bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Faculty versus Student Repeatability on Evaluating Translucency of the Anterior Dentition
Authors: Sheets James L. , Marx David B. , Ariani Nina , Barão Valentim A. R. , Wee Alvin G.
Published: October 2021

The objective was to compare the repeatability between dental faculty, whose clinical practice was primarily restorative dentistry, and final year dental students in categorizing the inherent translucency of images selected at random using either a 3- or 7-point scale (translucent to opaque). Digital images of anterior dentition were randomly selected based on inherent translucency. Thirty images (five were repeated) were randomized and categorized by 20 dental students and 20 faculty on their inherent translucency. Statistical analysis was performed using an F test for analysis of variance at 95% confidence interval. A covariance parameter estimate (CPE) was accomplished to compare the inter-rater variability of the dental faculty and dental students. Statistically, more variability occurred between Slides (CPE of 0.185 (p = 0.001)) and between Subject and Slide (CPE of 0.122 (p = 0.0002)) than within subjects (CPE of 0.021 (p = 0.083)). Viewing repeat Slides, Students (CPE = 0.16) were more consistent (p < 0.05) than faculty (CPE = 1.8) using the 3- point scale, while the CPE was the same (CPE = 0.669) using 7-point scale. Dental students and faculty were consistent using the 7-point scale to judge repeat slides, while dental students in this limited pilot study were more consistent when viewing a repeat slide using the 3-point scale.
Subcellular Proteomics to Understand Promotive Effect of Plant-Derived Smoke Solution on Soybean Root
Authors: Murashita Yusuke , Nishiuchi Takumi , Rehman Shafiq Ur , Komatsu Setsuko
Published: October 2021

Plant-derived smoke solution enhances soybean root growth; however, its mechanism is not clearly understood. Subcellular proteomics techniques were used for underlying roles of plant-derived smoke solution on soybean root growth. The fractions of membrane and nucleus were purified and evaluated for purity. ATPase and histone were enriched in the fractions of membrane and nucleus, respectively. Principal component analysis of proteomic results indicated that the plant-derived smoke solution affected the proteins in the membrane and nucleus. The proteins in the membrane and nucleus mainly increased and decreased, respectively, by the treatment of plant-derived smoke solution compared with control. In the proteins in the plasma membrane, ATPase increased, which was confirmed by immunoblot analysis, and ATP contents increased through the treatment of plant-derived smoke solution. Additionally, although the nuclear proteins mainly decreased, the expression of RNA polymerase II was up-regulated through the treatment of plant-derived smoke solution. These results indicate that plant-derived smoke solution enhanced soybean root growth through the transcriptional promotion with RNA polymerase II expression and the energy production with ATPase accumulation.
Socio-Economic Sciences: Beyond Quantum Math-like Formalisms
Authors: Athalye Vikram , Haven Emmanuel
Published: October 2021

Since the beginning of the 21st century, a new interdisciplinary research movement has started, which aims at developing quantum math-like (or simply quantum-like) models to provide an explanation for a variety of socio-economic processes and human behaviour. By making use of mainly the probabilistic aspects of quantum theory, this research movement has led to many important results in the areas of decision-making and finance. In this article, we introduce a novel and more exhaustive approach, to analyze the socio-economic processes and activities, than the pure quantum math-like modelling approach, by taking into account the physical foundations of quantum theory. We also provide a plausibility argument for its exhaustiveness in terms of what we can expect from such an approach, when it is applied to, for example, a generic socio-economic decision process.
An Unusual Femoral Sheath Severing with Successful Recapture: A Case Report
Authors: Runjić Frane , Matetic Andrija , Bunc Matjaž , Crnčević Nikola , Kristić Ivica
Published: October 2021

This study presents a case of a successful severed femoral sheath recapture during transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). During skin tunneling with a scalpel, the discontinuity of the femoral sheath occurred. Grasping of the distal sheath with the surgical hemostat was attempted unsuccessfully. A proximal part of the severed sheath was removed and Medtronic Sentrant introducer sheath (14 French) was then placed over the existing Confida wire which permanently remained in position, followed by the introduction of the Amplatz Left 2 (AL2) catheter which pushed the severed sheath in the ascending aorta over the Confida wire. The crucial maneuver was the entanglement of the severed sheath in the aortic non-coronary cusp which allowed for its entrapment by the AL2 catheter. This allowed for the coronary guidewire BMW Universal (0.014″) placement and a slow balloon retrieval (SeQuent NEO 2.5 × 25 mm2) of the severed sheath into the introducer sheath. The guidewire/balloon catheter was then exchanged for the support wire (0.035″) followed by the removal of the introducer sheath, AL2 catheter and the severed sheath. In conclusion, sheath severing is a complex accidental event during TAVR, which can be solved by intra-aortic recapture and retraction.
Investigation of Microbiological Quality Changes of Roof-Harvested Rainwater Stored in the Tanks
Authors: Zdeb Monika , Zamorska Justyna , Papciak Dorota , Skwarczyńska-Wojsa Agata
Published: October 2021

