bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teacher judgement accuracy of technical abilities in primary education
Authors: Wammes Dannie , Slof Bert , Schot Willemijn , Kester Liesbeth
Published: February 2022

Accurate teacher judgements can enhance pupils' learning about science and technology. This study explored primary school teachers' judgements about their pupils' ability to reconstruct an electrical and a mechanical system. The judgement accuracy of most teachers was poor, gender-biased, and underestimation was more common than overestimation. The teachers’ gender or self-efficacy beliefs do not seem to affect their judgement accuracy, whereas greater technical knowledge and teaching experience might be beneficial. The teachers’ judgements were primarily based on their estimation of pupils’ cognitive abilities and learning behaviour, which both had less bearing on pupils’ performance than the teachers had expected. Diagnostic tasks for technical abilities, like the ones used in this study, can be used by primary school teachers working with children aged nine and above to calibrate their judgement accuracy and adapt their teaching to their pupils’ varying levels of prior knowledge. Pupils’ performance on these non-verbal tasks can reveal unexpected abilities.
Comparing ventilation modes by electrical impedance segmentography in ventilated children
Authors: Brandt Jennifer Bettina , Mahlknecht Alex , Werther Tobias , Ullrich Roman , Hermon Michael
Published: February 2022

Electrical impedance segmentography offers a new radiation-free possibility of continuous bedside ventilation monitoring. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and reproducibility of this bedside tool by comparing synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) with neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) in critically-ill children. In this prospective randomized case–control crossover trial in a pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary center, including eight mechanically-ventilated children, four sequences of two different ventilation modes were consecutively applied. All children were randomized into two groups; starting on NAVA or SIMV. During ventilation, electric impedance segmentography measurements were recorded. The relative difference of vertical impedance between both ventilatory modes was measured (median 0.52, IQR 0–0.87). These differences in left apical lung segments were present during the first (median 0.58, IQR 0–0.89, p = 0.04) and second crossover (median 0.50, IQR 0–0.88, p = 0.05) as well as across total impedance (0.52 IQR 0–0.87; p = 0.002). During NAVA children showed a shift of impedance towards caudal lung segments, compared to SIMV. Electrical impedance segmentography enables dynamic monitoring of transthoracic impedance. The immediate benefit of personalized ventilatory strategies can be seen when using this simple-to-apply bedside tool for measuring lung impedance.
A systematic literature review of how and whether social media data can complement traditional survey data to study public opinion
Authors: Reveilhac Maud , Steinmetz Stephanie , Morselli Davide
Published: February 2022

In this article, we review existing research on the complementarity of social media data and survey data for the study of public opinion. We start by situating our review in the extensive literature (N = 187) about the uses, challenges, and frameworks related to the use of social media for studying public opinion. Based on 187 relevant articles (141 empirical and 46 theoretical) - we identify within the 141 empircal ones six main research approaches concerning the complementarity of both data sources. Results show that the biggest share of the research has focused on how social media can be used to confirm survey findings, especially for election predictions. The main contribution of our review is to detail and classify other growing complementarity approaches, such as comparing both data sources on a given phenomenon, using survey measures as a proxy in social media research, enriching surveys with SMD, recruiting individuals on social media to conduct a second survey phase, and generating new insight on “old” or “under-investigated” topics or theories using SMD. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages associated with each of these approaches in relation to four main research purposes, namely the improvement of validity, sustainability, reliability, and interpretability. We conclude by discussing some limitations of our study and highlighting future paths for research.
Secured cloud SCADA system implementation for industrial applications
Authors: Osman Fawzy A. , Hashem Mohamed Y. M. , Eltokhy Mostafa A. R.
Published: February 2022

The proposed Remote SCADA System (RSS) is a smarter, faster and more reliable way to control high power machines and monitor their sensors, data, and failures. The proposed system focuses mainly on building our own complete SCADA software and not using open-source SCADA software. The proposed RSS can use unlimited number of added Remote Terminal Units (RTU) nodes and each of them can handling unlimited number of input/output and can be used under different operating systems like Windows and Android. Using RSS all machines can be monitored and controlled by a single click from anywhere at any time. By doing this a real-time response from RSS system can be achieved. It’s mainly based on standard communication techniques between remote nodes and single server-side application that talk to each node with its own ID and modify its instant database. So that every time accessing this web application, a real-time access to these nodes data and a virtual control room controls each General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) in the selected node can be gotten. When a new event is happened in server-side program, it will be broadcasted to all related. On RSS there are two main points to deal with, the request latency and security of the system. This paper studied how the system latency and security are improved to obtain the needed values. The proposed RSS is a very secure program which have 4 security levels; authentication, authorization, RSA and CBC encryption system. Also, the encryption algorithms used in RSS are RSA and CBC block cipher encryption system. It is mixed way to prevent any attacker from breaking the cipher. First of all, RSA generates the public and private keys, and then CBC generates its Initialization vector and a random encryption key. Then a special function sends all of these keys encrypted with a pre-stored token in the data base and node memory which varied from node to another. Finally, node generates its private key from loaded public key. With this combination the speed of symmetric encryption system and the security of asymmetric encryption system can be achieved. On the other hand, the level of security firewalls needed to be Brocken by the attacker to brock the cipher is increased. The proposed system achieved low cost comparing with reported work; it is lower than Arduino + WIFI method by five times and 13 times lower than Raspberry-PI method. The proposed system is applied in educational systems, where it is used for teaching unlimited number of students Online.
Risk factors for readmission among patients receiving outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Douiyeb Sabrine , de la Court Jara R. , Tuinte Bram , Sombogaard Ferdi , Schade Rogier P. , Kuijvenhoven Marianne , Minderhoud Tanca , Sigaloff Kim C. E.
Published: February 2022

