bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stalagmites: from Science Application to Museumization
Authors: Columbu Andrea , Calabrò Laura , Chiarini Veronica , De Waele Jo
Published: May 2021

The concept of geoheritage is related to places of geological interest, generally of aesthetic, cultural, socio-economic and/or scientific value. Many geosites are of karstic nature, because of their intrinsic beauty, their singularity and high geodiversity. Caves are among the most visited and economically exploited geological landforms. They constitute geosites as a whole, with their scenic landscapes, hydrogeological importance and the presence of bewildering natural rock and mineral formations including stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones and many other bizarre speleothem shapes. In some cases, a single speleothem, and the palaeoclimate record it contains, can be on its own of extraordinary importance to science. Once studied, these samples are often stored in research institution collections, rarely accessible to the wide public. In this paper, we report on the museumization of a stalagmite that has delivered a unique and exceptionally long glacial climate record from southern Italy, shedding light on the causes that led to the Neanderthal contraction and Modern Human expansion in this mild Mediterranean climate between 45 and 42 thousands years ago. The proposed museumization aims to demonstrate the potential of speleothems, after scientific application, in terms of educational and tourist resources. This approach allows to highlight the scientific importance of karst and cave geosites to the wide public, promoting their conservation and the valorisation of the studied cave-material.
Participation of paediatric patients in primary dental care before and after a dental general anaesthetic
Authors: Large J. F. , Keightley A. J. , Busuttil-Naudi A.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The aim of this retrospective study is to determine children’s attendance and
experience of preventative interventions and operative treatment (restorations and
extractions) with their primary care dentist (PCD) in the 12 months before and after
their caries management under dental general anaesthetic (DGA).

Methods

A record of all children who had an elective DGA in 2016 across two hospital sites was
retrospectively obtained (n = 1308). A representative sample of 300 was randomly
selected encompassing 114 dental practices. An online questionnaire to the children’s
PCDs collated quantitative and qualitative data regarding participation in the pre- and
post-DGA period.

Results

Data was collated and analysed for 80 children (mean age: 6 years 10 months
[SD = 2.49; range: 2 years 1 month – 14 years 3 months]; equal sex distribution) with 43
responding PCDs. Attendance for examination declined significantly from 85% (n = 68)
pre-DGA to 57.5% (n = 46) post-DGA (p ≤ 0.001). Attendance at emergency
appointments pre-DGA was high (33.75% [n = 27]); a significant reduction post-DGA
was recorded (p ≤ 0.001). Over one third of children (37.5% [n = 30]) did not receive
any form of preventative intervention over 24 months. A non-significant reduction in the
provision of operative treatment was observed post-DGA (p = 0.06 [fill, primary]; p = 0.78
[fill, permanent]; p = 0.66 [ext, primary]). No statistical difference between age and
treatment experience was found. Qualitative analysis revealed challenges in providing
care included behavioural difficulties and poor attendance.

Conclusion

Improvements are required in strategies employed to support high caries risk children
pre- and post-DGA to facilitate a higher incidence of attendance and preventative
intervention with PCDs.
Electrocardiographic parameters of left ventricular hypertrophy and prediction of mortality in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Braunisch Matthias C. , Gundel Peter , Werfel Stanislas , Mayer Christopher C. , Bauer Axel , Haller Bernhard , Günthner Roman , Lorenz Georg , Angermann Susanne , Matschkal Julia , Schaller Carolin , Holzmann-Littig Christopher , Kemmner Stephan , Mann Johannes , Krieter Axel , Renders Lutz , Wassertheurer Siegfried , Schmidt Georg , Heemann Uwe , Malik Marek , Schmaderer Christoph
Published: June 2021

Background

In hemodialysis patients, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) contributes to high cardiovascular mortality. We examined cardiovascular mortality prediction by the recently proposed Peguero-Lo Presti voltage since it identifies more patients with electrocardiographic (ECG) LVH than Cornell or Sokolow-Lyon voltages.

Methods

A total of 308 patients on hemodialysis underwent 24 h ECG recordings. LVH parameters were measured before and after dialysis. The primary endpoint of cardiovascular mortality was recorded during a median 3-year follow up. Risk prediction was assessed by Cox regression, both unadjusted and adjusted for the Charlson Comorbidity Index and the Cardiovascular Mortality Risk Score.

Results

The Peguero-Lo Presti voltage identified with 21% the most patients with positive LVH criteria. All voltages significantly increased during dialysis. Factors such as ultrafiltration rate, Kt/V, body mass index, sex, and phosphate were the most relevant for these changes. During follow-up, 26 cardiovascular deaths occurred. Post-dialysis Peguero-Lo Presti cut-off as well as the Peguero-Lo Presti and Cornell voltages were independently associated with cardiovascular mortality in unadjusted and adjusted analysis. The Sokolow-Lyon voltage was not significantly associated with mortality. An optimal cut-off for the prediction of cardiovascular mortality was estimated at 1.38 mV for the Peguero-Lo Presti.

Conclusions

The post-dialysis Peguero-Lo Presti cut-off as well as the Peguero-Lo Presti and Cornell voltages allowed independent risk prediction of cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients. Measuring the ECG LVH parameters after dialysis might allow a standardized interpretation as dialysis-specific factors influence the voltages.