Rainwater has been found to be a valuable source of drinking water in Europe, especially in such crisis situations as those caused by contamination of water uptake into water supply systems, large-scale floods or terrorist attacks (e.g., biological weapons). The microbiological quality of water plays a significant role, which is directly related to the potential health risks associated with harvested rainwater (including rainwater stored in the tanks). Microbial contamination is commonly found in rainwater. However, in the literature, detailed results of qualitative and quantitative microbiological assessments are sparse and remain unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate and analyze changes in the microbiological quality of roof-harvested rainwater stored in the tanks, depending on the collection conditions (type of roof surface), storage duration and season. Authors elucidate that conditions such as storage duration, the season in which rainwater is collected, the roof-like surface types and morphology of the catchment area highly affect rainwater quality. This study showed that rainwater harvested from a galvanized steel sheet roof had the best microbial quality, regarding the lowest number of bacteria, while rainwater from a flat roof covered with epoxy resin was the worst. Further, it was detected that rainwater collected in autumn and spring obtained the best microbiological quality. Moreover, a decrease in the number of bacteria was observed in correlation to storage duration. The water became sanitary safe after six weeks of storage at 12 °C. Its use for purposes requiring drinking water quality before six weeks of storage required disinfection.
A Novel Method to Discriminate Active from Residual Whitecaps Using Particle Image Velocimetry
Authors: Yang Xin , Potter Henry
Published: October 2021

Whitecap foam generated by wind-driven wave breaking is distinguished as either active (stage A) or residual (stage B). Discrimination of whitecap stages is essential to quantify the influence of whitecaps on the physical and chemical processes at the marine boundary layer. This study provides a novel method to identify whitecap stages based on visible imagery using particle image velocimetry (PIV). Data used are from a Gulf of Mexico cruise where collocated infrared (IR) and visible cameras simultaneously recorded whitecaps. IR images were processed by an established thresholding method to determine stage A lifetime from brightness temperature. The visible images were also filtered using a thresholding method and then processed using PIV to estimate the average whitecap velocity. A linear relationship was established between the lifetime of stage A and the timescale of averaged velocity. This novel method allows stage A whitecap lifetime to be determined using whitecap velocity and provides an objective approach to separate whitecap stages. This method paves the way for future research to easily quantify whitecap stages using affordable off-the-shelf video cameras. Results, which include evidence that whitecaps stop advancing before stage A ends and may be an indication of bubble plume degassing, are discussed.
Global Surface HCHO Distribution Derived from Satellite Observations with Neural Networks Technique
Authors: Guan Jian , Jin Bohan , Ding Yizhe , Wang Wen , Li Guoxiang , Ciren Pubu
Published: October 2021

Formaldehyde (HCHO) is one of the most important carcinogenic air contaminants in outdoor air. However, the lack of monitoring of the global surface concentration of HCHO is currently hindering research on outdoor HCHO pollution. Traditional methods are either restricted to small areas or, for research on a global scale, too data-demanding. To alleviate this issue, we adopted neural networks to estimate the 2019 global surface HCHO concentration with confidence intervals, utilizing HCHO vertical column density data from TROPOMI, and in-situ data from HAPs (harmful air pollutants) monitoring networks and the ATom mission. Our results show that the global surface HCHO average concentration is 2.30 μg/m3. Furthermore, in terms of regions, the concentrations in the Amazon Basin, Northern China, South-east Asia, the Bay of Bengal, and Central and Western Africa are among the highest. The results from our study provide the first dataset on global surface HCHO concentration. In addition, the derived confidence intervals of surface HCHO concentration add an extra layer of confidence to our results. As a pioneering work in adopting confidence interval estimation to AI-driven atmospheric pollutant research and the first global HCHO surface distribution dataset, our paper paves the way for rigorous study of global ambient HCHO health risk and economic loss, thus providing a basis for pollution control policies worldwide.
Spatio-Temporal Simulation of Mangrove Forests under Different Scenarios: A Case Study of Mangrove Protected Areas, Hainan Island, China
Authors: Zhu Bin , Liao Jingjuan , Shen Guozhuang
Published: October 2021

Mangrove forests are important woody plant communities that grow in the intertidal zone between land and sea. They provide important social, ecological and economic services to coastal areas. In recent years, the growth environment of mangrove forests has been threatened. Mangrove forests have become one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world. To better protect mangrove forests, effective monitoring methods are essential. In this study, a spatio-temporal simulation method for mangrove forests was proposed in the mangrove protected areas of Hainan Island, China. This method compared the simulation accuracy of different models in terms of spatial characteristics, evaluated the applicability of driving factors in mangrove simulation and predicted the future spatio-temporal distribution and change trends of mangrove forests under different scenarios. The simulation results of different models showed that AutoRF (random forest with spatial autocorrelation) performs best in spatial characteristic simulation. Driving factors such as the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), various location indices and the spatial autocorrelation factor can significantly improve the accuracy of mangrove simulations. The prediction results for Hainan Island showed that the mangrove area increased slowly under a natural growth scenario (NGS), decreased significantly under an economic development scenario (EDS) and increased significantly under a mangrove protection scenario (MPS) with 4460, 2704 and 5456 ha respectively by 2037. The contraction of mangrove forests is closely related to the expansion of aquaculture ponds, building land and cultivated land. Mangrove contraction is more severe in marginal or fragmented areas. The expansion of mangrove forests is due to the contraction of aquaculture ponds, cultivated land and other forests. The areas around existing mangrove forests and on both sides of the riverbank are typical areas prone to mangrove expansion. The MPS should be the most suitable development direction for the future, as it can reasonably balance economic development with mangrove protection.
Dynamics of Vegetation Greenness and Its Response to Climate Change in Xinjiang over the Past Two Decades
Authors: Xue Jie , Wang Yanyu , Teng Hongfen , Wang Nan , Li Danlu , Peng Jie , Biswas Asim , Shi Zhou
Published: October 2021

