vice versa. Underperforming isolation gowns in terms of fluid resistance, could potentially put lives in danger. Wearing multiple layers of isolation gowns could theoretically increase the fluid penetration resistance. This study investigates if 2-layer lower barrier level isolation gowns meet the barrier effectiveness requirements of a single higher barrier level isolation gown. Methods Three commonly used ANSI/AAMI Level 2 isolation gown models were selected and tested in single layer and double layer configurations in accordance with ANSI/AAMI PB70 requirements. Results Total of 240 experiments were conducted to analyze the effects of gown model, fabric region, and the number of gown layers on AATCC 127 and AATCC 42 test results. In regard to AATCC 42, there was a significant difference among the different gown models, and the number of gown layers. Similar to AATCC 42 results, there was a significant difference among the different gown models, and the number of gown layers for AATCC 127; additionally, the gown regions was also significantly different. Conclusion Test results demonstrated that the double layer isolation gown configurations do not always provide equal fluid penetration resistance as required for a single Level 3 isolation gown using the standard test methods specified in ANSI/AAMI PB70.

Emerging 3rd generation photovoltaic technologies such as perovskite and dye-sensitized solar cells are very attractive for commercialization mainly due to their low-cost materials and fabrication processes. The main drawback of these devices is their poor long-term stability. To increase the long-term stability of these devices, a hermetic encapsulation is required. The hermeticity of encapsulated devices are measured and characterized using hermeticity tests according to standard test procedures. A review of the several techniques to measure the hermeticity is presented, addressing the test methods, limitations and applicability to perovskite and dye-sensitized solar cells glass frit encapsulated devices.

One method aimed to know the condition of the pavement runway on an airport is pavement condition index (PCI). This method has three parameters, type damage, severity damage, and the number of damage or density. In this research, the assessment of PCI is done on a runway (flexible pavement) at one of the airports in Jakarta with a broad 3000 m x 45 m. PCI’s value is gained by following a method from ASTM D 5340-98 (Standard Test Method for The Airport Pavement Condition Index Surveys) from all total sample. The research obtained shows that runway airports have an average of 75,59 (very good). Consisting of excellent as many as 138 sample (38 %), very good as many as 102 sample (28 %), good 60 sample (17 %), fair 36 sample (10 %), poor 16 sample (5 %), very poor as many as 7 sample (2 %), and failed 1 sample (0.001 %). All repairs to the damaged area which are lower than excellent condition using patching with a cold milling machine.

Concrete is one of the essential construction materials that requires many natural resources for production and releases much pollution such as greenhouse gases. As a cement replacement material, fly ash is an essential tool to reduce the environmental impacts of cement production. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the bond strength between concrete and reinforcement for different fly ash levels. In the experiments, 5%, 15%, and 25% of Portland cement were replaced by fly ash, while the water-to-binder ratio (w/b) was kept constant at 0.42. Standard test specimens of 15 cm containing a 16-mm-diameter bar at the center were used in bond strength tests. Bond strength was measured at 7, 28, and 90 days of age through a direct pull-out test. The results show that adding fly ash with any percentage reduces the bond strength at an early age while replacing 15% cement with fly ash has more positive effects as it enhances bond strength up to 20% in the long term. Evaluation of existing models for predicting bond strength also showed that these models' average provided greater bond strength than experimental results in 28 days. Therefore, it is necessary to provide an appropriate model for estimating the bond strength of concrete containing fly ash.

Cotton is one of the most widely used natural fibers available. However, to overcome some of its shortcomings, manufacturers have placed various finishes on cotton fabrics to improve wrinkle recovery, flame retardancy, anti-microbial behavior, water repellency, etc. This study measures the impact of common finishes on the biodegradability of 100% cotton fabrics in a soil laboratory environment. Under a controlled laboratory environment, cotton fabrics treated with 9 different finishing chemicals or chemical combinations were tested according to the standard test method, ASTM D5988-12, for up to 154 days. Results indicate crosslinked fibers show better protection from biodegradation when compared to the control fabric and non-crosslinked fabrics. The production of carbon dioxide (CO2) as a function of time was measured to determine the degree of biodegradation. Untreated cotton samples produced 2500 mg of CO2 after 154 days, approximately 40% more than that of the crosslinked treated fabric. Weightless studies showed the untreated fabrics and non-crosslinked finished having 40–60% weight loss after 154 days, while the crosslinked fabrics had unless than 20% weight loss over the same time period. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were used to observe the visual degradation level for each sample showed certain treated fabrics showed a less evidence of cracking on the fiber surface along with less microorganism growth. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed that in general, treated fabrics with higher CO2 production and higher weight loss showed greater evidence of microorganism growth when analyzing peak bands typically associated with microorganism growth irreversibly bonded to the fibers.