Graphical abstract
Integrals of Special Functions and Umbral Methods
Authors: Dattoli G. , Germano B. , Licciardi S. , Martinelli M. R.
Published: June 2021

We derive integrals of combination of Gauss and Bessel functions, by the use of umbral techniques. We show that the method allows the possibility of pursuing new and apparently fruitful avenues in the theory of special functions, displaying interesting links with the theory and the formalism of integral transforms.
Screening of sugar beet pre-breeding populations and breeding lines for resistance to Ditylenchus dipsaci penetration and reproduction
Authors: Storelli Alan , Minder Alexandra , Keiser Andreas , Kiewnick Sebastian , Daub Matthias , Mahlein Anne-Katrin , Schumann Mario , Beyer Werner
Published: May 2021

Ditylenchus dipsaci is an economically important plant-parasitic nematode affecting European sugar beets. To date, no sugar beet cultivars carrying resistance against D. dipsaci are available to farmers. To find potentially resistant sugar beet lines restricting reproduction and penetration of D. dipsaci, three consecutive in vivo bioassays were carried out. The first experiment determined the penetration rate of D. dipsaci in 79 breeding lines and 14 pre-breeding populations. Based on these results, D. dipsaci penetration and reproduction resistance of eight genotypes was intensively investigated. It could be demonstrated that none of the genotypes showed resistance towards D. dipsaci. However, a high variation of the penetration rate by D. dipsaci was observed among the genotypes. The breeding line ‘DIT_119’ effectively reduced D. dipsaci penetration (34.4 ± 8.8 nematodes/plant at 22 days post-planting) compared to the susceptible control (109.0 ± 16.9) while ensuring a yield comparable to non-inoculated plants. However, the breeding line ‘DIT_119’ did not reduce D. dipsaci reproduction. The paternal line of the cultivar BERETTA KWS, demonstrating a high tolerance to D. dipsaci crown rot symptoms, did not reduce penetration and reproduction. Thus, no correlation can be established between reduced penetration rates, reproduction, and tolerance to D. dipsaci. This study provides an essential basis for the development of resistant sugar beet cultivars to D. dipsaci. The variations observed among genotypes now need to be confirmed with larger-scale screenings.
Educating the energy informatics specialist: opportunities and challenges in light of research and industrial trends
Authors: Bordin Chiara , Mishra Sambeet , Safari Amir , Eliassen Frank
Published: May 2021

Contemporary energy research is becoming more interdisciplinary through the involvement of technical, economic, and social aspects that must be addressed simultaneously. Within such interdisciplinary energy research, the novel domain of energy informatics plays an important role, as it involves different disciplines addressing the socio-techno-economic challenges of sustainable energy and power systems in a holistic manner. The objective of this paper is to draw an overview of the novel domain of energy informatics by addressing the educational opportunities as well as related challenges in light of current trends and the future direction of research and industrial innovation. In this study we discuss the energy informatics domain in a way that goes beyond a purely scientific research perspective. This paper widens the analyses by including reflections on current and future didactic approaches with industrial innovation and research as a background. This paper provides key recommendations for the content of a foundational introductory energy informatics course, as well as suggestions on distinguishing features to be addressed through more specialized courses in the field. The importance of this work is based on the need for better guidelines for a more appropriate education of a new generation of experts who can take on the novel interdisciplinary challenges present in future integrated, sustainable energy systems.

Article highlights

Didactic approaches in the energy informatics domain are discussed based on research and industrial trends.

Research trends and industrial innovation driven by energy informatics are investigated.

A fundamental framework for an energy informatics course is defined together with specialized distinguishing features.
Development and performance evaluation of a Pedal Operated Seed Cleaner (POS-Cleaner)
Authors: Akatuhurira Wilber , Tumutegyereize Peter , Oluk Isaac , Baidhe Emmanuel , Kigozi Julia , Mayanja Ismael , Kivumbi Hussein Balimunsi
Published: May 2021

Traditional grain cleaning methods are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and yet very inefficient. The use of available mechanical seed cleaners is widely limited since they are expensive to own, operate, and maintain. A Pedal Operated Seed Cleaner (PoS-Cleaner) was developed and its performance evaluated. Appropriate engineering principles and methodologies were used in the sizing and construction of the machine. The cleaner consists of a bicycle-like pedaling system, hopper, a centrifugal fan, and three cleaning sieves which include two inside interlocking sieves (one sieve fixed and the other adjustable); whose meshes can be adjusted to be larger than the size of the unclean seeds by longitudinally translating the second sieve to achieve the appropriate seed size. This allows trapping of impurities larger than the seeds. Cleaning rates of 576.5 kg/h, 375.8 kg/h, and 377.4 kg/h for maize, beans, and groundnuts were obtained respectively. Maize, beans, and groundnuts had their highest cleaning efficiencies of 95.09%, 87.61%, and 81.67% at inner sieve sizes of 13 mm, 16 mm and 10 mm respectively, pedaling speed of 60 rpm. The PoS-Cleaner presents a more viable cleaning option for smallholder farmers in rural and remote areas with no access to the national grid, therefore producing high-quality seeds. This will eventually facilitate agricultural value addition and increase individual family incomes in Uganda.