Background In the Netherlands, home treatment with intravenous antimicrobial therapy is a relatively new concept. Although several studies have shown that outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) can be administered safely, people receiving antimicrobials at home remain at risk for adverse events, including readmission. Aim The aim of our retrospective study was to identify risk factors for readmission in patients discharged with OPAT. Method Patients who were at least 18 years or older, discharged with OPAT between January 2016–December 2018 were included. Variables that were collected consisted of baseline demographics, complications, readmission within 30 days and treatment failure. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for readmission. Results A total of 247 patients were included; the most common reason for OPAT was bone and joint infections (17%). Penicillin (37%), cephalosporin (26%) and vancomycin/aminoglycoside (15%) were the most commonly prescribed antimicrobials. Among patients receiving medication subject to therapeutic drug monitoring (i.e. aminoglycosides or vancomycin), 51% (19/37) received weekly therapeutic drug monitoring. Receiving aminoglycosides or vancomycin (adjusted OR 2.05; 95% CI 1.30–3.25, p < 0.05) and infection of prosthetic material (adjusted OR 2.92, 95% CI 1.11–7.65, p < 0.05) were independent risk factors associated with readmission. Conclusion Although patients receiving medication subject to therapeutic drug monitoring are at higher risk of readmission, only half of the patients discharged with aminoglycosides or vancomycin were monitored according to IDSA guidelines. A specialized team in charge of monitoring patients with OPAT is more likely to increase the rate of monitoring to prevent readmissions and complications.
Gender differences in physical activity status and knowledge of Irish University staff and students
Authors: McCarthy Claire , Warne Joe P.
Published: February 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study is to examine gender differences in physical activity status and knowledge of physical activity guidelines in University staff and students.

Methods

820 survey respondents, 419 males and 401 females (Age: mean 30 ± 12, median 24 years; Weight: mean 73.4 ± 15.8 kg; Stature: mean 172.1 ± 10.2 cm) were recruited via internal email. All participants completed a self-administered online format of the Global Physical activity Questionnaire.

Results

Less females were regularly active than males in students (p ≤ 0.001; Cramer’s V = 0.232 [small]), and staff (p = 0.003; Cramer’s V = 0.249 [small]). Overweight BMI incidence was greater among male students (p = 0.014; Cramer’s V = 0.13 [small]), and staff (p = 0.007; Cramer’s V = 0.31 [large]). A total of 43% of males and 29% of females were overweight or obese. No significant difference between genders for PA recommendations knowledge was observed (students; p = 0.174; Cramer’s V = 0.054 [trivial], staff; p = 0.691; Cramer’s V = 0.035 [trivial]). No significant difference between genders for disease incidence was observed (students; p = 0.894; Cramer’s V = 0.005 [trivial], staff; p = 0.237, Cramer's V = 0.101 [small]).

Conclusions

Males had greater levels of PA participation and incidence of overweight BMI compared to females. These findings suggest PA status alone does not determine BMI status. Further investigation is needed to determine factors related to BMI status.
A discrete element study on the deformation and degradation of coal-fouled ballast
Authors: Chen Jing , Vinod Jayan S. , Indraratna Buddhima , Ngo Ngoc Trung , Gao Rui , Liu Yangzepeng
Published: February 2022