Climate change has proven to have a profound impact on the growth of vegetation from various points of view. Understanding how vegetation changes and its response to climatic shift is of vital importance for describing their mutual relationships and projecting future land–climate interactions. Arid areas are considered to be regions that respond most strongly to climate change. Xinjiang, as a typical dryland in China, has received great attention lately for its unique ecological environment. However, comprehensive studies examining vegetation change and its driving factors across Xinjiang are rare. Here, we used the remote sensing datasets (MOD13A2 and TerraClimate) and data of meteorological stations to investigate the trends in the dynamic change in the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and its response to climate change from 2000 to 2019 across Xinjiang based on the Google Earth platform. We found that the increment rates of growth-season mean and maximum NDVI were 0.0011 per year and 0.0013 per year, respectively, by averaging all of the pixels from the region. The results also showed that, compared with other land use types, cropland had the fastest greening rate, which was mainly distributed among the northern Tianshan Mountains and Southern Junggar Basin and the northern margin of the Tarim Basin. The vegetation browning areas primarily spread over the Ili River Valley where most grasslands were distributed. Moreover, there was a trend of warming and wetting across Xinjiang over the past 20 years; this was determined by analyzing the climate data. Through correlation analysis, we found that the contribution of precipitation to NDVI (R2 = 0.48) was greater than that of temperature to NDVI (R2 = 0.42) throughout Xinjiang. The Standardized Precipitation and Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) was also computed to better investigate the correlation between climate change and vegetation growth in arid areas. Our results could improve the local management of dryland ecosystems and provide insights into the complex interaction between vegetation and climate change.
Effects of Increased Growth Rates Prior to the First Breeding as Ewe Lambs and Pregnancy Rank on Mammary Glands of Two-Year-Old Ewes
Authors: Haslin Emmanuelle , Corner-Thomas Rene A. , Kenyon Paul R. , Morris Stephen T. , Blair Hugh T.
Published: October 2021

This study investigated potential carry-over effects of increased growth rates prior to breeding at seven months of age on mammary glands of two-year-old ewes bearing one or two lambs, and examined the association between ewe mammary structures and the growth of their progeny. Ewe live weight and mammary ultrasound measures were recorded at 119 days of pregnancy, 29 days of lactation (L29), and weaning of the progeny (L79) in 64 two-year-old ewes selected from two treatments. The heavy group (n = 32) was preferentially fed prior to their first breeding at seven months of age, achieving an average live weight of 47.9 ± 0.38 kg. The control group (n = 32) weighed an average of 44.9 ± 0.49 kg at breeding. Lambs (n = 74) were weighed at birth, L29 and L79. Udder ultrasound measures did not differ (p > 0.10) between treatments, indicating no carry-over effects of treatments on mammary glands of two-year-old ewes. The association between ultrasound measures and lamb growth seemed to differ depending on lamb birth rank. More research is needed to further investigate these associations and determine whether ultrasonography could be used to identify ewes whose progeny would have greater growth rates based on birth rank.
Seed Science Research: Global Trends in Seed Biology and Technology
Authors: Hernández Cortés José Antonio
Published: October 2021

Seeds are the central components of the plant life cycle because the establishment of a new generation of plants depends on them [...]
Study of Nasal Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FENO) in Children with Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Duong-Quy Sy , Nguyen-Thi-Dieu Thuy , Tran-Quang Khai , Tang-Thi-Thao Tram , Nguyen-Van Toi , Vo-Pham-Minh Thu , Vu-Tran-Thien Quan , Bui-Diem Khue , Nguyen-Nhu Vinh , Hoang-Thi Lam , Craig Timothy
Published: October 2021

