bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication, Characterization, and Corrosion Protection of Siloxane Coating on an Oxygen Plasma Pre-treated Silver-Copper Alloy
Authors: El-Moaz Yasmin A. , Mohamed Wafaa A. , Rifai Mai M. , Morgan Nasser N. , Metwally Khaled H. , Abdel Ghany Nabil A.
Published: March 2023

In this study, siloxane has been used for the protection of metal artifacts from corrosion in the form of transparent barrier coating films because of their good adhesion to the metal substrate. The effect of oxygen plasma pre-treatment on the adhesion properties of the siloxane thin film on the silver-copper alloy substrate was investigated. Radiofrequency plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (RF-PECVD) was used for the deposition process. Surface identification and characterization of the deposited films were carried out using Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Surface topography and roughness were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The hydrophobic characteristic was measured by water contact angle measurement (WCA). The film thickness was evaluated using a spectroscopic ellipsometer (SE). Colorimetric measurement (CM) was used to evaluate changes in the appearance of the surface following the PECVD deposition of the SiO2 protective layer. The corrosion protection ability of siloxane films for metal substrates as a function of RF power and gas feed composition was examined by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique. It was found that the deposited film improved the protective efficiency for samples from 55.29 to 92.93%. Besides, after the oxygen plasma pretreatment step, the film showed better corrosion resistance of the tested samples.
Optimization of nickel catalyst loading in Ni/γAl2O3 for producing carbon nanotubes through natural gas decomposition
Authors: Abdel-Fatah Mona A. , Bazedi Gh. Al , Amin Ashraf
Published: March 2023

Carbon nanotubes can be produced at high quality through hydrocarbon catalytic decomposition. In addition, hydrogen can be produced as a valuable byproduct at a competitive price. In this article, the loading of the active phase in the decomposition catalyst is optimized using natural gas as a widely available hydrocarbon. Natural gas decomposition was investigated using different nickel loadings. Natural gas decomposition, as a widely available hydrocarbon, is investigated by manipulating nickel loading to optimize the loading of the active phase in the decomposition catalyst.

Optimizing the catalyst loading can achieve higher quality and yield of carbon nanotube. In addition, a higher carbon nanotube yield will maximize hydrogen production. Increasing the quality of produced carbon and the amount of hydrogen will improve the overall process economics. Nickel is a highly active catalyst for natural gas decomposition and has a higher carbon affinity compared to other metallic catalysts. Different nickel loadings were tested for natural gas decomposition. Optimization was used to calculate the optimum nickel loading based on the experimental results. The optimum nickel loading over alumina was 12.5%. The economic analysis of the process indicated that the optimum nickel loading is 30%.
The escape of alien species from botanical gardens: a new example from Ukraine
Authors: Konaikova Valeriia , Peregrym Mykyta
Published: March 2023

The spontaneous appearance of the annual plant, Veronica cardiocarpa Walp. (Plantaginaceae), from Central and Minor Asia was recorded in the O.V. Fomin Botanical Garden of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv in 1983 as a result of unintentional introduction. It was the first documented occurrence outside of its natural range. V. cardiocarpa has been widespread within the Botanical Garden since 2007, and the first location outside the Botanical Garden was discovered in 2010. Later, the presence of V. cardiocarpa was noted in Chernihiv, as well as new locations in Kyiv. This species has become a new invasive plant of the flora of Ukraine, because it occupies new areas and shows high seed productivity. Additionally, V. cardiocarpa has high seed germination under certain conditions that were established during our experiment, consisting of four variants and a control. The conditions of the second variant—cold stratification with low positive temperatures for two months and germination of seeds at + 18–20 °C—were the most favourable—49 ± 4.36% germinated seeds began to appear on the third day after completion of stratification. Moreover, some indirect facts show that V. cardiocarpais is already deeply integrated in local urban ecosystems. Therefore, the main stages of the adaptation and spreading of V. cardiocarpa have been studied and described in Ukraine in this research. Information about a new location of this species in the Russian Federation significantly changed the understanding of V. cardiocarpa distribution in Eastern Europe. Finally, in this article, we discuss the important matter of dealing with the V. cardiocarpa invasion, and some approaches to prevent similar cases of the new alien species penetration through collections of botanical gardens and arboreta.
Supporting mathematics and science teachers in implementing intercultural learning
Authors: Sorge Stefan , Doorman Michiel , Maass Katja , Straser Oliver , Hesse Alice , Jonker Vincent , Wijers Monica
Published: March 2023

Our current multicultural societies require that education addresses diversity and promotes cultural awareness and intercultural learning. Mathematics and science education can also contribute to this aspect of citizenship education and create a culture of belonging for all students. Professional development that integrates intercultural learning with educational practices is still uncommon in the field of science and mathematics teacher preparation and support. This study explores the possibilities to support science and mathematics teachers in implementing intercultural learning through a professional development course. The course was developed in a European setting, based on a theoretical analysis, and tried out with 319 teachers from six participating countries. The impact of the course on teachers’ take up of intercultural learning was measured with a pre-post questionnaire. We found that the course strengthened teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs and extended their teaching practices with opportunities created by cultural diversity among their students or in their subjects. In addition to that, teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs and the perceived cultural diversity in class appeared to be influencing factors for teachers’ practices. Based on our findings we recommend that the combination of intercultural learning with educational practices of mathematics and science might be a suitable gateway to provide new intercultural learning opportunities for students.
A new efficiency calibration methodology for different atmospheric filter geometries by using coaxial Ge detectors
Authors: Barba-Lobo A. , Bolívar J. P.
Published: March 2023