In order to investigate benchtop NMR spectroscopy as a monitoring tool for fermentation processes, we used a barley malt mash and took various samples over time and analysed them by NMR spectroscopy with 3-(trimethylsilyl)-2,2,3,3-tetradeuteropropionic acid sodium salt (TSP-d4) as an internal standard for the quantification of ethanol and validated the results by two different enzymatic standard test kits for ethanol analysis. We could show that the results between NMR spectroscopy and test kits were consistent with NMR having a much lower standard deviation. Finally, we discussed the applicability of the method as well as the possibility to quantify various other substances.

Penelitian ini dimaksudkan untuk mengetahui pengaruh penambahan pasir pantai pada tanah lempung terhadap uji Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP). Metodologi dalam penelitian ini adalah melakukan serangkaian pengujian karakteristik tanah kemudian merancang komposisi campuran pengujian Kompaksi (Proctor Standard) untuk mendapatkan nilai kadar air optimum dan Pengujian Dynamic Cone Penetrometer. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tanah memenuhi karakteristik sebagai tanah lempung. Dari pengujian Proctor Standard pada variasi campuran 0%, 7%, 14%, 21%, mengalami peningkatan pada kadar air optimum dan kepadatan kering makasimum. Pada kadar air optimum dengan variasi penambahan 0% yaitu kadar air optimum 21,50% dan kepadatan kering 1,36gr/cm³, variasi 7% yaitu kadar air optimum 22,97% dan kepadatan kering 1,39gr/cm³, variasi 14% yaitu kadar air optimum 23,57% dan kepadatan kering 1,46gr/cm³, variasi 21% yaitu kadar air optimum 22,60% dan kepadatan kering 1,47gr/cm³. Dari pengujian Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) mengalami peningkatan nilai CBR pada setiap penambahan variasi dari 0% sampai 21% mengalami peningkatan yaitu 0% dengan nilai CBR 4,46%, 7% dengan nilai CBR 6,26%, 14% dengan nilai CBR 7,82% dan 21% dengan nilai CBR 9,86%. Hasil dari penelitian membuktikan bahwa pasir pantai meningkatkan nilai CBR tanah sehingga dapat digunakan untuk meningkatkan daya dukung tanah lempung.

A comparison of two standard test methods for determining the laboratory effectiveness of oil spill dispersants — ASTM F2059-17 «Standard Test Method for Laboratory Oil Spill Dispersant Effectiveness Using the Swirling Flask» and ASTM F3251-17 «Standard Test Method for Laboratory Oil Spill Dispersant Effectiveness Using the Baffled Flask» — is presented in this article. It is underlined that ASTM F2059-17 and ASTM F3251-17 are almost identical from the methodological and technical points of view. The main differences lie in specific design features of the applied test vessels and mixing energies created inside them. It is reasonably established that ASTM F2059-17 can be defined as a low-energy, but ASTM F3251-17 — as a high-energy laboratory test method. The specific examples of application of the test methods for determining the effectiveness of commercially available dispersants are given. It is also concluded that both test methods are necessary to apply for a correct understanding of the dispersant effectiveness. Herewith, the results obtained according to ASTM F2059-17 should be conditionally considered as the lower limit and those according to ASTM F3251-17 — the upper limit of effectiveness of the dispersant. Moreover, the use of gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) is emphasized to be sometimes impossible as a recommended in both ASTM F2059-17 and ASTM F3251-17 method for analyzing the oil extracts obtained during the test. The UV spectrophotometry is proposed instead of GC-FID as an alternative. However, its application is possible only after mandatory optimization of the measurement parameters for each specific oil.