This paper presents the results of Discrete Element Modelling (DEM) which quantitively examine the effect of coal fouling on the deformation and degradation of ballast upon cyclic loading. The degradation model described herein considers the Weibull distribution effects in tandem with a granular medium hardening law that incorporates the maximum contact criterion to capture surface abrasion and corner breakage of angular ballast. The DEM model had been calibrated initially with laboratory data obtained from large-scale direct shear testing. Subsequently, a series of cubical shear test simulations have been carried out using DEM to understand the behaviour of fouled ballast whereby the numerical particle degradation modelling could simulate the experimental response of the ballast assembly at various fouling levels. The results show that the increased level of fouling exacerbates the sleeper settlement, while decreasing the resilient modulus and the particle breakage. Ballast beneath the sleeper experiences significant breakage compared to the crib ballast, and not surprisingly, the extent of damage decreases with depth. Rigorous microscopic analysis is also presented in relation to inter-particle contacts, particle velocity and anisotropy of the ballast assembly. This micromechanical examination highlights that the decrease in ballast breakage for fouled assemblies is predominantly attributed to the inevitable decrease in inter-particle contact pressures as effected by the coating of ballast aggregates by the coal fines.
Short Duration Heat Treatments before Aging Increase Mechanical Hysteresis of Pseudoelastic NiTi Alloy
Authors: Romanò Jacopo , Lazzari Fabio , Garavaglia Lorenzo , Pittaccio Simone
Published: February 2022

High temperature (550 °C) and short duration (10, 15, 20 s) heat treatments were performed on pseudoelastic NiTi alloy in addition to the conventional aging process in order to increase the mechanical hysteresis of the material. Pre-treated and aged samples were compared with plain aged ones through mechanical testing, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The introduction of the pre-treatment, in combination with the aging process, was shown to increase the mechanical hysteresis of the aged samples up to ~30% after stabilization. XRD analysis showed how the introduction of the pre-treatment introduces a recovery of the residual stresses in the material microstructure, as well as the nucleation of different sets of metastable precipitates (such as TiNi3). We thus observe that the combination of pre-treatment and aging affects the alloys microstructure, causing a series of effects that synergise in increasing the material hysteresis.
NiCoCrAlX (X = Y, Hf and Si) Bond Coats by Cold Spray for High Temperature Applications
Authors: Cojocaru Cristian V. , Aghasibeig Maniya , Irissou Eric
Published: February 2022

MCrAlX powder compositions (M = Ni,Co and X = Y, Hf, Si or combination) are often thermally sprayed via vacuum plasma spray (VPS), low pressure plasma spray (LPPS) or high velocity oxy-fuel to produce high temperature oxidation and hot corrosion resistant bond coats for thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). Cold spray technology is currently considered as a promising alternative to the traditional thermal spray solutions, having the advantage of delivering oxide-free and very dense metallic coatings at relatively lower costs compared to VPS and LPPS. NiCoCrAlY and NiCoCrAlYHfSi bond coats were deposited using a high pressure cold spray system and the influence of feedstock properties on the deposited bond coats were investigated. To improve NiCoCrAlYHfSi bond coat deposition, laser assisted cold spray (LACS) was employed. The results show that LACS can be successfully used to deposit this particular powder while eliminating nozzle erosion and low deposition efficiency disadvantages observed with conventional cold spray. To identify the optimal LACS setup for deposition of dense and uniform coatings, different laser/spray jet configurations were examined. TBCs with bond coats sprayed at the optimal configuration were assessed isothermally at 1150 °C in air for up to 500 h, and the results showed formation of a thermally grown oxide layer composed of predominantly Al2O3 with embedded small clusters of Hf-Y-rich oxides.
The Thailand Cave Rescue: General Anaesthesia in Unique Circumstances Presents Ethical Challenges for the Rescue Team
Authors: Irwin Mark A.
Published: February 2022

In 2018, the remarkable rescue of twelve young boys and their football coach trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand captured worldwide attention. The rescue required the boys to be dived out of the cave system while fully anaesthetized which presented unique practical and ethical challenges for the rescue team. Major departures from normal anaesthetic practice were required. Taking anaesthetized children underwater was unprecedented, complex, and dangerous. To do this underground in a flooded cave meant the risks were extreme. Using a principlist approach, this essay will outline the rescue plan highlighting the ethical dilemmas faced by the rescue team. Informed consent and full disclosure of information are justifiably waived in emergency disaster scenarios. Beneficence as a guiding principle becomes a major challenge when all rescue options appear destined to cause likely fatalities of healthy young boys. Importantly, virtues and virtue ethics also have a vital role to play when confronting and dealing with ethical challenges in disaster scenarios—this will be discussed with particular reference to the cave rescue.
The boomerang effect of zero pricing: when and why a zero price is less effective than a low price for enhancing consumer demand
Authors: Fan Xiaomeng , Cai Fengyan Cindy , Bodenhausen Galen V.
Published: February 2022