Article highlights

A pedal operated multi-seed cleaner was developed.

Achieved 5 times higher seed cleaning rates compared to traditional cleaning technologies.

Attained higher separation efficiencies of seed and externalities compared to traditional technologies.
Factors behind the dynamics of land use evolution: case of Lebanon
Authors: Al-Shaar Walid , Bonin Olivier
Published: May 2021

Abstracts

Monitoring and understanding the evolution of land use and land cover is a key factor for many environmental studies as well as for policymakers. Moreover, policymakers are interested in understanding the factors that have a significant impact on land use change. This paper analyses the dynamics of land use change in Lebanon between the years 1984 and 2019 and identifies the main factors behind this process. The use of LandSat satellite images enables the creation of land use maps at several periods and the monitoring of the evolution of built up areas as well as of green areas. Five periods emerge from this analysis, for which it is possible to propose explanatory factors, after an in-depth qualitative analysis. Within the framework of Structural Equation Models, a Confirmatory Factor Analysis is carried out to determine the impacts of several factors related to governance and financial data. Moreover, the urban sprawl is further investigated and explained by cultural, environmental, and infrastructural factors. The main results reveal that the development of built up areas is highly dependent on good funding conditions, whereas banking conditions and weak governance are correlated. The case of Lebanon presents specificities probably linked to historical and cultural considerations that deserve to be studied in future works. In the form of recommendations, new land use policies should be enacted to ensure sustainability in the form of an equilibrium between the urban development, from one side, and the preservation of natural resources and good environmental conditions on the other side. This could comprise the preservation of natural zones; the subsidization of the cultivation profession; and the encouragement of urban densification instead of horizontal sprawl.
Workplace automation without achievement gaps: a reply to Danaher and Nyholm
Authors: Tigard Daniel W.
Published: May 2021

In a recent article in this journal, John Danaher and Sven Nyholm raise well-founded concerns that the advances in AI-based automation will threaten the values of meaningful work. In particular, they present a strong case for thinking that automation will undermine our achievements, thereby rendering our work less meaningful. It is also claimed that the threat to achievements in the workplace will open up ‘achievement gaps’—the flipside of the ‘responsibility gaps’ now commonly discussed in technology ethics. This claim, however, is far less worrisome than the general concerns for widespread automation, namely because it rests on several conceptual ambiguities. With this paper, I argue that although the threat to achievements in the workplace is problematic and calls for policy responses of the sort Danaher and Nyholm outline, when framed in terms of responsibility, there are no ‘achievement gaps’.
The Slow Decrease of Active Substance Candidates for Substitution in the Framework of the European Pesticide Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009
Authors: ROBIN Diane C. , MARCHAND Patrice A.
Published: June 2021

The specific status of active substance candidates for substitution (CfS) is detailed by Article 24 of plant protection Commission Regulation EC No 1107/2009 (PPP Regulation). The criteria of candidates for substitution are now clearly defined: low acceptable daily intake/acute reference dose/acceptable operator exposure level or two persistent, bio-accumulative or toxic criteria, or by nature of the critical effects: non-active isomers, carcinogen 1A/1B, toxic for reproduction 1A/1B or endocrine disruption properties, with these later properties now being well characterised. The total number of active substances CfS has been in constant evolution since 2011, with the first batch of candidates for substitution being published in 2015 and updated since then. After a slow decrease, growth is again observed, with another list of active substances being granted this status. CfS are substances targeted by the PPP Regulation that are supposed to be cancelled or non-renewed at the active substance level or substituted at the market authorisation level. CfS are also supposed to be replaced by substances with better toxicological profiles. However, after five years of implementation of the status, their number, which is intended to decrease, remains high, at sixty residual CfS. We exhibit here their evolution.
Spinoza on Melancholy and Cheerfulness
Authors: Thomas Christopher
Published: June 2021

Spinoza's philosophy is often celebrated for its strong anti-normative current. Spinoza argues, for instance, that good and bad do not indicate anything positive in things, and that affects are always particular to the situation in which they arise. And yet Spinoza argues that melancholy is “always evil,” and cheerfulness “always good,” thus problematizing a key metaphysical principle of his system. Turning to select sections in the Ethics and Theological-Political Treatise, this article offers a reading of these two problematic affects before connecting Spinoza to recent work on early modern melancholy that conceptualizes it as an ‘assemblage.’
Long-term results of percutaneous transluminal coronary rotational atherectomy for localised stenosis caused by Kawasaki disease
Authors: Tsuda Etsuko , Asaumi Yasuhide , Noguchi Teruo , Yasuda Satoshi
Published: June 2021