(1) Background: Exhaled nitric oxide (NO) has been considered as a biomarker of airway inflammation. The measurement of fractional exhaled NO (FENO) is a valuable test for assessing local inflammation in subjects with allergic rhinitis (AR). (2) Objective: To evaluate (a) the correlation between nasal FENO with anthropometric characteristics, symptoms of AR and nasal peak flows in children without and with AR; and (b) the cut-off of nasal FENO for diagnosis of AR in symptomatic children. (3) Methods: The study was a descriptive and cross-sectional study in subjects with and without AR < 18 years old. All clinical and functional characteristics of the study subjects were recorded for analysis. They were divided into healthy subjects for the control group and subjects with AR who met all inclusion criteria. (4) Results: 100 subjects (14 ± 3 years) were included, including 32 control subjects and 68 patients with AR. Nasal FENO in AR patients was significantly higher than in control subjects: 985 ± 232 ppb vs. 229 ± 65 ppb (p < 0.001). In control subjects, nasal FENO was not correlated with anthropometric characteristics and nasal inspiratory or expiratory peak flows (IPF or EPF) (p > 0.05). There was a correlation between nasal FENO and AR symptoms in AR patients and nasal IPF and EPF (p = 0.001 and 0.0001, respectively). The cut-off of nasal FENO for positive AR diagnosis with the highest specificity and sensitivity was ≥794 ppb (96.7% and 92.6%, respectively). (5) Conclusion: The use of nasal FENO as a biomarker of AR provides a useful tool and additional armamentarium in the management of allergic rhinitis.
Understanding and Supporting the Confucian Heritage Culture International Students in Victorian Independent Schools: A Perspective of School Leaders
Authors: Zhang Hongzhi , Chan Philip Wing Keung
Published: October 2021

Greater demand for quality post-secondary education has been seen in Asia, particularly in China. Many Western countries have seen a rise in international education. Increasingly, schools in Australia are embracing internationalisation policies, leading to an increase in international student enrolment before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. International students in school education are something of a little-understood issue for educational scholars, policy makers and the general public. Leadership is seen as pivotal in the success of schools’ internationalisation program. By applying a mixed-method approach to collect data from an online Qualtrics survey and semi-structured interviews with independent school leaders in Australia, this paper reports how school leaders understand Confucian Heritage Culture (CHC) international students’ linguistic, cultural and educational contributions to schools, and their experience in supporting the international students to adapt into the new educational environments through various programs and strategies. This article also advocates that it is vital to respect the international students’ educational subjectivities generated in their “home” countries when providing support programs to help them engage with new educational contexts in “host” nations.
Governing Migration through COVID-19? Dutch Political and Media Discourse in Times of a Pandemic
Authors: Van Der Woude Maartje , Van Iersel Nanou
Published: October 2021

This article explores the political and media discourse in The Netherlands around COVID-19 and migration. In so doing, it asks to what extent the dynamics of ‘governing COVID-19 through migration’ are visible in this discourse. By asking this question, the article builds upon the theoretical frameworks of ‘governing through crime’ and ‘governing through migration control’. Both theoretical frameworks place a strong emphasis on the role of discourse in framing certain social phenomena as a threat, concern or risk. By carrying out a discourse analysis on Dutch political and media debates around COVID-19 and migration in the period 1 January 2020–1 November 2021, the article illustrates that despite the linking of migration and crime not only being very visible but also seemingly normalized in this discourse, the links made between COVID-19 and migration were much more nuanced. Furthermore, although COVID-19 and migration were discussed together, the discourse does not show any evidence of governing COVID-19 through migration by using the pandemic to push for very restrictive migration laws targeting only ‘vagabonds’ while still allowing the mobility of ‘tourists’).
Explore3DM—A Directory and More for 3D Metrology
Authors: Kyle Stephen
Published: October 2021

Explore3DM will be an online resource to explore the diverse interests behind three-dimensional measurement and three-dimensional metrology (3DM). The motivation has been the development of large-volume and portable 3D methods and systems for applications in manufacturing, an activity which has been growing for the past 40 years. However, the measurement spectrum in Explore3DM will be wider and include, for example, as-built process plant at the large-object end and X-Ray CT inspection at the small-object end. This wider spectrum will support cross-sector research at University College London (UCL) to transfer 3DM developments from one sector to another. Initially, Explore3DM will have a core directory incorporating systems manufacturers, service suppliers, research groups and disseminators of metrology knowledge. Mechanisms for solving end users’ measurement tasks will add to further growth of 3DM. The resource is intended to be free to use and the directory free to join at a basic level. Premium directory sponsorship by commercial companies is expected to provide revenue to sustain and develop the resource and support 3DM development. With regard to standards, LVM and PCM systems and techniques can be difficult to assess with a standardized approach because of the highly flexible ways they can be applied. However, some standards have been developed and there is scope for more, for example in the terminology used. A dictionary will be a component of Explore3DM’s future knowledge base. By presenting a first version in a centralized resource, standardized terminology will be encouraged.
Certeze Village: The Dilemma of Traditional vs. Post-Modern Architecture in Țara Oașului, Romania
Authors: Vijulie Iuliana , Lequeux-Dincă Ana-Irina , Preda Mihaela , Mareci Alina , Matei Elena , Cuculici Roxana , Taloș Ana-Maria
Published: October 2021

