Search

Background: The "SEBT group," which includes the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), its modified version (mSEBT), and the Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test (YBT-LQ), is used to assess the limits of stability. Interestingly, the testing protocol allows users a considerable degree of flexibility, which can affect the obtained results. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review was to analyze the impact of different protocol variants within the "SEBT group" on outcomes. Methods: Data were acquired by searching 4 databases (MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Wiley, Springer Link) focusing on studies published in English in peer-reviewed journals, empirical in nature, conducted on healthy individuals, and examining the effects of various protocol variants on test outcomes. Study quality was assessed with the NHLBI quality assessment tool for pre-post studies with no control group. Results: The calculation method based on the maximum repetition yields statistically significantly higher results compared to other calculation methods. Allowing unrestricted arm movements during the test results in statistically significantly higher scores compared to the procedure that restricts arm movements. The impact of a warm-up, wearing footwear during testing, and using a dedicated kit remains ambiguous. To obtain reliable results, 4-6 familiarization trials are necessary, though fewer may suffice for athletes experienced in performing the test. Conclusion: This systematic review highlights the significant impact of the calculation method and arm movement restrictions on the outcomes of the "SEBT group." The effects of wearing footwear during testing, warm-up, and using a dedicated test kit remain unclear. The required number of familiarization repetitions may varies depending on biological maturity level of the person being tested. Future research should develop a warm-up protocol tailored to the needs of the "SEBT group," and investigate the impact of heel elevation during testing on outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Table tennis is a sport that is enjoyed by many, including those with physical and intellectual disabilities. This scoping review summarised the current test protocols for assessing table tennis technical proficiency in individuals with disabilities. Relevant articles were searched through four databases (Scopus, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) covering three key aspects: disability, table tennis, and technical proficiency. The search resulted in 14 studies included for data extraction, covering physical impairments, intellectual disability, and development coordination disorder. Almost all studies (93%) were conducted on well-trained para-table tennis athletes competing in high-level competitions. There exist protocols to assess service accuracy and stroke accuracy, hand–eye coordination, quality of specific skills and ball control, functional reach, and trunk rotation. The forehand topspin and backhand topspin drives were tested the most. Table tennis robots and video cameras are the common equipment used. Moving forward, future research should develop technical proficiency tests for players across all competency levels. The skill assessment criteria and scoring methods should be standardised and clearly explained. The validity and reliability of tests should be established. Lastly, there is great potential in using artificial intelligence to enhance the assessment of table tennis proficiency in individuals with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental test protocol for simulating the air-side fouling of heat exchangers, as well as metrics to characterize the extent of fouling undergone by the heat exchanger and its performance in clean and fouled conditions, were proposed in a companion paper. In this study, the air-side fouling of a finned microchannel heat exchanger is experimentally investigated according to the proposed protocol. Key test parameters influencing heat exchanger fouling are identified based on studies in the literature, and their impact is experimentally investigated. The effectiveness of in situ cleaning methods is also experimentally evaluated. Transient measurement data and photographs taken during the fouling process reveal the nature of fouling, while steady-state data quantify the degradation in heat exchanger performance due to fouling. This two-part study defines a generalized experimental approach to enable characterization and comparison of heat exchanger surfaces on a standardized basis, and provides detailed experimental data for modeling heat exchanger fouling that includes all necessary information to allow for model validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air-side fouling of heat exchangers has received much attention in the literature through both experimental and modeling studies. However, no standards currently exist that define a test procedure to experimentally foul heat exchangers and evaluate their performance in a fouled condition. This is evidenced by the variation in test procedures, fouling agents, metrics, and operating conditions reported. Based on a detailed review of past experiments, a standardized, repeatable test procedure is proposed that allows cross-comparison of data acquired in different laboratory facilities. The procedure generates time-resolved information on foulant buildup on the finned heat exchanger and the consequent impact on heat exchanger performance. Various fouling agents used in the literature and fouling deposits observed on field-installed heat exchangers are compared, and a representative fouling agent is recommended. A method is proposed to quantify heat exchanger fouling and metrics identified to quantify heat exchanger performance before and after fouling. This is the first of two companion papers on an experimental investigation of air-side fouling of heat exchangers. The companion paper presents experimental data obtained by implementation of the proposed procedure to investigate fouling of a finned microchannel heat exchanger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is an editorial that discusses the metrological characterization and validation of wearable sensors for the measurement of physiological signals. The authors emphasize the importance of providing measurement accuracy along with the results to properly interpret them. They also highlight the use of wearable sensors in various contexts such as sport, medicine, telemedicine, and personal health monitoring. The article features five articles that cover topics such as step counting, balance assessment, gait event detection, and monitoring of stroke patients. The authors stress the need for standardized validation protocols and positioning of sensors for accurate and reliable results. They also mention the potential use of smartphones as wearable devices for physiological monitoring and propose a calibration methodology for photoplethysmographic measurements using smartphone cameras. Overall, the article emphasizes the importance of considering measurement uncertainty and provides insights into the research and advancements in wearable sensor technology. [Extracted from the article]