Thirteen boys and one girl, 5–30 years (median 13 years), underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary rotational atherectomy. The interval from the onset of Kawasaki disease to PTCRA ranged from 5 to 29 years (median 12 years). The follow-up period was 1–22 years (median 13 years). The target vessels were the right coronary artery (7), left anterior descending artery (3), left circumflex (2), and left main trunk (2). The maximum burr size used was 1.75 mm in four, 2.00 mm in four, and 2.15 mm in six. The immediate results of rotational atherectomy were successful in all patients, and the mean stenosis degree improved from 86 ± 15% (mean ± standard deviation) to 37 ± 14% (p < 0.001). Cardiac events in the late period were found in four patients (29%). Acute myocardial infarction occurred in two, and syncope and ventricular fibrillation in one each. The cardiac event-free rate at 10 and 20 years was 79% (95% confidence interval 50–92) and 39% (6–87), respectively, (n = 14). The overall 20-year patency rate was 54% (95% CI 28–78). That in patients more than 10 years old was 77% (95% CI 42–94, n = 10). PTCRA alone is suitable for severe localised stenosis with calcification caused by KD in young adults except for small children. Re-stenosis within the first year after PTCRA often develops because of reactive intimal thickening after the procedure. If a target vessel is a patent 1 year after the procedure, long-term patency may be expected in patients more than 10 years old.
Photoferrotrophy and phototrophic extracellular electron uptake is common in the marine anoxygenic phototroph Rhodovulum sulfidophilum
Authors: Gupta Dinesh , Guzman Michael S , Rengasamy Karthikeyan , Stoica Andreea , Singh Rajesh , Ranaivoarisoa Tahina Onina , Davenport Emily J , Bai Wei , McGinley Beau , Meacham J Mark , Bose Arpita
Published: May 2021

Photoferrotrophy allows anoxygenic phototrophs to use reduced iron as an electron donor for primary productivity. Recent work shows that freshwater photoferrotrophs can use electrons from solid-phase conductive substances via phototrophic extracellular electron uptake (pEEU), and the two processes share the underlying electron uptake mechanism. However, the ability of marine phototrophs to perform photoferrotrophy and pEEU, and the contribution of these processes to primary productivity is largely unknown. To fill this knowledge gap, we isolated 15 new strains of the marine anoxygenic phototroph Rhodovulum sulfidophilum on electron donors such as acetate and thiosulfate. We observed that all of the R. sulfidophilum strains isolated can perform photoferrotrophy. We chose strain AB26 as a representative strain to study further, and find that it can also perform pEEU from poised electrodes. We show that during pEEU, AB26 transfers electrons to the photosynthetic electron transport chain. Furthermore, systems biology-guided mutant analysis shows that R. sulfidophilum AB26 uses a previously unknown diheme cytochrome c protein, which we call EeuP, for pEEU but not photoferrotrophy. Homologs of EeuP occur in a range of widely distributed marine microbes. Overall, these results suggest that photoferrotrophy and pEEU contribute to the biogeochemical cycling of iron and carbon in marine ecosystems.
In vitro expansion of fetal liver hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Bhardwaj Rashmi , Kumar Lalit , Chhabra Deepika , Mehra N. K. , sharma Atul , Mohanty Sujata , Kochupillai Vinod
Published: June 2021

Fetal liver hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) have been considered appropriate for the management of aplastic anemia owing to their proliferative potential. Bone marrow recovery was possible in some cases; the engraftment potential of these cells, however was unsatisfactory, possibly due to the availability of a smaller number of these cells from a single fetus. The present study explores how we can expand fetal liver hematopoietic stem cells under in vitro conditions. We isolated mononuclear cells from fetal liver and hematopoietic stem cells were identified and analyzed by cell surface marker CD34. CD34+ fetal liver HSPCs cells were separated by magnetic cell sorting positive selection method. HSPCs (CD34+) were cultured by using 5 cytokines, stem cell factor (SCF), granulocyte macrophages-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), Fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT-3) and erythropoietin (EPO), in 4 different combinations along with supplements, in serum-free culture media for 21 days. Cell viability continued to be greater than 90% throughout 21 days of culture. The cells expanded best in a combination of media, supplements and 5 cytokines, namely SCF, FLT-3, IL6, EPO and GM-CSF to yield a large number of total (CD34+ & CD34-) cells. Even though the total number of nucleated cells increased in culture significantly, levels of CD34 antigen expression declined steadily over this period.
Gene activated scaffolds incorporating star-shaped polypeptide-pDNA nanomedicines accelerate bone tissue regenerationin vivo
Authors: Walsh David P. , Raftery Rosanne M. , Murphy Robert , Chen Gang , Heise Andreas , O'Brien Fergal J. , Cryan Sally-Ann
Published: June 2021

Gene activated scaffolds incorporating star-shaped polypeptide-pDNA nanomedicines accelerate bone tissue regenerationin vivo.
A flexible microfluidic strategy to generate grooved microfibers for guiding cell alignment
Authors: Zhao Mengqian , Liu Haitao , Zhang Xu , Wang Hui , Tao Tingting , Qin Jianhua
Published: June 2021

A flexible microfluidic strategy to generate grooved microfibers relies on in situ gelling of different concentrations of alginate as anisotropic scaffolds for guiding cell alignment.
Substantiation of the method ensuring the safe development of the pit reserves of kimberlite ore deposits in the conditions of the Udachny mine
Authors: Anisimov K. A. , Zubov V. P.
Published: June 2021