Prior literature has demonstrated the power of zero pricing to boost consumer demand, but the current research shows a novel “boomerang effect”: a zero (vs. low, nonzero) price can lower demand when the offer comes with high incidental costs (e.g., the time cost in commuting to an offline class; the physical risk of getting a new vaccine). Five studies show that zero pricing, relative to low pricing, has a boosting (boomerang) effect on demand when incidental costs are low (high). The diverging effects of zero pricing on demand are explained by a dual-process model with a positive affective pathway and negative scrutiny pathway. Zero pricing triggers both positive affect and cognitive scrutiny of incidental costs; when incidental costs are high, the scrutiny pathway overrides the affective pathway and decreases demand. The finding has managerial implications as incidental costs often vary widely between marketing channels and over a product’s life cycle.
Pathophysiology of Demineralization, Part II: Enamel White Spots, Cavitated Caries, and Bone Infection
Authors: Roberts W. Eugene , Mangum Jonathan E. , Schneider Paul M.
Published: February 2022

Purpose of Review

Compare noninfectious (part I) to infectious (part II) demineralization of bones and teeth. Evaluate similarities and differences in the expression of hard tissue degradation for the two most common chronic demineralization diseases: osteoporosis and dental caries.

Recent Findings

The physiology of demineralization is similar for the sterile skeleton compared to the septic dentition. Superimposing the pathologic variable of infection reveals a unique pathophysiology for dental caries.

Mineralized tissues are compromised by microdamage, demineralization, and infection. Osseous tissues remodel (turnover) to maintain structural integrity, but the heavily loaded dentition does not turnover so it is ultimately at risk of collapse. A carious tooth is a potential vector for periapical infection that may be life-threatening. Insipient caries is initiated as a subsurface decalcification in enamel that is not detectable until a depth of ~400μm when it becomes visible as a white spot. Reliable detection and remineralization of invisible caries would advance cost-effective wellness worldwide.
1H, 13C and 15N resonance assignment of backbone and IVL-methyl side chain of the S135A mutant NS3pro/NS2B protein of Dengue II virus reveals unique secondary structure features in solution
Authors: Agback Peter , Lesovoy Dmitry M. , Han Xiao , Sun Renhua , Sandalova Tatyana , Agback Tatiana , Achour Adnane , Orekhov Vladislav Yu.
Published: February 2022

The serotype II Dengue (DENV 2) virus is the most prevalent of all four known serotypes. Herein, we present nearly complete 1H, 15N, and 13C backbone and 1H, 13C isoleucine, valine, and leucine methyl resonance assignment of the apo S135A catalytically inactive variant of the DENV 2 protease enzyme folded as a tandem formed between the serine protease domain NS3pro and the cofactor NS2B, as well as the secondary structure prediction of this complex based on the assigned chemical shifts using the TALOS-N software. Our results provide a solid ground for future elucidation of the structure and dynamic of the apo NS3pro/NS2B complex, key for adequate development of inhibitors, and a thorough molecular understanding of their function(s).
Teaching meditation to college students within an historical and cultural context: A qualitative analysis of undergraduate reflections on contemplative practice
Authors: Sensiper Sylvia
Published: February 2022

There is a growing interest in contemplative practices in higher education. Researchers have explored the use of meditation to address the increasing requests for counseling and as a resource for improving student mental health. Contemplative practices have also been incorporated into the fundamental learning objectives in some US universities. This study of teaching methods uses first-person narratives from twenty-three 10-week seminars to examine how meditation practice benefited undergraduate students at a large public university in the US. The seminar, “Contemporary American Buddhism: How Meditation Became a Part of the Mainstream,” provided meditation instruction within an historical and cultural context and was taught over a nine-year period. Four hundred undergraduates’ reflective writings were included in this study. During the seminars, students participated in structured in-class meditations, practiced mindfulness exercises, read contemporary texts, viewed recent media and wrote reflective exercises. Students learned how meditation has been adapted for contemporary society, engaged in critical thinking, and reflected on their experiences. An examination of their narrative self-reports indicates outcomes similar to studies using highly structured meditation protocols; an improvement in overall well-being, lessened anxiety, better focus and increased emotional control. This study of teaching methodology also shows that students expressed a desire to continue the practice once the seminar was complete. The results suggest that a structured and systematic investigation of this teaching model would add significantly to the discussion on how to teach contemplative practice to college students.
Cross-cultural assessment and comparisons of risk tolerance across domains
Authors: Shou Yiyun , Olney Joel , Wang Meng-Cheng
Published: February 2022