Aiming to address clinical requirements subsequent to SARS-CoV-2-related pulmonary disease, multiple research groups and industry groups carried out intensive studies to develop pandemic ventilators (PDVs). In vitro testing to critically evaluate the specific performance of the developed apparatuses is an essential requirement. This study presents a test protocol which promotes a test-oriented, iterative, and agile assessment and consecutive development of such PDVs. It allows for fast identification of specific characteristics of each PDV in the individual test features. The test protocol includes an evaluation of the accuracy of control systems and instruments at changing parameters, the oxygen dynamics, and the response to trigger signals. The test environment is a mechanical lung, which allows reproducing various lung mechanics and to simulate active breathing cycles. A total of three PDVs that are under development were iteratively tested, with a Hamilton T1 as a reference. Continuous testing of the PDVs under development enables quick identification of critical application aspects that deserve further improved. Based on the present test protocol, the ventilators demonstrate a promising performance justifying continued development.

Earthquake-induced uplifting/settlement at the base of liquid-storage tanks causes yielding in the bottom plate. Limited amount of yielding is a source of deformability and damping in tanks, but excessive yielding during repeated cycles can rupture the bottom plate and cause the liquid to leak from the tank. This study is conducted to experimentally determine the amount of plastic yielding that can be allowed in the bottom plate during the expected number of load cycles. Four test specimens for this study were obtained from a tank that was demolished after 66 years of service. A novel test protocol is developed for engineers to account for the large number of load cycles expected during a magnitude M 9 earthquake in the region of interest. From the results of cyclic tests, it is determined that (1) the bottom plate can sustain 20 cycles of ±0.335 rad (±19°) plastic rotation without rupture; and (2) the plastic moment capacity of the bottom plate increases by 32% due to strain hardening. These results are significant in performance-based seismic design and evaluation of liquid-storage tanks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of the performance diagnosis of a 6-cylinder engine-generator set, originally designed to run on diesel fuel or natural gas, operating in spark ignition mode and fueled with high butane content liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). In order to assess the steady-state and transient operation of the engine-generator, an original protocol for testing and recording of operating variables was designed, based on a stepped sequence of loads, comprising cold start, idling, operation at some mean load points and at a limited full load. During the tests, the variation of crankshaft rotational speed, warm-up time, engine temperatures, block vibrations, active/reactive power and engine-generator frequency, as well as exhaust emissions were continuously logged. The results show that, during the cold starting process, the engine is slow to reach nominal rated speed, its warm-up time is lengthy and its speed response during load transients is also sluggish, the latter being reflected in the voltage and frequency deviations of the output power; also, during transients, vibration levels are intensified, though the values are within the acceptable ranges according to the regulations. The torque performance of the engine-generator set is good when operating with LPG, satisfying the requirements for class G2 engine-generator units, but during transient processes it does not meet the specifications required for class G1, in terms of frequency and voltage deviations. In light of the emission limits suggested by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for stationary units, it can be concluded that, without appropriate adjustments and regulations particular to LPG, the engine-generator set does not meet the carbon monoxide emission limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