The paper discusses the features of the development of pit reserves of the Udachnaya diamondiferous pipe which consists of two closely spaced ore bodies under the protection of a moving ore-rock massif (a safety cushion). Low stability of the rock massif located between the ore bodies is indicated. Such low stability is caused by the presence of areas of increased intensity of fracturing and low coherence zones in the massif; it is also caused by the mutual impact of mining operations carried out in closely located ore bodies. A conclusion is made about the danger of collapse of sizeable rock blocks from the edge zones of the rock massif located between the ore bodies onto the safety cushion. In this case, individual rock blocks can be 0.4-0.6 tons or more, the drop height is up to 600-700 m. Impact blows on the safety cushion when rock blocks collapse onto it can cause a disruption of underground mine workings stability and occurrence of dangerous pressure drops at the outlet of air waves from the safety cushion into the underground mine workings. A method for preventing dangerous impact blows is proposed, which consists in the forced collapse (with certain parameters) of the edge part of the rock massif located between the ore bodies, onto the safety cushion.
Geochemical characteristics of bottom sediments of Lake Onega
Authors: Valieva E.I. , Poludetkina E.N. , Vidishcheva O.N. , Mirinets A.K. , Rybalko A.E.
Published: June 2021

The subject of this article represents results of scientific studies in 2018–2019. The studies indicate that the phenomena of gas saturation of bottom sediments are often observed within the Lake Onega. Basically, this occurs in the mouths, while in the open part of the lake the degree of gas saturation of the sediments is incomparably less. According to the geo-chemical studies, numerous signs confirmed the predominantly biogenic origin of gases.
Relationship between water quality assessment and phytoplankton community structure of M River in Shijiazhuang City
Authors: Zhang Ziqi , Yang Lei , Duan Zemeng , Shen Hongyan
Published: June 2021

On the basis of the “Environmental quality standard for surface water” (GB 3838-2002) in China, eight water quality indexes were measured in M River, including pH, water temperature (T), transparency (SD), dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical needs Oxygen (COD), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP). Using the single factor index method, it is concluded that the water pollution of M River is serious and the water quality is beyond Grade V of water environment standard. Moreover some indexes of the water quality meet with the standard level, including COD, NH3-N, TN and TP. The Pearson correlation analysis is conducted between water quality indexes and phytoplankton community parameters. After phytoplankton qualitative and quantitative analysis, the phytoplankton community characteristics in Minxin River were analyzed by Dominance index (Y), Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’), Margalef Species diversity index (d) and Pielou evenness index (J). H’ and TN was a significant positive correlation (r = 0.923, P <0.05); J and COD was a significant positive correlation (r = 0.918, P <0.05); There was a very significant negative correlation between d and water temperature (T), COD, NH3-N, TN (r =-0.881, P <0.01; r =-0.983, P <0.01; r =-0.893, P <0.01; r=-0.962, P<0.01). The result of the research indicates that T, COD, NH3-N and TN are main water quality indexes affecting phytoplankton community structure.
Inter-sectoral CO2 flows implied in trade for Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Zhu Ying , Cui Tianhao , Liu Yanzheng , Yang Shizhong , Du Hongxia
Published: June 2021

The transfer of carbon dioxide (CO2) implied in inter-sectoral trade is significantly affecting the process of reducing CO2 emissions in China. This phenomenon also affects Zhejiang Province, which has the top five GDP in China. In this study, a universal modeling system is developed to clarify CO2 emission reduction responsibilities and visualize relationships of each pair of transfers in Zhejiang Province. The system includes “three modules”, namely input-output module, CO2 emission factor module and ecological network module. The proposed modelling system is employed for sectors of Zhejiang province. Research results demonstrate that industry should assume more responsibility for emission reduction; the existing development models of various industries need to be further adjusted. Achievements of this research will provide a scientific reference and a strong basis for decision-makers to formulate reasonable emission reduction policies in Zhejiang Province.
Numerical simulation of explosive properties of ethylene-air in flameproof enclosure with interconnected structure under pressure piling
Authors: Li Dong , Dai Shijie , Meng Xue
Published: June 2021

In order to investigate explosive properties of ethylene-air premixed gas in flameproof enclosure with interconnected structure under pressure piling, a 161.5 mm × 161.5 mm × 250 mm cylindrical flameproof enclosure and a 161.5 mm × 161.5 mm × 500 mm cylindrical flameproof enclosure connected by a partition with a hole (inner diameter of 15 mm) were studied. A mathematical model of the fluid dynamics combustion reaction was selected to perform numerical simulations of this structure using the finite volume method. Numerical simulations revealed that under pressure piling, the maximum explosion pressure in Cavity B was significantly higher than that in Cavity A; the maximum rate of explosion pressure rise in Cavity B was significantly higher than that in Cavity A; combustion rate of combustible gas in Cavity B was much higher than that in Cavity A. Results of the study have practical and theoretical significance for the design and installation of flameproof enclosures.
Research on heating technology of regenerative oxidation used low concentration CBM in small coal mine
Authors: Wang Jian-Jun
Published: June 2021