Risk attitudes are known to play an important role in influencing one’s behavior under conditions of uncertainty. To date, cultural influences on risk attitudes - beyond the effects they have on perceived risk - have not been well understood. Having a cross-culturally invariant measure of risk attitudes is a prerequisite for carrying out more in depth explorations in this area. The current study applied the domain-specific risk attitudes framework and focused on the Chinese and US cultural contexts. Using novel network analysis techniques, we explored domain-specific patterns of risk attitudes in Chinese and US community samples and we subsequently developed a version of the Multi-Domain Risk Tolerance scale (MDRT-EC) that had similar applicability in both samples. The MDRT-EC demonstrated excellent psychometric characteristics and achieved strong measurement invariance across both samples. The associations between MDRT-EC domain scales and criterion scales were also similar between the two samples, further indicating the measurement invariance of the MDRT-EC. Finally, we used the MDRT-EC to explore cultural differences in risk attitudes across domains and their predictive relations with a range of lifestyle behaviors.
Understanding realistic attacks on airborne collision avoidance systems
Authors: Smith Matthew , Strohmeier Martin , Lenders Vincent , Martinovic Ivan
Published: February 2022

Airborne collision avoidance systems provide an onboard safety net should normal air traffic control procedures fail to keep aircraft separated. These systems are widely deployed and have been constantly refined over the past three decades, usually in response to near misses or mid-air collisions. Recent years have seen security research increasingly focus on aviation, identifying that key wireless links—some of which are used in collision avoidance—are vulnerable to attack. In this paper, we go one step further to understand whether an attacker can remotely trigger false collision avoidance alarms. Primarily considering the next-generation Airborne Collision Avoidance System X (ACAS X), we adopt a smodelling approach to extract attacker constraints from technical standards before simulating collision avoidance attacks against standardized ACAS X code. We find that in 44% of cases, an attacker can successfully trigger a collision avoidance alert which on average results in a 590 ft altitude deviation; when the aircraft is at lower altitudes, this success rate rises considerably to 79%. Furthermore, we show how our simulation approach can be used to help defend against attacks by identifying where attackers are most likely to be successful.
Benthic diatoms and macroinvertebrates status with relevant to sediment quality of islands shores in the Nile River, Egypt
Authors: Abdel-Satar Amaal M. , Belal Dalia M. , Salem Salem G. , Abdelmageed Adel A. , Abdo Mohamed H. , Gawad Soad S. Abdel , Al-Afify Afify D. G.
Published: February 2022

Sediments are utilized as a marker for events that endure long enough to manifest their environmental impacts and determine the contamination levels. The purpose of the present study was to highlight the current sediment quality of four Nile islands shores by utilizing a variety of physical, chemical, and biological aspects and indices. In addition, the status of benthic diatoms and macroinvertebrates, as well as their responses to sediment variables were investigated. The metals followed a decreasing concentration order: Al > Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni ≈ Cr > Cu > Co > Pb > Cd. The outcomes of metal pollution indices revealed some localized contaminated sites, by mostly Ni and Cd. In addition, a moderate toxic risk from metals was observed for El-Keratten shores, while the sediments of El-Warraq, El-Zamalek, and El-Manial islands shores were at low toxic risk. A total of 112 diatom species belonging to 24 genera were identified in the total sample set, where most of the diatoms encountered were cosmopolitan. Metals had a remarkable impact on the composition, distribution, and dominance of diatom assemblages, but had little effect on diatom diversity, while there was a noticeable effect of grain size on diatom distribution and diversity. Thirty-four species of benthic invertebrates were identified in the collected samples from the islands shores. The dominant taxa and groups of benthic invertebrates at different islands were affected by various sediment parameters, where the levels and types of such variables differed from one species to another.

Graphical abstract
An Assessment of Alternate Fertilizer Potential of Glauconite Deposits in India using Simple Beneficiation Methods
Authors: Choudhury Tathagata Roy , P.V. Sunder Raju , Shaikh Tehreen , Banerjee Santanu
Published: February 2022

This study presents an assessment of alternate fertilizer potential of glauconite deposits in India with precise stratigraphy, dimension of the deposit, and its K2O contents for understanding their alternate potash fertilizer potential. Further, it provides simple beneficiation methods to separate glauconite from the rest of the sediments. Many of the glauconite deposits, particularly those of Precambrian age, are considerably thick and are laterally extensive. Although the content of K2O is low in the bulk rock, it is moderate to high in the glauconites. The glauconite content of the original deposits is low, mostly in the range of 10 to 20 wt%. Inexpensive and simple methods such as sieving and electromagnetic separation enhance the glauconite content up to 57 wt% in selected samples. This study is crucial for planning alternatives of conventional potash fertilizer, which are expected to be exhausted in the near future.
Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Steel Fiber Reinforced Shotcrete Lined (SFRS) Tunnel: A Himalayan Case Study
Authors: Srivastav Ambika , Satyam Neelima , Rajan K.S.
Published: February 2022