The study of the different pollutants present in atmospheric aerosols such as trace elements and radionuclides is essential to assess the air quality. To analyze the particulate matter (PM), atmospheric filters with different dimensions and geometries (rectangular, circular, slotted, and square filters) are usually employed. Regarding the pollutants existing in atmospheric aerosols, radionuclides are usually analyzed due to their multiple applications such as either in the environmental radiological control or as tracers of atmospheric processes. Therefore, this study aims to develop a new and general methodology to calibrate in efficiency coaxial Ge detectors to properly determine radionuclides present in the PM by gamma-ray spectrometry for several filter types. For this, granular certified reference materials (CRM) containing only natural radionuclides (238U-series, 232Th-series, and 40 K) were selected. Several granular solid CRMs were chosen allowing us to reproduce the same PM deposition geometry and to assure the homogeneity of the added CRMs. These are the main advantages in relation to the typical methods that use liquid CRMs. Furthermore, for filters whose surfaces are relatively large, they were cut in several pieces and placed one on top of the other, achieving the same geometry than the PM deposited onto the filter. Then, the experimental full-energy peak efficiencies (FEPEs) were obtained for each energy of interest (Eγ) and they were fitted versus Eγ, finding a general FEPE function for each filter type. Finally, this methodology was validated for both natural and artificial radionuclides (from 46 to 1332 keV) by using different filter types employed in proficiency test exercises, obtaining |zscore|< 2 for all cases.
Comparative Study of Cinnamon and Paprika Oleoresins Encapsulated by Spray Chilling and Particles from Gas Saturated Solutions Techniques: Evaluation of Physical Characteristics and Oleoresins Release in Food Simulated Media
Authors: Procopio Fernanda Ramalho , Klettenhammer Stefan , Ferrentino Giovanna , Scampicchio Matteo , do Amaral Sobral Paulo José , Hubinger Miriam Dupas
Published: March 2023

In this study, cinnamon and paprika oleoresins were encapsulated by two technologies, respectively, spray chilling and particles from gas saturated solutions. Both technologies used palm oil as wall materials. The physical characteristics of the microparticles were compared as well as the oleoresins release behavior in high- and low-fat simulated food media. The spray chilling microparticles had an average diameter of 143.7 ± 1.5 µm, spherical shape, smooth surface, and passable flow property. In contrast, microparticles obtained by particles from gas saturated solutions (PGSS) showed an average diameter of 105.7 ± 0.6 µm, irregular shape, porous surface, poor flow property but higher encapsulation efficiency. In evaluating the compounds released in a simulated food medium, the spray chilling particles delivered 30.7%, while PGSS reached 23.1% after 1 h. Both microparticles well fitted the Kosmeyer-Peppas (R2 = 0.98 and 0.96 for spray chilling and PGSS) and Peppas-Sahlin models (R2 = 0.98 and 0.97 for spray chilling and PGSS). However, spray chilling microparticles showed a diffusion mechanism, while for PGSS ones erosion was the main mechanism. Despite the different physical characteristics, both microparticles proved to be possible facilitators in delivering oleoresins in food products.
Inorganic and Organic Selenium Speciation of Seleno-Yeasts Used as Feed Additives: New Insights from Elemental Selenium Determination
Authors: Hachemi Mohammed A. , Cardoso Denise , De Marco Michele , Geraert Pierre-André , Briens Mickael
Published: March 2023

Seleno-Yeasts
(SY) used as feed additives are known to contain different Selenium (Se) species. Seleno-Yeasts has been shown, on previous analytical methods, to contain selenomethionine (SeMet), selenocysteine (SeCys), selenate (SeIV) and selenite (SeVI), and various other organic and inorganic Se forms identified but rarely quantified. A new advanced method has allowed elemental Se (Se0), an inorganic Se species, to be quantified, thereby obtaining better insight into the proportion of inorganic Se in SY products. The study aimed to quantify the Se0 in SY products and assess the proportion of inorganic Se in SY. The Se speciation of 13 fresh commercials SY from different suppliers and batches, was assayed for the total Se, inorganic Se species (SeIV, SeVI and Se0), and organic Se species (SeMet and SeCys). Results on total Se were in line with the expected Se concentrations for all evaluated samples. The proportion of Se present as Se0 ranged from 3.6% to 51.8%. The quantity of Se0 in the SY products, added to SeIV and SeVI, indicated an average proportion of inorganic Se of 14.2% for the 13 analyzed SY products. The proportion of Se as SeMet ranged from 19.0% to 71.8%, (average of 55.8%), and a large variability in the SeMet content was observed. The SeCys content was also variable, with an average of 3.8%, relative to the total Se. In conclusion, advances in the analytical characterization have revealed that SY products can have a significantly high proportion of inorganic Se, which could affect the bioavailability of Se from SY supplements and explain their variable and lower bio-efficacy than pure SeMet supplements, such as hydroxy-selenomethionine.
Penetration performance of protective materials from crossbow attack: a preliminary study
Authors: Read James , Hazael Rachael , Critchley Richard
Published: March 2023