The traditional Romanian village has recently seen unmistakable transformations. The import of architectural styles from EU countries and the need to modernise dwellings, combined with considerable legislative voids regarding the protection of the built-up heritage, have strongly modified traditional architecture and resulted in irremediable losses in terms of rural authenticity and landscape aesthetics. This study aims to analyse the need for preserving existing traditional architecture in Certeze village, which has been severely jeopardised by the import of post-modern elements. The perception of both locals and tourists on these aspects was evaluated using the survey method. Results outlined more conservative views from the older inhabitants who are still attached to traditional constructing styles, while younger respondents preferred the more modern houses. Most tourists also showed an increased interest in the traditional architecture and criticised the newer constructed buildings. The contrast between old and new, which at this point is ubiquitous in the area, remains an element of intergenerational negotiations and risks the diminishing of the cultural authenticity of Certeze even further.
Memristive Equivalent Circuit Model for Battery
Authors: Mogadem Mazin Mohammed , Li Yan
Published: October 2021

The design of mathematical models is based on conservation laws and also on the fundamental principles of modeling: structure, parameters, and physical meaning. Those kinds of modeling should have specific capabilities to deal with different working conditions and environments coping with challenges that include but are not limited to battery capacity, life-cycle, or the attempts to manipulate the current profiles during operation. Introducing memristive elements in batteries will be ideal to satisfy these fundamentals and goals of modeling, whereas addressing the recycling and sustainability concerns on the environmental impact by the placement of TiO2 memristor into this model can promote a recovery hierarchy via recycling and dispatching a slight amount to disposal as the previous focus was mainly concentrated on availability. As for battery materials, modeling, performing, and manufacturing all have proliferated to grasp the possible sustainability challenges inherited in these systems. This paper investigated electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to study this model and the dynamic behavior inside the battery. We found a solution to address the existing battery limitations that elucidate the battery degradation without affecting the performance, correspondingly by employing the dampest least-squares combination with nonlinear autoregressive exogenous for identifying such model and its associated parameters because of its embedded memory and fast convergence to diminish the influence of the vanishing gradient. Lastly, we found that this model is proven to be efficient and accurate compared to actual experimented data to validate our theory and show the value of the proposed model in real life while assuming Normal Gaussian distribution of data error with outstanding results; the auto-correlations were within the 95% confidence limit, the best validation was 2.7877, and an overall regression of 0.99993 was achieved.
Innovative Coatings for Materials Subjected to Aggressive Environments
Authors: Miranda Pérez Argelia Fabiola
Published: October 2021

Aggressive environments require durable materials or excellent coatings to improve their performance and life service [...]
Understanding of Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) in Ionic Materials
Authors: Jalihal Amanda , Le Thuy , Macchi Samantha , Krehbiel Hannah , Bashiru Mujeebat , Forson Mavis , Siraj Noureen
Published: October 2021

Herein, an ionic material (IM) with Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) characteristics is reported for the first time. The IM is designed by pairing a Nile Blue A cation (NBA+) with an anionic near-infrared (NIR) dye, IR820−, using a facile ion exchange reaction. These two dyes absorb at different wavelength regions. In addition, NBA+ fluorescence emission spectrum overlaps with IR820− absorption spectrum, which is one requirement for the occurrence of the FRET phenomenon. Therefore, the photophysical properties of the IM were studied in detail to investigate the FRET mechanism in IM for potential dye sensitized solar cell (DSSCs) application. Detailed examination of photophysical properties of parent compounds, a mixture of the parent compounds, and the IM revealed that the IM exhibits FRET characteristics, but not the mixture of two dyes. The presence of spectator counterion in the mixture hindered the FRET mechanism while in the IM, both dyes are in close proximity as an ion pair, thus exhibiting FRET. All FRET parameters such as spectral overlap integral, Förster distance, and FRET energy confirm the FRET characteristics of the IM. This article presents a simple synthesis of a compound with FRET properties which can be further used for a variety of applications.
Distributed Parameter State Estimation for the Gray–Scott Reaction-Diffusion Model
Authors: Feketa Petro , Schaum Alexander , Meurer Thomas
Published: October 2021

A constructive approach is provided for the reconstruction of stationary and non-stationary patterns in the one-dimensional Gray-Scott model, utilizing measurements of the system state at a finite number of locations. Relations between the parameters of the model and the density of the sensor locations are derived that ensure the exponential convergence of the estimated state to the original one. The designed observer is capable of tracking a variety of complex spatiotemporal behaviors and self-replicating patterns. The theoretical findings are illustrated in particular numerical case studies. The results of the paper can be used for the synchronization analysis of the master–slave configuration of two identical Gray–Scott models coupled via a finite number of spatial points and can also be exploited for the purposes of feedback control applications in which the complete state information is required.
Greyhound Racing Track Lure Systems—Acoustical Measurements within and Adjacent to the Starting Boxes
Authors: Eager David , Halkon Benjamin , Zhou Shilei , Walker Paul , Covey Kevin , Braiden Stephen
Published: October 2021