Aiming at the problems such as low CBM utilization rate caused by low concentration CBM with methane content less than 8% extracted from a small coal mine in Hancheng mining area, Shaanxi Province, and serious environmental pollution caused by coal-fired hot blast stove for heating, the heat storage and oxidation heating technology of ultra-low concentration gas in small coal mine was studied by combining field investigation and heat balance calculation, and ultra-low concentration gas regenerative oxidation was obtained through thermal oxidation technology scheme. This technology replaces the coal-fired hot blast stove, realizes “coal and CBM mining and sharing” in the coal mine, and constructs a virtuous cycle development of “promoting drainage by using and promoting safety by drainage”. The research shows that: the scheme improves the utilization rate of CBM in the mining area, cancels the consumption of coal combustion, and can use 2.59 million Nm3 of pure CBM every year, generating 1.95 million yuan of economic benefits. And the emissions reduction of CO2 equivalent is 36000 tons. The benefits of safety, economy and environmental protection are remarkable. This technology is especially suitable for the utilization of ultra-low concentration CBM whose concentration is less than 8%, which has practical significance to improve the CBM utilization rate and promote the realization of the goal of “zero emission”.
Study on the Application of New Materials in Chemical Protective Clothing
Authors: Xuezhi Dai , Jingkai Xu
Published: June 2021

It is necessary to protect the safety of people in certain occupations where they might be exposed to hazardous chemicals. This review provided an overview of chemical protective clothing, along with its necessity during industrial and military operations as well as in response to acts of terror. Moreover, chemical protection or barrier suits are illustrated and explained including their types, selection processes based on chemical hazards, working environments, and various materials available for the fabrication of effective barrier clothing. Additionally, the current research gaps were elucidated in this review, so as the challenges facing recently developed chemical protective clothing, and relevant research are compiled onto a single platform. Moreover, the future development trend of chemical protective equipment based on new materials and technologies was also explored and analyzed.
Multi-response optimization in wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) of D2steel using utility approach
Authors: Nayak Ipsita , Rana Jaydev
Published: June 2021

Wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) is a popular non-conventional machining process used particularly for making extrusion dies, blanking punches, and tools especially requiring tight dimensional tolerances. Because of the process limitation, the rate of cutting and maintenance of close dimensional tolerance is a challenging task. Given the above facts, the present work has been focused on achieving the maximum possible cutting rate (VC) maintaining good dimensional accuracy and corner radius (RC). In the present research work, a multi-response optimization method (i.e. Taguchi based Utility approach) has been used to obtain an optimum set of input parameters such as pulse on time (TON), pulse off time (TOFF), servo voltage (SV), and wire feed rate (WF) resulting into a best overall cutting performance. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is also used to find out the significant effect of each machining parameter on the cutting performance. The analysis reported in this paper will be helpful for industry personnel to select the best set of process parameters for achieving a good result without the use of any software or statistical analysis.
Adrenal Hemangioma: A Common Tumor at Uncommon Site
Authors: Asnani Ritu , Hosapatna Laxminarayana Kishan Prasad , Kaliyat Sajitha , Bhagvan Kalale R. , Bhat Praveen Kumar R. , Goel Shreya
Published: June 2021

Adrenal hemangiomas are rare vascular tumors. These are benign, mostly nonfunctioning and asymptomatic. Cavernous adrenal hemangiomas are more common in the elderly, with female preponderance. A computed tomography (CT) scan can diagnose their benign nature. Most cases are managed surgically, and laparoscopy is the most common approach followed nowadays.

A young female presented with nausea, pain, and a vague mass palpable in the right abdomen. With CT findings favoring benign lesion or nonfunctioning adenoma but symptomatic, the patient had to undergo diagnostic laparoscopy and adrenalectomy. Adrenal hemangiomas are rare lesions. Moreover, involving a young female further makes their diagnosis difficult. Hence, they must be kept as one of the differential diagnosis in evaluation of adrenal mass in young females.
Lacking character? A policy analysis of environmental watering of Ramsar wetlands in the Murray–Darling Basin, Australia
Authors: Kirsch Erin , Colloff Matthew J. , Pittock Jamie
Published: May 2021

Freshwater ecosystems are among the most vulnerable and endangered in the world, facing continued uncertainty under climate change, development of water resources and land use change. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (1971) is one of the longest-standing international agreements on biodiversity conservation. Its central objective is the maintenance of the ecological character of Wetlands of International Importance and the wise use of all wetlands. Here, we examine how the maintenance of ecological character has been addressed in Australia as part of the Murray–Darling Basin Plan, one of the most ambitious water reform programs to be undertaken globally and intended to restore water from irrigated agriculture to the environment. We analyse policy and planning documents from Commonwealth and state jurisdictions on the management of environmental water. Despite stated objectives to conserve Ramsar wetlands in the Basin Plan, we found a pattern of complex and convoluted arrangements for delivering environmental water to Ramsar wetlands and a lack of transparency and accountability about how Ramsar obligations are considered within each jurisdiction. We conclude that consideration of the ecological character of Ramsar wetlands has been marginalised by governments when managing environmental water, despite the statutory requirements to maintain these wetlands.
Calonectria pseudonaviculata (Buxus blight).
Authors:   USA, USDA-ARS
Published: May 2021

C. pseudonaviculata is an asexual species in a genus of common ascomycete plant pathogens. It was identified relatively recently in the UK, as an introduced species causing a devastating shoot blight of boxwood [Buxus spp.] plants that are commonly used in gardens and landscaping. The full extent of its host range is not known, but Buxus spp. from different continents were found to be susceptible (Henricot et al., 2008). It was placed on the EPPO Alert list in 2004, as it appeared to be spreading to the mainland (EPPO, 2009a), and removed from the list in 2008. This pathogen has been reported from additional European countries in recent years, and may have been transported in asymptomatic infected plants or propagating materials. It survives well in plant debris and probably also in soil.
Dacus ciliatus (lesser pumpkin fly).
Authors: Carvalho Ana Larcher
Published: May 2021