Crossbow-related injuries resulting in serious and mortal consequences have increased in recent years, and although significant research exists for both injury and fatality on the human body, limited data exists on the lethality of the bolt and the failure modes of protective materials. This paper concerns itself with the experimental validation of four differing crossbow bolt geometries, their effects on material failure and potentially lethality. During this study, four different types of crossbow bolt geometries were tested against two protection mechanisms that differed in mechanical properties, geometry, mass and size. The results show that at 67 ms−1, ogive, field and combo tips do not provide lethal effect at 10-m range, whilst a broadhead tip will perforate both the para-aramid and a reinforced area of polycarbonate material consisting of two 3-mm plates at 63–66 ms−1. Although perforation was apparent with a more honed tip geometry, the chain mail layering within the para-aramid protection and friction caused by polycarbonate petalling on the arrow body reduced the velocity enough to demonstrate the materials under test are effective at withstanding crossbow attack. Subsequent calculation of the maximum velocity that arrows could achieve if fired from the crossbow within this study shows results close to the overmatch value of each material and therefore a requirement to advance the knowledge in this field to influence the development of more effective armour protection mechanisms.
COVID-19 vaccine-associated myositis: a comprehensive review of the literature driven by a case report
Authors: Syrmou Vasiliki , Liaskos Christos , Ntavari Niki , Mitsimponas Konstantinos , Simopoulou Theodora , Alexiou Ioannis , Vlychou Marianna , Katsiari Christina G. , Bogdanos Dimitrios P.
Published: March 2023

Several cases of vaccine-associated manifestations have been published including cases of inflammatory myositis. Herein, we comprehensively review the literature on the occasion of case of a woman with inflammatory myositis following COVID-19 vaccination. A 67-year-old woman presented with left arm edema, rash, and weakness after the 2nd dose of the BTN162b2 vaccine. Raised muscle enzymes and inflammatory markers with muscle edema on MRI and myositis findings on the electromyogram established the diagnosis. She was successfully treated with methylprednisolone pulses, intravenous immunoglobulin, methotrexate, and hydroxychloroquine. Cases of inflammatory myositis, dermatomyositis, or interstitial lung disease with myositis-specific autoantibodies or myositis-associated autoantibodies within 12 weeks from SARS-CoV-2 vaccination were included. Cases with malignancy, prior or subsequent COVID-19 infection, preexisting myositis/interstitial lung disease (ILD)/dermatomyositis (DM), or other connective tissue diseases were excluded. From our search, 49 cases were identified (mean age: 56.55 + 17.17 years), 59% were women, while 12 patients received the ChAdOx1 vaccine, 27 the BNT162b2, 8 the mRNA-1273, 1 the DB15806, and 1 the Ad26.COV2.S (overall, 70% received mRNA vaccines). Muscle involvement was the most common manifestation (79.5%), followed by skin involvement (53%) and ILD (34.6%), which were more common in the m-RNA vaccinees. Muscle biopsy, MRI findings, and autoantibody profile varied significantly, while successful immunosuppressive treatment was applied in most cases. Inflammatory myositis after COVID-19 vaccination has been well documented worldwide. Current evidence in support of a pathogenic link is challenging due to significant variation in clinical manifestations, radiological, histopathological, and immunological features.
mir-98-5p regulates gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis by targeting PPP1R15B in hepatocytes
Authors: Khan Rukshar , Verma Amit Kumar , Datta Malabika
Published: March 2023

Several reports suggest that circulatory miRNAs are deregulated in diverse diseases and used as markers for disease diagnosis and prognosis. Here we show that miR-98-5p, that is down-regulated in the circulation during diabetes, regulates hepatic gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis by targeting PPP1R15B. miR-98-5p overexpression significantly decreased the transcript and protein levels of PPP1R15B in hepatic HepG2 cells and increased p-eIF2α expression and these were prevented in the presence of its inhibitor. Two major hepatic hallmarks during diabetes i.e. hepatic lipid accumulation and glucose output were explored towards physiological relevance. As compared to scramble, overexpression of miR-98-5p decreased the transcript levels of both gluconeogenic and lipogenic genes together with a significant reduction in hepatic glucose production and fat accumulation in HepG2 cells. Using PASTAA to detect common transcription factors regulating these altered genes, CREB emerged as the most significantly enriched transcription factor. While miR-98-5p overexpression did not change the transcript levels of CREB, there was a significant change in its protein levels. While similar effects on gluconeogenic and lipogenic gene expression were detected using the PPP1R15B siRNA, the opposite was observed in the presence of miR-98-5p inhibitor alone. All these suggest that by targeting PPP1R15B, miR-98-5p regulates hepatic steatosis and glucose output; deregulation of which are characteristic hepatic features during diabetes. Therapeutic intervention of the miR-98/PPP1R15B axis might offer a potential strategy to target aberrant hepatic metabolism during diabetes.