This study investigates and compares the acoustic signatures of a traditional wire-cable-pulled lure system and two alternative battery-operated lure systems jointly developed by Covey Associates Pty. Ltd. and Steriline Pty. Ltd. to eliminate the hazardous steel-wire cable and make the sport of greyhound racing safer for greyhounds, participants and spectators. The acoustical measurements of these three lure systems were conducted at the Murray Bridge greyhound racing track. The lure sounds were measured by the high-frequency Brüel & Kjær (B&K) Type 4191 microphones for the 395 m and 455 m starts at two positions: within the starting box and on the track adjacent to the starting boxes. The measurements capture the sounds that the greyhounds hear before and after the opening of the starting box gate. The frequency-domain analysis and sound quality analysis were conducted to compare the lure sounds. It was found when the battery-lure was installed with all nylon rollers, it presented less sound energy and lower frequency than the traditional wire-cable-pulled lure. When two of the nylon rollers were replaced with steel rollers, the battery-operated lure emitted a louder and higher frequency sound than the traditional wire-cable-pulled lure. The different acoustic characteristics of these lure systems suggest future research is warranted on the reaction of greyhounds to different lure sounds, particularly their excitement level within the starting box as the lure approaches. This initial research also suggests some greyhounds may not clearly hear the battery-operated lure with all nylon rollers approaching the starting boxes and the timing of these greyhounds to jump may be delayed, particularly during high wind conditions.
Innovative High-Visibility Protective Clothing Development
Authors: Santos Gilda , Marques Rita , Silva Sofia , Oliveira Juliana , Castro Pegui , Pereira Carla , Pinheiro Manuel
Published: October 2021

Technical clothing with light-responsive features for outdoor sports practiced in environments with low visibility is extremely important for athletes’ safety. Lack of signaling by users and visibility for drivers is one of accidents causes, namely run overs, which can leave serious consequences. The products available on the market lack efficiency and their design is not appealing which makes the development of these new materials a compelling need. Therefore, fluorescent and phosphorescent functional finishings with ability to provide illuminant signalization without compromising the design and/or color of clothing as well as comfort and ergonomics, were developed and applied in the textile structure by knife over roll coating technology. The greatest challenge is to integrate the high visibility materials without compromising the design of the garment and accomplish the European Standard of Protective clothing: Enhanced visibility equipment for medium risk situations and test methods and requirements—EN 17353 (that supersedes EN1150:1999 and allows more freedom in the design of the apparel) published in 2020. Phosphorescent materials were evaluated by luminance decay according to DIN 67510, before and after fastness to wash tests. Results obtained regarding high visibility functional finishings and the integration of the materials developed in the final sports collection will be presented.
Development of a Screen-Printable Carbon Paste to Achieve Washable Conductive Textiles
Authors: Yong Sheng , Liu Meijing , Komolafe Abiodun , Tudor John , Yang Kai
Published: October 2021

Conductive tracks are key constituents of wearable electronics and e-textiles, as they form the interconnective links between wearable electrical devices/systems. They are made by coating or printing conductive patterns or tracks on textiles or by weaving, knitting, or embroidering conductive yarns into textiles. Screen printing is a mature and cost-effective fabrication method that is used in the textile industry. It allows a high degree of geometric freedom for the design of conductive patterns or tracks. Current screen-printed conductive textiles have the limitations of low durability when washed or when placed under bending, and they typically require encapsulation layers to protect the printed conductor. This paper presents a printable paste formulation and fabrication process based on screen printing for achieving a flexible and durable conductive polyester-cotton textile using an inexpensive carbon as the conductor. The process does not require an interface, the smoothing of the textile, or an encapsulation layer to protect the conductor on the textile. A resistivity of 4 × 10−2 Ω·m was achieved. The textile remains conductive after 20 standard washes, resulting in the conductor’s resistance increasing by 140%. The conductive textile demonstrated less than ±10% resistance variation after bending for 2000 cycles.
A Review of Recent Developments in Composites Made of Recycled Carbon Fiber Textiles
Authors: Barnett Philip R. , Ghossein Hicham K.
Published: October 2021

Carbon fiber recycling has garnered significant attention in recent years due to the large volume of manufacturing waste and upcoming end-of-life products that will enter the waste stream as the current generation of aircraft is retired from service. Recycled carbon fibers have been shown to retain most of their virgin mechanical properties, but their length is generally reduced such that continuous fiber laminates cannot be remade. As such, these fibers are typically used in low-performance applications including injection molding, extrusion/compression molding, and 3D printing that further degrade the fiber length and resulting composite properties. However, recent advances in the processing of long discontinuous fiber textiles have led to medium- to high-performance composites using recycled carbon fibers. This review paper describes the recent advances in recycled carbon fiber textile processing that have made these improvements possible. The techniques used to manufacture high-value polymer composites reinforced with discontinuous recycled carbon fiber are described. The resulting mechanical and multifunctional properties are also discussed to illustrate the advantages of these new textile-based recycled fiber composites over the prior art.
Assessment of Environmental Pollution and Human Exposure to Pesticides by Wastewater Analysis in a Seven-Year Study in Athens, Greece
Authors: Rousis Nikolaos , Denardou Maria , Alygizakis Nikiforos , Galani Aikaterini , Bletsou Anna , Damalas Dimitrios , Maragou Niki , Thomas Kevin , Thomaidis Nikolaos
Published: October 2021