D. ciliatus is a major pest of a wide range of Cucurbitaceae in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Adult flight and fruit transport are major means of dispersal. It may cause indirect economic impact on exports and could become a serious pest if introduced in the USA. It is an EPPO A1 quarantine pest within the category 'non-European Trypetidae' and is also of quarantine significance to CPPC (Caribbean Plant Protection Commission). Demographics, the main component of competition for fly species, have only been studied for this species by Vayssières et al. (2008). Compared to Bactrocera cucurbitae, it has longer egg incubation and immature stages, both disadvantages when competing for the same habitat. Preference for certain hosts allows D. ciliatus to enhance its biotic potential and maintain low population levels when competing with the melon fly, especially at low altitudes. D. ciliatus could colonize low temperature areas, as has been the case in Mediterranean areas. D. ciliatus seems less wiling to exploit new hosts compared to B. cucurbitae.
Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum (Fusarium wilt).
Authors: Isakeit Thomas
Published: May 2021

F. oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum causes significant crop losses in several of the main cotton-producing countries. The disease is widespread in the USA, the former Soviet Union (Menlikiev, 1962) and China. In Africa, Tanzania is the worst affected country (Hillocks, 1981). Although losses nationally may not be great, estimated for instance at 0.2% for the whole of the USA in 1989 (Blasingame, 1990), losses are much greater in localized areas and for individual farmers in areas where the disease is endemic. The presence of a pathogen in a field can exclude the planting of a variety with desirable agronomic characteristics (.e.g. yield) if it is susceptible to the pathogen.
Kuehneola uredinis (cane and leaf rust).
Authors: Karsli Ayşegül , Tezcan Himmet
Published: May 2021

Kuehneola uredinis is a fungal pathogen that causes cane and leaf rust only in Rubus cultivars, or wild and ornamental blackberry species. It can be highly destructive, especially on susceptible blackberry and Rubus hybrid cultivars, but rarely occurs on red and black raspberry (Ellis et al., 1991). Although the disease is not systemic, severe infection can cause premature defoliation and a decrease in cane vigour, making plants more susceptible to winter conditions and resulting in economic loss (Converse, 1966). Dispersal of the pathogen occurs on blackberry and hybrid Rubus cultivars, and wild blackberries in production areas worldwide. The fungus overwinters either as aecial urediniospores or mycelium in the canes and wet conditions favour disease dispersal (Laundon and Rainbow, 1969). K. uredinis is not included in quarantine lists (USDA, 2017; EPPO, 2019). There is interest in K. uredinis as a biocontrol agent due to its destructive effect on some invasive wild blackberry species, e.g., Rubus penetrans (Gardner and Hodges, 1983).
Moniliophthora roreri (frosty pod rot).
Authors: Krauss Ulrike
Published: May 2021

The invasive basidiomycete pathogen M. roreri originated in Western Colombia/Ecuador. In recent years it has expanded its range in South America (Peru, Venezuela and Bolivia) and throughout Mesoamerica as far as Mexico. Africa, Asia and insular Caribbean are still free of this pathogen. M. roreri causes the devastating frosty pod rot of cocoa (Theobroma cacao), a disease that commonly reduces yields by over 80% within a few years of pathogen establishment. The severe losses, and occassionally complete crop failure, frequently render cocoa production economically unfeasible. The results are loss of livelihoods and abandonment and conversion of the affected agroforests to less environmentally sustainable uses, with secondary effects ranging from habitat loss for wildlife, fragmentation of forested landscapes and soil erosion. It is therefore imperative that the introduction of the pathogen to additional cocoa-producing regions is prevented. These include the insular Caribbean, the Guyanas and Brazil in the Americas, as well as the bulk-cocoa producing continents, Africa and Asia (Krauss, 2010).
Oidium mangiferae (powdery mildew of mango).
Authors: Brooks Sue
Published: May 2021

Oidium mangiferae is a serious disease of mango and can cause extremely high reductions in yield, mainly as a result of blossom infection (Joubert et al., 1993). Powdery mildew is widespread in India, where it causes significant crop losses; Prakash and Srivastava (1987) reported losses of 30-90% in Lucknow. In China the disease reduces yields by 20-30% (Li GuiZhen et al., 2003). Losses of 80-90% have been reported in South Africa (Brodrick, 1971; Kotze, 1985), while losses of up to 20% have been recorded in Florida in some seasons (Cook, 1975).
Olivea tectonae (teak rust).
Authors:   USA, USDA-ARS
Published: May 2021

There is little published information on this plant pathogenic fungus, which has limited geographic distribution. As hosts exist in other regions of the world with similar environmental conditions, this species may pose a threat to native or agricultural plants if introduced.
Potato spindle tuber viroid (spindle tuber of potato).
Authors: Verhoeven J. Th. J.
Published: May 2021