Background and aims: Walking is the core physical activity of older persons. The assessment of walking capacity is increasingly important for clinical purposes and clinical research. Differences between assessment tools and protocols for short walks to obtain gait characteristics can be responsible for changes, e.g., in gait speed from 0.1 to 0.2 m/s. The purpose of this study was to generate further knowledge for the harmonization and/or standardization of short walk-test protocols for assessing gait characteristics under supervised conditions. Methods: For this cross-sectional study, 150 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 80.5 ± 4.5 years) were recruited. Participants performed eight walks differing in the distance (8-versus 4-m), static versus dynamic trials and comparing different test speed instructions (usual versus maximal) on an electronic walkway. Results: A meaningful significant difference in mean usual gait speed was documented comparing the 4-m dynamic and static test protocol (0.12 m/s; p = 0.001). For the same comparison over an 8-m distance (dynamic versus static) and for the comparison between usual gait speed over 4-and 8-m, the differences in gait speed were smaller, but still statistically significant (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Gait speed was faster, if the test protocol did not include a static start or stop. The differences were greater for a shorter walking distance. This aspect should be considered for the comparison of study results and is particularly relevant for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Facta Universitatis: Series Physical Education & Sport is the property of Facta Universitatis, Series Physical Education & Sport and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article presents the evaluation of the parameters of Electrical Safety in its general requirements, for biomedical equipment and electronic instrumentation, according to the regulations of the International Electrotechnical Commission, IEC, for uncontrolled environmental laboratory conditions, such as the temperature and the percentage of relative humidity. This evaluation is done to implement a protocol for preconformity tests and in situ fault detection for electro-technology equipment. Eighteen equipment were evaluated, including biomedical and instrumentation. After that a correlation analysis of the environmental variables was performed with the measured parameters, to determine the influence of the environmental variables on the Electrical Safety parameters. The results show that such parameters do not present any correlation with the measured environmental variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether overlap (redundancy) exists between individual tests in a comprehensive strength testing protocol used after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). If overlap is present, one or more components of the protocol could potentially be omitted to make the testing protocol more efficient, but without compromising the usefulness of the testing. Sixty-nine patients (46 male and 23 female patients; mean age 28 years) were strength tested at 6 and 12 months after ACLR as part of a prospective cohort study. The following knee flexor and extensor strength tests were performed: isokinetic concentric strength at 60 and 180°·s-1 , isokinetic eccentric strength at 60°·s-1 , and isometric knee flexor strength at 60° flexion. Peak and average torque values were extracted, and the ratio between the operated and non-operated limb was calculated as a limb symmetry index. Overlap of strength tests was investigated by fitting a linear regression model to the data with an R 2 threshold of 0.56 used as an indication of overlap. Overlap between peak and mean torque was present for extensor and flexor concentric and eccentric measurements at 12 months and for concentric measurements at 6 months. Peak torque measurements were therefore used for subsequent analysis. Concentric extensor peak torque at 60 and 180°·s-1 showed overlap at 6 months ( R2 = 0.73) but not at 12 months ( R2 = 0.37). No other overlap was identified. In conclusion, there is little room for omission of individual strength testing protocol components because of the lack of overlap between tests. Isometric, eccentric, and concentric tests may all provide unique information and all, therefore, should be considered for inclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Durability is the most pressing issue preventing the efficient commercialization of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stationary and transportation applications. A big barrier to overcoming the durability limitations is gaining a better understanding of failure modes for user profiles. In addition, durability test protocols for determining the lifetime of PEMFCs are important factors in the development of the technology. These methods are designed to gather enough data about the cell/stack to understand its efficiency and durability without causing it to fail. They also provide some indication of the cell/stack’s age in terms of changes in performance over time. Based on a study of the literature, the fundamental factors influencing PEMFC long-term durability and the durability test protocols for both PEMFC stationary and transportation applications were discussed and outlined in depth in this review. This brief analysis should provide engineers and researchers with a fast overview as well as a useful toolbox for investigating PEMFC durability issues.