Pesticides have been used in large amounts around the world for decades and are responsible for environmental pollution and various adverse effects on human health. Analysis of untreated wastewater can deliver useful information on pesticides’ use in a particular area and allow the assessment of human exposure to certain substances. A wide-scope screening method, based on liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry, was applied, using both target and suspect screening methodologies. Daily composite influent wastewater samples were collected for seven or eight consecutive days in Athens between 2014 and 2020 and analyzed for 756 pesticides, their environmental transformation products and their human metabolites. Forty pesticides were quantified at mean concentrations up to 4.9 µg/L (tralkoxydim). The most abundant class was fungicides followed by herbicides, insect repellents, insecticides and plant growth regulators. In addition, pesticide transformation products and/or metabolites were detected with high frequency, indicating that research should be focused on them. Human exposure was evaluated using the wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) approach and 3-ethyl-carbamoyl benzoic acid and cis-1,2,3,6-tetrahydrophthalimide were proposed as potential WBE biomarkers. Wastewater analysis revealed the presence of unapproved pesticides and indicated that there is an urgent need to include more transformation products in target databases.
In Silico Structure-Based Design of Antiviral Peptides Targeting the Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus Glycoprotein Gn
Authors: Yuan Shuo-Feng , Wen Lei , Chik Kenn Ka-Heng , Du Jiang , Ye Zi-Wei , Cao Jian-Li , Tang Kai-Ming , Liang Rong-Hui , Cai Jian-Piao , Luo Cui-Ting , Yin Fei-Fei , Lu Gang , Chu Hin , Liang Mi-Fang , Jin Dong-Yan , Yuen Kwok-Yung , Chan Jasper Fuk-Woo
Published: October 2021

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is an emerging tick-borne bunyavirus in Asia that causes severe disease. Despite its clinical importance, treatment options for SFTSV infection remains limited. The SFTSV glycoprotein Gn plays a major role in mediating virus entry into host cells and is therefore a potential antiviral target. In this study, we employed an in silico structure-based strategy to design novel cyclic antiviral peptides that target the SFTSV glycoprotein Gn. Among the cyclic peptides, HKU-P1 potently neutralizes the SFTSV virion. Combinatorial treatment with HKU-P1 and the broad-spectrum viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitor favipiravir exhibited synergistic antiviral effects in vitro. The in silico peptide design platform in this study may facilitate the generation of novel antiviral peptides for other emerging viruses.
The Effects of Heterologous Immunization with Prime-Boost COVID-19 Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Ho Tzu-Chuan , Chen Yi-Ming Arthur , Chan Hung-Pin , Chang Chin-Chuan , Chuang Kuo-Pin , Lee Che-Hsin , Yuan Cheng-Hui , Tyan Yu-Chang , Yang Ming-Hui
Published: October 2021

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has become the global challenge. Reaching global herd immunity will help end the COVID-19 pandemic. However, vaccine shortage and vaccine hesitancy are the obstacles to achieve global herd immunity against SARS-CoV-2. The current homologous vaccine regimen is experimentally switching to heterologous vaccination at several study sites. However, the reactogenicity of heterologous ChAdOx1-S and mRNA vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is still unclear. We have conducted a systematic review to summarize the current findings on the safety and immunogenicity of this heterologous vaccination and elucidate their implications against SARS-CoV-2. This systematic review was conducted by the guidelines of PRISMA. Articles were searched from PubMed and other sources (MedRixv and Google scholar) starting from 1 January to 5 September 2021. The search term was heterologous ChAdOx1-S and BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 vaccination. Our review found that participants with ChAdOx1/BNT162b2, ChAdOx1-S/mRNA-1273 or BNT162b2/ChAdOx1-S did not have the serious adverse events seen with homologous vaccination. Participants with the heterologous regimen (ChAdOx1/BNT162b2, ChAdOx1-S/mRNA-1273 or BNT162b2/ChAdOx1-S), compared with those with two doses of ChAdOx1-S, have shown a more robust immune responses against SARS-CoV-2, such as higher levels of responsive antibodies or increased numbers of spike-specific T-cells. Nevertheless, these immune responses were slightly diminished in the recipients of BNT162b2/ChAdOx1-S. Also, the safety study of heterologous ChAdOx1-S/mRNA vaccination was based on small populations. Further studies to enclose diverse categories, such as race/ethnicity or geography, may be necessary. Overall, the heterologous immunization with ChAdOX1-S and the mRNA vaccine may improve the vaccine shortage related slow pace of reaching herd immunity, especially using the heterologous immunization with ChAdOx1-S/BNT162b2.
A Case of Submandibular Leiomyosarcoma, Mimicking an Abscess, in a Ball Python (Python regius)
Authors: Kwon Jun , Kim Sang , Kim Sang , Kim Hyoun , Lee Sung , Kang Jeong , Jung Won , Giri Sib , Lee Kyunglee , Park Se
Published: October 2021