A különböző labdajátékok technikai hátterét az alsó végtag szempontjából a törzs és végtag izmainak összehangolt működése biztosítja. A felületes és mély hasizmok aktivitása a mozgó (rúgó, ugró végtag), valamint a támaszkodó végtag gyorsító, fékező és stabilizáló funkcióját biztosítja. A sérülés prevenció egyik alapeleme a stabilizátorok működése. Az állapotfelmérés során alkalmazott standard tesztek lehetővé teszik a játékosok fizikális kondíciójának után követését és a célzott intervenciós program tervezését. A kutatási program célja, a labdajátékosok – kosárlabdázó, vízilabdázó, labdarugó – törzs és alsó végtag izmainak stabilizáló funkciójának mérése, a három csoport összehasonlítása a különböző technikai háttér ismeretében, valamint a célcsoportok statisztikai összehasonlítása, elemzése. A célcsoportjaink az U16-os vízilabdás, kosaras és labdarugó versenyjátékosok, 15 fő csoportonként. Mozgásszervi összehasonlító vizsgálatot végzünk célzottan a törzs és alsóvégtagi stabilitásra kiterjedő vizsgálatokkal, speciális tesztek segítségével. Nemzetközileg is alkalmazott standard tesztek: Single leg squat teszt (sec.), Single leg squat on TOGU teszt (sec.), Single leg wall-sit teszt (sec.) Single leg wall-sit with ball (sec.) Single leg bridge (sec.) Feltételezzük, hogy a standard tesztek különböző eredményeket adnak. Az eredmények ismeretében következtethetünk, hogy mely terület, izom szinergizmus igényel fejlesztést az adott sportágban. További célok egy intervenciós program kidolgozása és megtartása, majd az utána következő ismételt állapotfelmérés, amelyből statisztikai elemzést végzünk. Az eredményeket és a technikai hátteret figyelembe véve pedig a tornaprogram hatékonyságának megállapítása, hogy egy funkcionális szemléletmódra alapozott tornaprogram milyen mértékben befolyásolja a törzs és alsó végtag szinergista funkcióját a meghatározott tesztpozíciókban.

Like some previous works, it is shown that (I–V) curve analysis can be applied to photovoltaic (PV) modules and to PV plants. Generally, manufacturers give data at standard test conditions (STC); therefore, for performance analysis and diagnosis of PV modules it is useful to extrapolate data and parameters at STC according to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)-60891 procedures. Review on modeling PV generator is first established in this paper; next, the combination of the optimization method of least squares estimator algorithm and Newton–Raphson (NR) resolution for identifying the unknown parameters of single diode photovoltaic generators at STC is proposed; if parameters and curves are not obtained at STC, they are then extrapolated at STC according to IEC-60891 procedures. For polycrystalline silicon MSX60 PV generators, the dynamic variations of parameter values are carried out by graphs and the (I–V) curves are superposed, justifying the accuracy of the proposed method. The method is then extended to a 500 kW PV generator, the obtained parameters are then extrapolated to STC according to IEC-60891. The (I–V) and (P–V) curves obtained by extrapolated parameters are then compared with those measured. After up to 222 iterations, the parameters converge to constant values. Simulation shows maximum error value of 0.06 between experimental curve and estimated curves.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests are used as a standard test for the COVID-19, which is having a lot of issues. For finding the exact results using the PCR testing technique, multiple testing ...

The computing method of the average optimal position is one of the most important factors that affect the optimization performance of the QPSO algorithm. Therefore, a particle position weight computing method based on particle fitness value grading is proposed, which is called HWQPSO (hierarchical weight QPSO). In this method, the higher the fitness value of a particle, the higher the level of the particle, and the greater the weight. Particles at different levels have different weights, while particles at the same level have the same weight. Through this method, the excellent particles have higher average optimal position weight, and at the same time, the absolute weight of a few particles is avoided, so that the algorithm can quickly and stably converge to the optimal solution, and improve the optimization ability and efficiency of the algorithm. In order to verify the effectiveness of the method, five standard test functions are selected to test the performance of HWQPSO, QPSO, DWC-QPSO and LTQPSO algorithm, and the algorithms are applied to the task scheduling of the cloud computing platform. Through the test experiment and application comparison, the results show that the HWQPSO algorithm can converge to the optimal solution of the test function faster than the other three algorithms. It can also find the task scheduling scheme with the shortest time consumption and the most balanced computing resource load in the cloud platform. In the experiment, compared with QPSO, DWC-QPSO and LTQPSO algorithm, HWQPSO execution time of the maximum task scheduling was reduced by 35%, 23% and 21% respectively.

This work focuses on synthesizing Aluminum 7075 based hybrid MMCs using graphite and Titanium di Boride as reinforcements via stir casting technique. The graphite content has been varied between 2 and 8 wt% in step of 2 wt%, whereas Titanium di-boride particle has been fixed with 5 wt%. The developed hybrid composites have been subjected to mechanical characteristics such as hardness, Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) and ductility. Hardness and UTS increases with increase in graphite content. Tensile evaluation was carried out as per ASTM-A370 standard test procedure. Maximum of 74% and 68.85% improvement was recorded in hardness and UTS of hybrid composites. However, ductility reduces to the lowest value of 4.8% with graphite and titanium di boride’s inclusion.