The entire Himalayan arc is predicted to produce a series of significant earthquakes and the subsequent great earthquakes of magnitude 8.0 and higher. A substantial amount of rock tunneling is being carried out in the Himalayan region to meet the growing demand for transportation, power, and other infrastructure projects. Earthquake forces influence the final design of the tunnel, which requires further strengthening of the concrete lining and improvement in tunnel support. Because of increasing importance, it is essential to combine the dynamic forces and displacements produced by seismic ground movements into the design stage for tunnels. In this paper, a numerical analysis has been carried out to assess the seismic performance of a proposed hydropower tunnel of 8.8m diameter (horseshoe-shape) in Uttarakhand, India. The impact of earthquakes on underground structures such as tunnels is often considered to be insignificant. However, the results of this study show how that stress from seismic loads can be damaging to the stability of the tunnel. In this study, a pseudo-static approach was adopted to assess the impact of the earthquake on the tunnel lining for the sections located in different rocks namely slate (Q=3.4), quartzite (Q=6), and dolomitic limestone (Q=5.2), respectively. Pseudo-static analysis findings suggest there is a 35% increase in the lining forces for an impact of earthquake for the tunnel section situated in Slate. Furthermore, displacements and damage-prone areas are determined to assess the damage to the tunnel, which could be helpful for rapid evaluations of potential future damage.
Prediction of Strata Monitoring System in Underground Coal Mines Using IoT
Authors: Mitra Shankhajit , Kumar Dheeraj , Chaulya S.K. , Kumar Chiranjeev
Published: February 2022

Underground coal mines are known for being one of the most hazardous sectors due to its working environment. The mine workers are usually prone to many risk factors leading to heavy casualties. As per the statistical records of Directorate General of Mines Safety, roof fall is one of the major causes of accident in Indian underground coal mines. One of the critical contributing factors of such accidents is lack of roof fall prediction system, thereby leading to failure to withdraw or removal of working persons before the actual failure. Real-time monitoring of strata movement and analysing the acquired data for predicting possible roof fall well in advance through an effective intelligent system can certainly pave way in reducing the accidents due to roof fall.

The paper presents an integrated strata management system for continuous monitoring of strata behaviour and analysing the data using artificial intelligence for prediction of failure of strata ahead of time.

This web-based monitoring system initially sets the customizable threshold values according to the mine conditions followed by continuously monitoring of the strata conditions including triggering an alarm system when the retrieved data crosses the set threshold limit.
Geochemistry and Utilization of Water from Thermal Springs of Tawang and West Kameng Districts, Arunachal Pradesh
Authors: Dutta Archisman , Gupta Ramesh Kumar
Published: February 2022

The hydrogeochemical studies provide insights about reservoir conditions of geothermal springs along with utilization of thermal waters for domestic, livestock and irrigation purposes. Most of the hot springs of Tawang and West Kameng districts of Arunachal Pradesh emanated through garnet bearing high grade gneissmigmatite-schist-quartzite sequence of the Se La Group, except for Dirang hot springs which emanate from river terrace deposits lying on the footwall of deformed quartzite-phyllite. The thermal waters are of mixed Na-Ca-HCO3-SO4-Cl type, meteoric in origin and at the same time immature in nature, moving sluggishly towards mineral-fluid equilibration zone with slow rock-water interactions. Chemical geothermometry showed wide variation in estimation of sub-surface reservoir temperature and quartz geothermometry model fits prominently to provide the most reliable reservoir temperature varying within 90±40°C. The studies recorded highest reservoir temperature of Thingbu hot spring with 133°C with very high fluoride concentration in all the hot springs except Bishum and Phudung as per BIS (2012) IS: 10500 specifications. High fluoride and sulfate concentration in thermal spring waters make it unsuitable for drinking purpose. The applicability of thermal waters for irrigation is predicted through sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) calculations which showed that waters of Dirang-2, Sorbe and Kitpi-1&2 are not suitable for irrigation purpose due to high salinity and SAR values.
Mineral Chemistry and Geothermometry of Biotite in the Granitoids, Located in and around Jirang-Patharkhamah Area, Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya, India
Authors: Gogoi Anamika , Bhagabaty Balen
Published: February 2022

Granitoids are well exposed in Jirang-Patharkhamah area (latitude N 25°57'- 25°41' and longitude E 91°30'- 91°38'). The area lies mostly inRi-Bhoidistrict and is also extended to West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. The granitoids are medium grained and nonporphyritic. The colour is dominantly grey although some granitoids are pink in colour. The common minerals in order of abundance are quartz, plagioclase, K-feldspar, biotite and hornblende. Secondary minerals are sericite, chlorite, muscovite, secondary hornblende and secondary biotite. Among accessory minerals, sphene, zircon, apatite, calcite, zoisite, magnetite and monazite are significant. The intergrowth textures such as perthite, myrmekite in these rocks indicate that the rocks were affected by low temperature alteration. The representative samples ploy in the field of granite in various geochemical discrimination diagrams. The aim of the present paper is geochemical characterisation of the granitoids using major and trace elements (including REE). The whole rock geochemistry reveals that the granitoid is I-type, calc-alkaline, metaluminous to weakly peraluminous and an attempt is made to examine the nature of the magma based on biotite mineral chemistry. The biotite chemistry indicates that the granitoid is I-type and calc-alkaline. The paper also aims to estimate temperature of emplacement of granitoids based on two feldspar geothermometer and Ti-in biotite geothermometer. The temperature calculated from two feldspar thermometry is in the range 512-602°C and the average is 550°C. The temperature calculated by Ti-in biotite thermometer is in the range 623 to 656°C and the average is 645°C. Geothermometric results plays an important role in definition of petrogenetic history and regional tectonism.
Estimation of Dry-Season Fluctuation in Specific Yield using Water Budgeting Approach in Bonasuria Micro-watershed of Damodar River Basin, India
Authors: Chakraborty Sanjib , Roy Indranil , Kumar Suresh
Published: February 2022