A two-year-old ball python with a submandibular mass was evaluated. Fine needle aspiration resulted in debris containing purulent materials and bacterial cells on cytology. Radiography demonstrated multi-focal radiopaque lesions in the mass, which were suspected to be mineralization; there was an absence of mandibular invasion or lung involvement. Gross examination of the surgically excised mass revealed a multi-nodular, well-circumscribed lesion with purulent material. The postoperative recovery was uneventful. The histopathological examination followed by immunohistochemistry analysis gave a diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma. As tumors containing purulent materials can be confused with an abscess, diagnostic confirmation with various diagnostical tools should be considered.
Integrated Quality Control Process for Hydrological Database: A Case Study of Daecheong Dam Basin in South Korea
Authors: Jeong Gimoon , Yoo Do-Guen , Kim Tae-Woong , Lee Jin-Young , Noh Joon-Woo , Kang Doosun
Published: October 2021

In our intelligent society, water resources are being managed using vast amounts of hydrological data collected through telemetric devices. Recently, advanced data quality control technologies for data refinement based on hydrological observation history, such as big data and artificial intelligence, have been studied. However, these are impractical due to insufficient verification and implementation periods. In this study, a process to accurately identify missing and false-reading data was developed to efficiently validate hydrological data by combining various conventional validation methods. Here, false-reading data were reclassified into suspected and confirmed groups by combining the results of individual validation methods. Furthermore, an integrated quality control process that links data validation and reconstruction was developed. In particular, an iterative quality control feedback process was proposed to achieve highly reliable data quality, which was applied to precipitation and water level stations in the Daecheong Dam Basin, South Korea. The case study revealed that the proposed approach can improve the quality control procedure of hydrological database and possibly be implemented in practice.
Distribution Patterns of Benthic Foraminifera in Fish Farming Areas (Corsica, France): Implications for the Implementation of Biotic Indices in Biomonitoring Studies
Authors: Dubois Antoine , Barras Christine , Pavard Jean-Charles , Donnay Annick , Béatrix Melvin , Bouchet Vincent M. P.
Published: October 2021

Corsican marine aquaculture is one of the highest contributors of fish production in France, which may result in environmental perturbations caused by organic matter (OM) accumulation under fish farms and impacting natural communities. This study aimed to (1) characterise the environmental conditions at two different fish farms, (2) monitor the response of benthic foraminiferal species to this activity, and (3) assess the accuracy of existing foraminiferal biotic indices. In 2017, sea floor sediment was sampled in transects from two Corsican fish farms for living foraminiferal and sedimentary analyses. Four indices were calculated and compared: exp(H′bc), Foram-AMBI, Foram Stress Index and TSI-Med. A significant increase in total organic carbon (TOC) has been shown, mainly below the fish cages. Communities were characterized by a shift from high density, opportunistic and tolerant species under the cages to lower densities and more sensitive species further away. According to their distribution patterns along the TOC gradient, we propose to update the ecological group classification of seven species to improve Foram-AMBI’s accuracy and sensitivity: Triloculina oblonga and Quinqueloculina lamarckiana to Ecological Group (EG) I; Rosalina bradyi to EGIII; and Bolivina dilatata, Bulimina aculeata and Quinqueloculina stalkeri to EGIV. We recommend prioritising the use of TSI-Med and Foram-AMBI with the updated list to assess ecological quality in coastal waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Comparative characteristics of the weather and climate health risk in the Arctic belt of the Krasnoyarsk region
Authors: Narutdinov Denis Alekseevich , Rakhmanov Rofail Salykhovich , Bogomolova Elena Sergeevna , Ashina Marina Vladislavovna , Razgulin Sergey Aleksandrovich
Published: October 2021

The average for 2009–2019 was determined. monthly indicators of temperature, speed of movement and air humidity in the open area according to the data of meteorological stations at Cape Chelyuskin and Dikson Island. Monthly wind-cold indices (VHI) and equivalent effective temperatures (EET) were calculated, and the assessment of the risk of cold influences on humans was compared. In the Arctic zone of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, thermal discomfort has been established due to low air temperatures, wind strength (from weak to moderate), and humidity (moderate to highly humid) air. Bioclimatic conditions differed in the lower temperatures for 6 months at Cape Chelyuskin and the strength of the wind (1 month); on about. Dixon — higher humidity for 7 months. and wind strength for 2 months. On about Dikson compared with M. Chelyuskin identified less uncomfortable conditions. Average monthly daily temperatures in the open area prove the presence of a cold environment. This suggests that VHI indicates the presence of a potential (4 months) and probable cold health risk (8 months). EET showed the presence of year-round cold risk. At Cape Chelyuskin, the habitat was assessed as «cold» (4 months) and «threat of frostbite» (8 months). Dixon — as «moderately cold» (3 months), «cold» (1 month), «very cold» (1 month) and «threat of frostbite» (7 months).
Federal project «Strengthening Public Health» as the most important component of the national project «Demography»
Authors: Denisov Leonid Anatolievich
Published: October 2021

The article deals with the problem of improving the health of the population through the implementation of the national project «Demography» and one of its components — the federal project «Strengthening Public Health». The author analyzed the project passport in detail, determined the full participation of interested performers and co-performers in it, and the organization of control over its implementation in terms of the mechanisms for forming a system of motivating citizens to a healthy lifestyle.