Graphical Abstract
City Streets and Disco Beats: Recentring the Urban in Queer and Trans Migration Studies
Authors: Marnell John
Published: March 2023

The last decade has seen significant scholarly interest in the cross-border movements of LGBTQ Africans. This work has helped spotlight the unique protection challenges facing these individuals, as well as the failure of governments, humanitarian bodies and UN agencies to provide adequate and appropriate support. However, by focusing so pointedly on the macro level, this scholarship overlooks key social and spatial dynamics. In this commentary, I reflect on what is lost when the urban is reduced to a narrative feature rather than a unit of analysis and show how (re)centring the urban can open up new avenues for theorising queer and trans displacement. Despite occupying tenuous social and legal positions, LGBTQ refugees continue to navigate and transform various urban locations. These everyday spatial negotiations deserve greater attention as they reveal much about how social exclusion operates, and is potentially resisted, in different moments and places.
Moving Beyond the Gay Metropolises: Lessons Learned from Stellenbosch
Authors: Visser Gustav
Published: March 2023

After roughly 20 years since the emergence of urban scholarship in same-sex sexualities in South Africa, it is worthwhile considering how some of the concerns that originally animated that scholarship have evolved and also how such concerns are today reflected differently away from primary cities (where much earlier research was conducted). In this commentary, I explore the unique history of Stellenbosch, a university town/secondary city 50 km away from Cape Town. Stellenbosch’s own unique history of—and recent developments with regard to—public (male) same-sex expression help set into relief earlier scholarship and also points towards some future research questions that may also be applicable elsewhere on the African continent. While, as made clear, Stellenbosch is in some key instances unique in terms of its sexualized and raced history both in South Africa and the wider continent, its position as what we might increasingly want to frame as a secondary city, its particular racial composition, and also its changing spaces of socio-sexual interaction since the COVID-19 pandemic gesture towards key areas of potentially generative wider research interest.
What Employers Mean When They Talk About Language Proficiency: a Civic Integration Policy Meets the Importance of Informal Skills
Authors: Kindt Marianne Takvam , Bjørnset Mathilde
Published: March 2023

In 2013, a Norwegian language test was made mandatory for immigrants participating in the Norwegian Introduction Programme (NIP). The rationale behind the law was that documented test scores would allow employers to better evaluate these jobseekers’ language skills, thereby helping reduce the employment gap between the immigrant and majority population. However, although previous research has found that mandated language classes have only a modest, if any, effect on labour force participation, a Norwegian study has identified a positive correlation between high scores on the Norwegian test and the probability of being employed. Whether this correlation is a result of the test diploma is, however, uncertain. In this paper, we investigate how employers in private, mostly service-oriented industries make use of the information they get through this documentation. Based on a unique linkage of two types of data sources—a survey experiment and interviews with employers—we find that the Norwegian test does not signal good Norwegian skills more clearly than a candidate’s self-assessment of their language level. We argue that this is related to a mismatch between the policy instrument’s focus on enhancing immigrants’ formal skills, on the one hand, and employers’ valuation of informal skills, on the other. We discuss these findings in light of notions about cultural cloning and homosocial reproduction. Rather than drawing on theories of discrimination to understand employers’ evaluations of immigrant job applicants, as is often done, we treat the test as an example of a larger societal change, the “civic turn”.
Students' goal orientations and their perceived peer relationships
Authors: Wolgast Anett , Keller-Schneider Manuela
Published: March 2023

The perception of positive social interactions is important for positive experiences in heterogeneous groups, cultural diversity and inclusion in educational contexts. Based on social-cognitive theories, findings on motivation in school are available from numerous studies. However, only few studies focus on longitudinal relationships between students’ mastery vs performance goal orientations and their later perception of peer relationships in school. Aim of the current research was to clarify the extent to which reciprocal effects exist between students’ mastery vs performance goal orientation and their perception of peer relationships. To test the assumed reciprocal effects, data from 204 primary school students (on average 11 years of age) of the longitudinal study RUMBA-S in Switzerland were analyzed using cross-lag structural-equation modeling. The results suggest a statistically significant effect of the students' mastery goal orientation on their later positive perception of peer relationships, but not vice versa. Thus, no other and no reciprocal relationships exist. Performance goal orientation is related to the perception of peer relationships. The results highlight the importance of students’ mastery goal orientation for their academic and social learning.
Twenty thousand leagues under plant biominerals: a deep learning implementation for automatic phytolith classification
Authors: Andriopoulou Nafsika C. , Petrakis Georgios , Partsinevelos Panagiotis
Published: March 2023