Heterogeneity in lithological and structural characteristics results in variation of specific yield (Sy) value in spatial domain. It also depends upon degree of saturation of aquifer. This imparts temporal variation in Sy value in an aquifer. Bonasuria micro-watershed of Damodar river-basin in India is selected to undertake the study of estimation of temporal variation in Sy based upon monthly ground water budgeting for three non-monsoon months. Sy value gradually changes with progression of summer months. Average specific yield value has been estimated as 0.002593 in March and 0.001446 in April. Determined specific yield values indicate low water storage capacity of the shallow aquifer system. This highlights the need of efficient water management for sustainable development of the area. Present study indicates that this can be achieved through storing the effluent seepage going out of the micro- water shed system as base flow. By constructing appropriate water storage structure at the mouth of the water shed and diverting the same back to the aquifer through suitable means is expected to rejuvenate the aquifer system. Holistically this intervention will lead towards development of sustainable dry-season agricultural practices in the study area.
Review on Groundwater Flow and Solute Transport Modelling in India: Recent Advances and Future Directions
Authors: Ramesh Sanjib , Pujari Paras R.
Published: February 2022

The declining groundwater level, deteriorating groundwater quality and decreasing well yield necessitate the need to have an informed understanding of the aquifer system vis-à-vis the natural and anthropogenic stresses. The groundwater modelling research has gained momentum in the last 30 years, and the advent of fast computing platform coupled with Graphical User Interface (GUI) based user-friendly software have provided further stimulus. It is being used as an effective tool for groundwater development and management encompassing a wide range of applications in different areas like agriculture, mining and environment. This article is intended to review the efficacy of applications of groundwater flow and solute transport modelling in India over the last 22 years (1997 to 2019) attempted by researchers, research institutes and groundwater agencies. An attempt is made to examine the strength and weakness of the groundwater modelling efforts, gaps in our knowledge and the future research directions. The literature review attests that the groundwater models developed in India are mostly with the help of commercial software namely Visual MODFLOW, GMS and Groundwater Vista. Different aspects in groundwater modelling like conceptualization of the model, steady state and transient calibration, sensitivity analysis and prediction scenario attempted in the model are reported and the research areas for future are identified. The literature review suggests that the modelling efforts need to be strengthened and capability be developed by attempting modelling the migration of heavy metals, nitrate and pesticides. The sensitivity analysis need to be addressed and future efforts should be on Global Sensitivity Index. The modelling efforts need to incorporate the climate change scenario.
Learning From the Past to Improve the Future
Authors: Naous Dana , Bonner Manus , Humbert Mathias , Legner Christine
Published: February 2022

Contact tracing apps were considered among the first tools to control the spread of COVID-19 and ease lockdown measures. While these apps can be very effective at stopping transmission and saving lives, the level of adoption remains significantly below the expected critical mass. The public debate as well as academic research about contact tracing apps emphasizes general concerns about privacy (and the associated risks) but often disregards the value-added services, as well as benefits, that can result from a larger user base. To address this gap, the study analyzes goal-congruent features as drivers for user adoption. It uses market research techniques – specifically, conjoint analysis – to study individual and group preferences and gain insights into the prescriptive design. While the results confirm the privacy-preserving design of most European contact tracing apps, they emphasize the role of value-added services in addressing heterogeneous user segments to drive user adoption. The findings thereby are of relevance for designing effective contact tracing apps, but also inform the user-oriented design of apps for health and crisis management that rely on sharing sensitive information.
Citrus fruits are rich in flavonoids for immunoregulation and potential targeting ACE2
Authors: Liu Wenting , Zheng Weikang , Cheng Liping , Li Ming , Huang Jie , Bao Shuzheng , Xu Qiang , Ma Zhaocheng
Published: February 2022