A recommendation of a standard test method for frost susceptibility of soil is proposed. The recommendation is required in order to have a design technique of common and equivalent quality not only in domestic but international practice. This topic is one of the essential and current objectives of Technical Committee 216 (ISSMGE) and has been discussing to the present. The purpose of the proposed recommendation test method is defined, different methods from several countries are compared, necessary and common articles are selected and some items are specified to discuss. It is expected that this proposal would take a role to be a draft suggestion to promote discussion and achieve a final recommendation.

Detection of live microalgae is critical to ballast water treatment. A novel handheld high-throughput ballast water rapid detection device based on microfluidic chip and fluorometry for counting single living microalgae cell is demonstrated in this article. The viability of individual microalgae cells can be evaluated and the number of the living microalgae cells in an aqueous solution sample can be obtained at a rate of one milliliter per minute in a fully automatic and real-time manner. It is experimentally confirmed that the detection results of this device are not influenced by free chlorophyll from the lysed microalgae, nor by the salinity and turbidity of the sample within the variation range of ballast water. Furthermore, this device has been used in a port to test the actual ballast water samples processed by ballast water treatment systems based on different principles or loaded at different locations, and the conclusion of this device on the qualification of the ship is consistent with the conclusion of the laboratory standard test. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first ballast water rapid detection device using a microfluidic chip as the detection platform, which can be used on board of ships for on-site counting the numbers of the living microalgae cells in ballast water.

The helmet is the only head protection element for jockey in the falling situation. To date, the standard test for shock absorption capacity of the equestrian helmet consists of only linear impacts...

This paper presents a novel leakage model for transformers that includes losses. This new model is physically based (topological) and it is possible to connect it to a topological core model without using any fictitious windings. The methods to calculate its parameters from standard test data and from design data are detailed within the paper. The results show that the new coupled leakage model with losses is able to match exactly the test report, when using standard test data. Preliminary investigations show that the results are very close to measurements, when using design data.

For the calculation model of high-speed angular contact bearing has many variables, the large root difference exists, and the Newton iterative method solving the convergence depends on the initial value problems; thus, the simplified calculation model is proposed and the algorithm is improved. Firstly, based on the nonlinear equations of variables recurrence method of the high-speed angular contact ball bearing calculation model, it is proved that the ultimate fundamental variables of calculation model are the actual inner and outer contact angles, the axial and radial deformations. According to this reason, the nonlinear equations are deformed and deduced, and the number of equations is reduced from 4Z + 2 to 2Z + 2 (Z represents the number of rolling bodies); a simplified calculation model is formed. Secondly, according to the small dependence of the artificial bee colony algorithm on the initial value, an improved artificial bee colony algorithm is proposed for the large root difference characteristics of high-speed ball bearings. The validity of the improved algorithm is verified by standard test function. The algorithm is used to solve the high-speed angular contact ball bearing calculation model. Finally, the deformations of high-speed angular contact ball bearings are compared and verified by experiments, and the results of improved algorithm show good agreement with the experiments results.

The performance of a solar photovoltaic module can be improved with aid to predictive, corrective and preventive maintenance procedures. Most of the solar modules installed in the roof top are under non-maintenance state. For the locations like dusty environments and deserts, the dust accumulation will be more. Hence, it is the major requirement to clean the PV modules which are much costlier to do in regular basis. In this paper, an anti-reflective coating (hydrophilic) is used to deteriorate the losses due to reflectance in a solar PV module and thereby enhancing its efficiency. In addition to it, easy-to-clean coating (super hydrophilic) is used to improve the dust cleaning effectiveness in a solar PV module. The material employed for anti-reflective coating is MgF2 and for easy-to-clean coating is SiO2. Two polycrystalline solar PV modules of 10 Wp capacity with model ADT12AN are connected to similar kind of optimized load of 40 Ω in a field condition. American Standard Testing Methodology (ASTM: E948) is used for standard test measurements. Based on the characteristics of different coating techniques, the optimized coating performance is considered. One module coated with anti-reflective and easy-to-clean coatings is considered for the analysis. The comparative analysis between the modules is undertaken with LABView software. An extensive analysis for module performance validation with experimental setup is carried out to show the effectiveness of the proposed system. From the results, it can be clearly observed that a 2% rise in the overall power performance using anti-reflective coating is achieved. This can lead to an increase in yearly energy output of the solar plant.