Phytoliths constitute microscopic SiO2-rich biominerals formed in the cellular system of many living plants and are often preserved in soils, sediments and artefacts. Their analysis contributes significantly to the identification and study of botanical remains in (paleo)ecological and archaeological contexts. Traditional identification and classification of phytoliths rely on human experience, and as such, an emerging challenge is to automatically classify them to enhance data homogeneity among researchers worldwide and facilitate reliable comparisons. In the present study, a deep artificial neural network (NN) is implemented under the objective to detect and classify phytoliths, extracted from modern wheat (Triticum spp.). The proposed methodology is able to recognise four phytolith morphotypes: (a) Stoma, (b) Rondel, (c) Papillate, and (d) Elongate dendritic. For the learning process, a dataset of phytolith photomicrographs was created and allocated to training, validation and testing data groups. Due to the limited size and low diversity of the dataset, an end-to-end encoder-decoder NN architecture is proposed, based on a pre-trained MobileNetV2, utilised for the encoder part and U-net, used for the segmentation stage. After the parameterisation, training and fine-tuning of the proposed architecture, it is capable to classify and localise the four classes of phytoliths in unknown images with high unbiased accuracy, exceeding 90%. The proposed methodology and corresponding dataset are quite promising for building up the capacity of phytolith classification within unfamiliar (geo)archaeological datasets, demonstrating remarkable potential towards automatic phytolith analysis.
Impact of the new ultra-high sensitivity mode in a long axial field-of-view PET/CT
Authors: Mingels Clemens , Weidner Sabine , Sari Hasan , Buesser Dorothee , Zeimpekis Konstantinos , Shi Kuangyu , Alberts Ian , Rominger Axel
Published: March 2023

Objective

Long axial field-of-view (LAFOV) PET/CT showed improved performance resulting from higher sensitivity. The aim was to quantify the impact of using the full acceptance angle (UHS) in image reconstructions with the Biograph Vision Quadra LAFOV PET/CT (Siemens Healthineers) compared to the limited acceptance angle (high sensitivity mode, HS).

Methods

38 oncological patients examined on a LAFOV Biograph Vision Quadra PET/CT were analysed. 15 patients underwent [18F]FDG-PET/CT, 15 patients underwent [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT, and 8 patients underwent [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC PET/CT. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and standardised uptake values (SUVmean/max/peak) were used to compare UHS and HS with different acquisition times.

Results

The SNR was significantly higher for UHS compared to HS over all acquisition times (SNR UHS/HS [18F]FDG: 1.35 ± 0.02, p < 0.001; [18F]PSMA-1007: 1.25 ± 0.02, p < 0.001; [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC: 1.29 ± 0.02, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

UHS showed significantly higher SNR opening the possibility of halving short acquisition times. This is of advantage in further reduction of whole-body PET/CT acquisition.
Unwanted Ingredients—Highly Specific and Sensitive Method for the Extraction and Quantification of PFAS in Everyday Foods
Authors: Roberts Joanne , McNaughtan Moyra , de las Heras Prieto Hector
Published: March 2023

Perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are anthropogenic substances and can only come from polluted sources. There are many classes of PFAS which can be transformed to perfluoalkyl carboxylic acids and perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids in the environment. Once they are in this form, they are environmentally mobile and extremely stable with half-lives of decades. These compounds are not innocuous and are implicated in causing many different diseases. In this publication, a method for the extraction and quantitation of perflurocarboxylic acids and perfluorosulfonic acids, using high-resolution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HRMS), is evaluated. A QuEChERS extraction method was performed on tomatoes, strawberries and milk purchased from different supermarkets on different days. Recoveries from milk and tomatoes were between 80 and 120%. Matrix effects were significant for strawberries and tomatoes and stable isotope internal standards were required to compensate. PFBA was found in all 3 food types. The total PFAS was 0.68 ng g−1 in milk, 0.20 ng g−1 in strawberries and 0.36 ng g−1 in tomatoes. This study demonstrates the importance of using a robust analytical method to investigate the PFAS content of complex food matrices and in particular the contribution of short-chain PFAS to overall dietary consumption.
Tandem Triacylglycerol (TAG) and PCA Adulteration Detection Approach for Avocado Oil
Authors: Green Hilary S. , Wang Selina C.
Published: March 2023

Traditional methods used to determine oil purity like fatty acids and sterols are time consuming and chemically wasteful; standards that utilize these methods require a large set of samples to cover natural variables to establish upper and/or lower limits for each compound. Due to this, it can be challenging to determine the purity of newer products on the market, like avocado oil, when standards have not yet been fully developed. Triacylglycerol analysis in tandem with principal component analysis (PCA) differs from these tradition methods; standard ranges for each triacylglycerol are not needed to determine purity. This study built on our earlier work on olive oil but used laboratory-made avocado oils accounting for a wide range of natural variables to measure avocado oil triacylglycerols and apply PCA to detect adulteration in avocado oil. This method had the same purity determination accuracy as traditional fatty acid and sterol methods, while being less time consuming, producing less chemical waste, easier to perform than the original methods with the added advantage that it can be utilized immediately by industry while official standards are still being developed.
Learning to Become Professional in Policing: From Artisan to Professional
Authors: Ryan Cheryl , Ollis Tracey
Published: March 2023