Copyright of Gesunde Pflanzen is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Dry surface biofilms (DSB) harbouring pathogens are widespread in healthcare settings, are difficult to detect and are resistant to cleaning and disinfection interventions. Here, we describe a practical test protocol to palliate the lack of standard efficacy test methods for DSB. Staphylococcus aureus DSB were produced over a 12‐day period, grown with or without the presence of organic matter, and their composition and viability were evaluated. Disinfectant treatment was conducted with a modified ASTM2967‐15 test and reduction in viability, transferability and biofilm regrowth post‐treatment were measured. Dry surface biofilms produced over a 12‐day period had a similar carbohydrates, proteins and DNA content, regardless of the presence or absence of organic matter. The combination of sodium hypochlorite (1000 ppm) and a microfiber cloth was only effective against DSB in the absence of organic load. With the increasing concerns of the uncontrolled presence of DSB in healthcare settings, the development of effective intervention model in the presence of organic load is appropriate for the testing of biocidal products, while the use of three parameters, log10 reduction, transferability and regrowth, provides an accurate and practical measurement of product efficacy. Significance and Impact of the Study: The widespread presence of biofilms on dry surfaces in healthcare settings has been recently documented. These dry surface biofilms (DSB) present an unprecedented challenge to cleaning and disinfection processes. Here, we describe a practical efficacy protocol based on an in vitro Staphylococcus aureus DSB model. The protocol measures reduction in viability, transferability and biofilm regrowth post‐treatment to provide altogether a practical assessment of product efficacy against dry surface biofilms. Significance and Impact of the Study: The widespread presence of biofilms on dry surfaces in healthcare settings has been recently documented. These dry surface biofilms (DSB) present an unprecedented challenge to cleaning and disinfection processes. Here, we describe a practical efficacy protocol based on an in vitro Staphylococcus aureus DSB model. The protocol measures reduction in viability, transferability and biofilm regrowth post‐treatment to provide altogether a practical assessment of product efficacy against dry surface biofilms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of the acute respiratory disease COVID-19, which has become a global concern due to its rapid spread. Meanwhile, increased demand for testing has led to a shortage of reagents and supplies and compromised the performance of diagnostic laboratories in many countries. Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend multi-step RT-PCR assays using multiple primer and probe pairs, which might complicate the interpretation of the test results, especially for borderline cases. In this study, we describe an alternative RT-PCR approach for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA that can be used for the probe-based detection of clinical isolates in diagnostics as well as in research labs using a low-cost SYBR green method. For the evaluation, we used samples from patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections and performed RT-PCR assays along with successive dilutions of RNA standards to determine the limit of detection. We identified an M-gene binding primer and probe pair highly suitable for the quantitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA for diagnostic and research purposes.

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−1∙kg−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.

Research on external human−machine interfaces (eHMIs) has recently become a major area of interest in the field of human factors research on automated driving. The broad variety of methodological approaches renders the current state of research inconclusive and comparisons between interface designs impossible. To date, there are no standardized test procedures to evaluate and compare different design variants of eHMIs with each other and with interactions without eHMIs. This article presents a standardized test procedure that enables the effective usability evaluation of eHMI design solutions. First, the test procedure provides a methodological approach to deduce relevant use cases for the evaluation of an eHMI. In addition, we define specific usability requirements that must be fulfilled by an eHMI to be effective, efficient, and satisfying. To prove whether an eHMI meets the defined requirements, we have developed a test protocol for the empirical evaluation of an eHMI with a participant study. The article elucidates underlying considerations and details of the test protocol that serves as framework to measure the behavior and subjective evaluations of non-automated road users when interacting with automated vehicles in an experimental setting. The standardized test procedure provides a useful framework for researchers and practitioners.

City buses using polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells are considered to be the most likely fuel cell vehicles to be commercialized in China. The technical specifications of the fuel cell systems (FCSs) these buses are equipped with will differ based on the powertrain configurations and vehicle control strategies, but can generally be classified into the power-follow and soft-run modes. Each mode imposes different levels of electrochemical stress on the fuel cells. Evaluating the aging behavior of fuel cell stacks under the conditions encountered in fuel cell buses requires new durability test protocols based on statistical results obtained during actual driving tests. In this study, we propose a systematic design method for fuel cell durability test protocols that correspond to the power-follow mode based on three parameters for different fuel cell load ranges. The powertrain configurations and control strategy are described herein, followed by a presentation of the statistical data for the duty cycles of FCSs in one city bus in the demonstration project. Assessment protocols are presented based on the statistical results using mathematical optimization methods, and are compared to existing protocols with respect to common factors, such as time at open circuit voltage and root-mean-square power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell bus, there are at least two power sources, e.g., a hydrogen fuel cell system (FCS) and an energy storage system (ESS). Depending on powertrain configuration and control strategies, an FCS can work in different modes, which can be generally classified into so-called power follow (PF) and soft run (SR) modes. In the SR mode, the FCS serves as a stationary power source, and the ESS provides the dynamic power. Nowadays, most of the fuel cell buses in China operate in this mode, since it has advantages of long working lifetime. In order to evaluate the aging behavior of fuel cell stacks under conditions encountered in this kind of fuel cell buses, new durability test protocols based on statistical results obtained during actual driving tests are required. In this research, we propose a methodology for designing fuel cell durability test protocols that correspond to the SR mode. The powertrain configuration and control strategy are described herein, followed by a presentation of the statistical data for the real driving cycle in a demonstration project. Equations are derived based on constraints of keeping the battery in charging balance. One test protocol is presented as an example, and compared to existing protocols with respect to common factors, such as time at open circuit voltage and root-mean-square power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]