Several reports attribute losses in potato yield to infection by PSTVd. Le Clerg et al. (1944) determined the effect of different amounts of PSTVd on yield of marketable tubers. In 31 trials with five varieties in several states of the USA, a 4% level of infection resulted in a loss of marketable tubers of 2.6%, which includes effects on the yield and market quality of the crop. Up to 24% reductions in tuber yield have been reported in cultivar Saco infected with mild strains of PSTVd (Singh et al., 1971). However, the severe strain reduced the yield by up to 64%. Estimates of up to 4.6% incidence in cultivar Russet Burbank were observed. On the basis of a number of factors, Singh et al. (1971) estimated an overall loss of 1% of the potato crop. Studies by Pfannenstiel and Slack (1980) showed that reduction of tuber weight depended on the potato cultivar and the length of time they were infected with PSTVd. There was a significant decrease in tuber weight per plant from the first to the third year that the tubers were infected.
Thanatephorus cucumeris (many names, depending on host).
Authors: Back Matthew
Published: May 2021

Introduction: T. cucumeris is a pathogen with a worldwide distribution and in Japan alone T. cucumeris is reported to infect 35 orders, 52 families, 125 genera and 142 species of plant (Ogoshi, 1996). Yield and economic losses caused by T. cucumeris have not been determined in the majority of crops and environments. The most comprehensive estimates of losses are available for Rhizoctonia bare patch of wheat in Australia, sheath blight of rice in Asia and cotton seedling disease in the USA. The remainder of the reports cited are for only a few crops in selected regions and in selected years.
Xylella fastidiosa (Pierce's disease of grapevines).
Authors: Robinson Rebekah
Published: May 2021

Xylella fastidiosa has a wide plant host range and spectrum of insect species capable of serving as vectors which should increase the bacterium's invasiveness and make it difficult to prevent introduction via live plants from the tropical or subtropical Americas. The spread of phony disease of peach within the south-eastern USA from the 1890s until about 1930 and of citrus variegated chlorosis disease of orange throughout Brazil in the 1990s indicates that new strains of X. fastidiosa have the potential to spread over a few years to cause increasing damage. Intersubspecific homologous recombination of strains is implicated in the potential for invasion of new host plants (Nunney et al., 2014). X. fastidiosa represents a very serious threat for the EPPO region. In 2013 the bacterium was reported causing serious damage to olive trees in Puglia, Italy. It was also detected in numerous other host plants (mainly ornamentals). Colonisation of a host with X. fastidiosa does not always equate to disease development and an endophytic life stage has been suggested (Chatterjee et al., 2008). These non-symptomatic hosts and hosts which are slow to develop symptoms can limit the effectiveness of quarantine procedures and may provide a reservoir for maintenance of the pathogen in the wider environment. According to the EFSA Panel on Plant Health (European Food Safety Authority, 2015), establishment and spread of X. fastidiosa in the EU is very likely. The consequences are considered to be major because yield losses and other damage would be high and require costly control measures. X. fastidiosa is included in the EPPO A1 list of pests recommended for regulation as quarantine pests. Among potential insect vectors, only Homalodisca vitripennis, Xyphon fulgida, Draeculacephala minerva and Graphocephala atropunctata are also listed in the EPPO A1 list. The European Food Safety Authority suggests that all xylem sap feeder insects should be regarded as potential vectors of X. fastidiosa. Elbeaino et al. (2014b) detected X. fastidiosa in the phloem feeder Euscelis lineolatus in Italy, suggesting that potential vectors may include phloem feeding insects. Further studies are needed to confirm transmission in E. lineolatus. Newly introduced isolates of X. fastidiosa are likely to be transmitted by endemic vector species even without the introduction of non-native vectors (Almeida et al., 2005).In summary, X. fastidiosa may have the potential to invade agro-ecosystems in Mediterranean regions wherever suitable vectors (overwintering in the adult stage and thus able to inoculate vines during spring) are endemic or become established. The same may be true for tropical-subtropical Asia and Africa.
The existing forms of Zr in Mg-Zn-Zr magnesium alloys and its grain refinement mechanism
Authors: Xing Fangjing , Guo Feng , Su Juan , Zhao Xueping , Cai Huisheng
Published: June 2021

The formation of the Zr-containing phases during the solidification of Mg-Zn-Zr alloy is simulated, the structure of the Zr-containing compounds and the solid solution amount of Zr in α-Mg solid solution as well as the grain size of the as-cast alloy are measured. Based on this, the existing form of Zr element in Mg-Zn-Zr alloy and its action mechanism of grain refinement are discussed. The results show that either α-Zr or α-Mg solid solution precipitates first from melt of Mg-Zn-Zr alloy at the beginning of solidification due to the different Zr content, then some Zn-Zr phases with different Zn/Zr atomic ratios form in the alloy melt during solidification. The Zr element in Mg-Zn-Zr alloy mainly exists in the form of compounds, its solid solution amount in α-Mg is not large and is inhibited by Zn element. The Zr in Mg-Zn-Zr alloy has the effect to refine grain, the reason is that the α-Zr phase and α-Mg formed by peritectic reaction or α-Mg formed from Zr atomic clusters can be used as the nucleus of subsequent α-Mg crystals. In addition, the Zr-containing compound formed during solidification can prevent the growth of grains, the enrichment of Zr in the crystallization front can also promote nucleation by component undercooling.