This qualitative narrative research was conducted with an Australian police jurisdiction. The paper draws on practice theory to interpret the narratives of a group of traditionally trained police officers’ perceptions of policing practices, professional practice, learning and professionalism within the context of police professionalisation. Thirty-six police officers from various ranks, including senior management, participated in semi-structured interviews. Many police officers’ understanding of professional practice and learning is centred on technique, technical knowledge, image, uniform, and reputation. Our research reveals, the practices of police are embedded in the discursive practices of policing and the institutional constraints of the organisation, that maintain and perpetuate past stories contrary to the agenda to professionalise policing. The research is set in the broader context of national and international agendas driving the professionalisation of policing which sits alongside prevailing conceptions of policing as a craft or trade, learned on-the-job, and police officers as artisans.
The Role of Verbal Peer Feedback in the Police: A Scoping Review
Authors: Dahl Olav , Damen Marie-Louise , Bjørkelo Brita , Meling Camilla Pellegrini , Jensen Magnus Rom
Published: March 2023

Police officers, like other professionals, need to develop their competence and skills in correspondence with society. Peer feedback has been proven to significantly affect learning in the educational setting, and colleagues are seen as significant for the learning process in organizations. However, there seems to be little systematic knowledge concerning how verbal peer feedback affects police officers in workplace learning programs, and which elements affect this feedback. This review aims to fill this gap by analyzing 20 studies selected based on Arksey & O’Malley’s methodological framework. Findings show that police officers’ performance, motivation, and job satisfaction effectively can be improved using verbal peer feedback. It also shows some workplace conditions and factors management and feedback actors should consider when organizing for and conducting feedback. Lastly, it shows that much of the research conducted within the educational sector also is valid for police workplace learning programs. However, further research is needed, especially concerning the relationship between police peers.
Drivers of consumer’s willingness to pay for fair trade food products: the role of positive and negative emotions
Authors: Fernández-Ferrín Pilar , Castro-González Sandra , Bande Belén , Galán-Ladero M. Mercedes
Published: March 2023

This paper proposes an explanatory model of the intention to pay for fair trade food products based on the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) theory. The research aims are to test the effects of general attitudes toward sustainable food products on the valuation of fair-trade food products, to study the effects of emotions on willingness to pay for fair trade food products and to analyse the mediating role of product evaluation and emotions. The proposed model was tested using an ordinary least squares estimation and an analysis combining the properties of parallel and serial mediation on a representative sample of 305 consumers in the Basque Country (Spain). Descriptive analyses indicate that respondents had a favourable attitude toward sustainable products and positively valued fair trade products. The willingness to pay was moderate. The results show the importance of emotions, especially pride, in transforming attitudes toward sustainable food products into a willingness to pay for fair trade food products. This study links the more general literature on sustainable products to that of fair-trade products, broadening the focus of the S-O-R theory. In addition, it helps fair trade organisations understand consumer behaviour influenced by positive emotions and attitudes towards sustainable products, including fair trade products.
Novel Nanopigments with a Thiazole Moiety for Printing Paper, Carton, and Polyester Fabrics: Synthesis, Characterization, and Color Strength with Comparative Study
Authors: Rizk Hala F. , El-Borai Mohamed A. , Hemeda Osama M. , Ebrahim Seham A. , Sadek Mohamed E.
Published: March 2023

A series of new coloring materials in nanoscale based on 5-(2-aminothiazol-5-yl) thiazol-2-amine and 5-(4-aminophenyl) thiazol-2-amine were synthesized. The nanoscale pigments were prepared using a grinding high˗energy ball-milling technique. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were employed to determine the particle size of the nanoscale pigments (40–80 nm). The synthesized pigments in normal and nanoscale were applied in the printing of polyester fabrics. The fastness and colorimetric properties of the printed samples were carefully studied. Additionally, the synthesized pigments were applied as water-based flexographic ink for paper and carton. The hue of the color pigments L*, a*, b*, glossiness, and fastness to light were measured. The comparison of the new heterocyclic benzidine analogs in normal and nanoscale with commercial benzidine pigments demonstrated better results, particularly for the nanoscale pigments.
Programmed death ligand 1-positive immune cells in primary tumor or metastatic axillary lymph nodes can predict prognosis of triple-negative breast cancer even when present at < 1% in the tumor region
Authors: Tomioka Nobumoto , Hatanaka Kanako C. , Okuyama Dai , Watanabe Ken-ichi , Yamamoto Mitsugu , Maeda Hideki , Tachikawa Hanae , Kuwahara Sayuri , Shimizu Ai , Suzuki Hiroaki , Hatanaka Yutaka , Takahashi Masato
Published: March 2023

Background

The efficacy of pre-operative systemic treatment (PST) combined with immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has been recognized recently as being independent of the degree of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) positivity of infiltrating immune cells, especially for patients with axillary lymph node metastasis (ALNM).

Methods

TNBC patients with ALNM were treated surgically between 2002 and 2016 in our facility (n = 109), of whom 38 received PST before resection. The presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) expressing CD3, CD8, CD68, PD-L1 (detected by antibody SP142) and FOXP3 at primary and metastatic LN sites was quantified.

Results

The size of invasive tumor and the number of metastatic axillary LN were confirmed as prognostic markers. The numbers of both CD8+ and FOXP3+ TILs at primary sites were also recognized as prognostic markers, especially for overall survival (OS) (CD8, p = 0.026; FOXP3, p < 0.001). The presence of CD8+, FOXP3+ and PD-L1+ cells was better maintained in LN after PST and may contribute to improved antitumor immunity. Provided they were present as clusters of ≥ 70 positive cells, even < 1% of immune cells expressing PD-L1 at primary sites predicted a more favorable prognosis for both disease-free survival (DFS) (p = 0.004) and OS (p = 0.020). This was the case not only for 30 matched surgical patients, but also in all 71 surgical only patients (DFS: p < 0.001 and OS: p = 0.002).

Conclusions

PD-L1+ , CD8+ or FOXP3+ immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) at both primary and metastatic sites are significant on prognosis, which could be a clue to expect the potential for better responses to the combination of chemotherapy and ICI, especially for patients with ALNM.
One-shot platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection is non-inferior to extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the management of supraspinatus tendinosis
Authors: Moretti L. , Bizzoca D. , Cassano G. D. , Coviello M. , Franchini A. , Moretti B.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Supraspinatus tendinosis (ST) refers to the intratendinous degeneration of the supraspinatus tendon. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is one of the possible conservative treatments for supraspinatus tendinosis. This prospective observational study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single ultrasound-guided PRP injection in the treatment of supraspinatus tendinosis and to assess its non-inferiority to the widely used shockwave therapy.

Methods

Seventy-two amateur athletes (35 male, mean age: 43.75 ± 10.82, range 21–58 years old) with ST were finally included in the study. All the patients underwent clinical evaluation at baseline, (T0) and at 1-month (T1), 3-month (T2) and 6-month (T3) follow-up using the following clinical scales: the Visual Analogue Scale for pain (VAS), Constant Score and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (DASH). A T0 and T3 ultrasound examination was also performed. The findings observed in the recruited patients were compared to the clinical results observed in a retrospective control group made up of 70 patients (32 male, mean age = 41.29 ± 13.85, range 20–65 years old) treated by extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT).

Results

VAS, DASH and Constant scores significantly improved from T0 to T1; the improvement in clinical scores was kept until T3. No local nor systemic adverse events were observed. An improvement in the tendon structure was observed on ultrasound examination. PRP showed a non-statistical inferiority, in terms of efficacy and safety, compared to ESWT.

Conclusion

The PRP one-shot injection is a valid conservative treatment to reduce pain, and improve both quality of life and functional scores in patients with supraspinatus tendinosis. Furthermore, the PRP intratendinous one-shot injection showed a non-inferiority in terms of efficacy at the 6-month follow-up, compared to ESWT.
Radon concentrations in the Sudwala cave, South Africa
Authors: le Roux Rikus , Bezuidenhout Jacques , Nemangwele Fhulufhelo
Published: March 2023

There has been a growing interest in the effect of radon gas on humans visiting caves. A radon survey was consequently done in the Sudwala tourist cave close to Nelspruit in the eastern part of South Africa to determine the radon exposure of tourists and guides. The Sudwala cave, which evolved in karst geology, is a popular tourist destination. Twenty-eight electret ion chambers were placed in various locations throughout the cave for a period of 24 h. Radon concentrations varied between a minimum of 255 Bq/m3 and a maximum of 1822 Bq/m3 with a geometric mean of 750 Bq/m3. The radon levels were found to be relatively stable up to 600 m from the entrance, after which they sharply increased. This suggests that different processes disperse radon in the initial and deeper parts of the cave. It was concluded that this is the result of natural cave ventilation which is caused by changes in ambient barometric pressure. Despite the measured level being higher than the World Health Organization (WHO)’s mitigation level of 200 Bq/m3, the occupational exposure is quite low due to the frequency and duration of a typical cave tour and therefore poses no risk to the tourists and tour guides.
Root uptake and metabolization of Alternaria toxins by winter wheat plants using a hydroponic system
Authors: Jaster-Keller Julia , Müller Marina E. H. , El-Khatib Ahmed H. , Lorenz Nicole , Bahlmann Arnold , Mülow-Stollin Ulrike , Bunzel Mirko , Scheibenzuber Sophie , Rychlik Michael , von der Waydbrink Grit , Weigel Stefan
Published: March 2023

Fungi of the genus Alternaria are ubiquitous in the environment. Their mycotoxins can leach out of contaminated plants or crop debris into the soil entering the plant via the roots. We aim to evaluate the importance of this entry pathway and its contribution to the overall content of Alternaria toxins (ATs) in wheat plants to better understand the soil–plant-phytopathogen system. A hydroponic cultivation system was established and wheat plants were cultivated for up to two weeks under optimal climate conditions. One half of the plants was treated with a nutrient solution spiked with alternariol (AOH), alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), and tenuazonic acid (TeA), whereas the other half of the plants was cultivated without mycotoxins. Plants were harvested after 1 and 2 weeks and analyzed using a QuEChERS-based extraction and an in-house validated LC–MS/MS method for quantification of the ATs in roots, crowns, and leaves separately. ATs were taken up by the roots and transported throughout the plant up to the leaves after 1 as well as 2 weeks of cultivation with the roots showing the highest ATs levels followed by the crowns and the leaves. In addition, numerous AOH and AME conjugates like glucosides, malonyl glucosides, sulfates, and di/trihexosides were detected in different plant compartments and identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry. This is the first study demonstrating the uptake of ATs in vivo using a hydroponic system and whole wheat plants examining both the distribution of ATs within the plant compartments and the modification of ATs by the wheat plants.
Successful Alert Issuance with Sufficient Lead Time by Uttarakhand State Earthquake Early Warning System: Case Study of Nepal Earthquakes
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Kamal  , Sharma M.L. , Pratibha  , Jakka R.S. , Kumar Ashok , Joshi G.C. , Rautela Piyoosh
Published: March 2023

Three moderate earthquakes on November 9, 2022, November 12, 2022, and January 24, 2023 occurred in Western Nepal region of Magnitudes 5.8, 5.4 and 5.8 respectively. The epicenters were ~100 km away from the Uttarakhand State Earthquake Early Warning System (UEEWS) network which consists of 169 seismic sensors in oval shape network with larger axis of about 280 km in East-West and 120 km in North-South in Uttarakhand-Dharchula seismic gap, a region of central seismic gap of Indian Himalaya. The strong motions recorded by UEEWS were fetched in real-time at the central server in Roorkee through dedicated private network. The central server issued notifications and warning alerts to the public of Uttarakhand on the mobile app, ‘Uttarakhand Bhookamp Alert’ installed by them. The success story of issuance of warning along with location of triggered sensors, epicenter of earthquakes and lead time people got in these events are elaborated in this article. Specially, these three moderate earthquakes albeit not triggered in the instrumented area, issuance of warning to the public by UEEWS network is noteworthy. Encouragingly, these events have been considered an example to rationalize establishment of earthquake early warning system in the other parts of the Himalayan regions.
Effect of Coal Seam Presence In-Between Comparatively Denser Layers Over High Wall Slope Stability-A Case Study of Kistaram Project, Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL)
Authors: Surya Jaya Chandra V. , Sandeep Panchal , Sirdesai Nikhil Ninad
Published: March 2023

The lithology in the region of Godavari Valley Coal Fields of Southern India is mainly composed of sandstones of different types, clay combined with shale, coal seams and some other soft rocks. Due to variations in the strength properties of different layers, the lower strength material easily tends to slip along the bedding plane or may creep up due to the compression offered by the overlying layers and affect the stability of slope in open-pit mines. In this study, influence of coal seams present inbetween sandstones on the overall stability of a high wall benches of Kistaram opencast mine of Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) is studied using FLAC3D tool. The stability analysis of highwall benches in different phases of bench formation (exposure of coal seams namely A, LB1, LB2) is carried out by interpreting the stress, strain, displacement values at selected plane on each bench. It was deduced that presence of weak layers in between the comparatively denser layers have a major impact over the stability of the slope and local failures were observed along the slope after exposure of each coal.
Early Miocene (Burdigalian) Dinoflagellate Cysts from the Kerala Basin, Southwest India: Indicators of Marine Ingression at the Onset of the Mid-Miocene Climate Optimum (MMCO)
Authors: Singh Yogesh Pal , Verma Poonam , Singh Abha , Bali Rameshwar
Published: March 2023

In the present study, the assemblages of organic walled dinoflagellate cyst (dinocysts) and calcareous nannofossils from Quilon Formation, Kerala Basin, south-western India are analyzed for age interpretation and reconstruction of the depositional environment. The integrated biostratigraphy based on dinocysts and calcareous nannofossils from the same sediment samples indicates that the studied succession was deposited during the early Miocene (middle Burdigalian, ~19-17.5 Ma) time. The dinocyst assemblages contain abundant taxa (Cleistosphaeridium, Polysphaeridium, Lingulodinium, Homotryblium and Spiniferites) that range from shallow inner to outer neritic marine zone. The abundance of autotrophic, thermophilic taxa suggests relatively high surface water temperatures and high nutrient availability. The dinocyst assemblage in the lower part of the studied succession is dominated by Cleistosphaeridium spp., Polysphaeridium spp., Spiniferites spp., Homotryblium spp. and Lingulodinium spp. An increase in the relative abundances of outer neritic dinocyst taxa such as Spiniferites, Achomosphaera and Hystrichokolpoma in the upper part of the succession suggests a change towards more open marine conditions created during marine ingression. The interpreted marine ingression along the south-western Indian coast probably corresponds to the initial small pulses of transgression at the onset of the long-term global sea-level maximum related to the Mid-Miocene Climatic Optimum (MMCO).