The most recent outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus, named as COVID-19, caused pneumonia epidemic in Wuhan with 2121 deaths cases as of February 20th 2020. Identification of effective antiviral agents to combat the novel coronavirus is urgently needed. Citrus fruit peel or wild citrus are rich in flavonoids, and clinically documented for roles in relief of cough and promotion of digestive health. Therefore, citrus fruits are assumed to possess antivirus activities or enhance the host immunity. A previous study found that hesperetin could act as a high potent inhibitor of SARS-CoV 3CLpro. We determined six flavonoid compounds’ content in three citrus species by using LC–MS technique. The content of naringin and naringenin was at higher levels in pummelo. Hesperetin and hesperidin were highly accumulated in mandarin and sweet orange. The subsequent in vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that naringin could inhibit the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines (COX-2, iNOS, IL-1β and IL-6) induced by LPS in Raw macrophage cell line, and may restrain cytokine through inhibiting HMGB1 expression in a mouse model. The results revealed that naringin may have a potential application for preventing cytokine storm. We simulated molecular docking to predict the binding affinity of those flavonoids to bind Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE 2), which is a receptor of the coronavirus. Consideration of the potential anti-coronavirus and anti-inflammatory activity of flavonoids, the citrus fruit or its derived phytochemicals are promising in the use of prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Graphical Abstract
Ultrasound for the detection of the pyramidal lobe of the thyroid gland
Authors: Freilinger A. , Kaserer K. , Zettinig G. , Pruidze P. , Reissig L. F. , Rossmann T. , Weninger W. J. , Meng S.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The pyramidal lobe (PL) is an ancillary lobe of the thyroid gland that can be affected by the same pathologies as the rest of the gland. We aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of high-resolution sonography in the detection of the PL with verification by dissection and histological examination.

Methods

In a prospective, cross-sectional mono-center study, 50 fresh, non-embalmed cadavers were included. Blinded ultrasound examination was performed to detect the PL by two investigators of different experience levels. If the PL was detected with ultrasound, dissection was performed to expose the PL and obtain a tissue sample. When no PL was detected with ultrasound, a tissue block of the anterior cervical region was excised. An endocrine pathologist microscopically examined all tissue samples and tissue blocks for the presence of thyroid parenchyma.

Results

The prevalence of the PL was 80% [40/50; 95% CI (68.9%; 91.1%)]. Diagnostic performance for both examiners was: sensitivity (85.0%; 42.5%), specificity (50.0%; 60.0%), positive predictive value (87.2%; 81.0%), negative predictive value (45.5%; 21.0%) and accuracy (78.0%; 46.0%). Regression analysis demonstrated that neither thyroid parenchyma echogenicity, thyroid gland volume, age nor body size proved to be covariates in the accurate detection of a PL (p > .05).

Conclusion

We report that high-resolution ultrasound is an adequate examination modality to detect the PL. Our findings indicate a higher prevalence than previously reported. Therefore, the PL may be regarded as a regular part of the thyroid gland. We also advocate a dedicated assessment of the PL in routine thyroid ultrasound.
Upper versus lower body resistance exercise with elastic bands: effects on cognitive and physical function of institutionalized older adults
Authors: Sanchez-Lastra Miguel A. , Varela Silvia , Cancela José M. , Ayán Carlos
Published: February 2022

Purpose

To compare the effects of upper versus the lower-body resistance exercise on cognitive and physical functions of institutionalized older people.

Methods

This was a non-randomized multi-center comparative and crossover study (clincialtrials.gov code NCT03831373). Two experimental groups performed a 12-week intervention of resistance exercises with low-intensity elastic bands, one program focused on exercises of the upper body (n = 20, mean age 87.6 ± 6.4 years, 75% women) and the other on the lower body (n = 29, mean age 81.4 ± 7.7 years, 55% women). Following 12 weeks of detraining, the groups performed the other intervention. After another 12 weeks, a follow-up assessment was carried. The control group (n = 19, mean age 81.3 ± 9.5, 68% women) performed a full body stretching exercise program in both phases. Before and after each period, cognitive and physical function was assessed by standardized test (Mini-Mental State Examination, Trail Making test and Phototest; Timed Up and Go, Back Scratch, Chair Sit and Reach and had grip strength, respectively). Intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses were carried.

Results

After the first intervention, significant improvements (p < 0.05) were observed in the cognitive function in both experimental groups, and in the hand grip strength in the group that performed lower-body exercise. After the second phase, all groups showed improvements in lower-body and shoulder flexibility and a significant worsening in hand grip strength. The lower-body exercise group showed a worsening in cognitive function, and the upper-body group in functional mobility and dynamic balance.

Conclusions

Resistance exercise with elastic bands showed beneficial effects on cognitive function and functional independence in institutionalized older adults. While upper body exercises seemed to be more effective on cognitive function, lower limb exercises showed better results on physical function parameters.
Flow behavior of thermo-thickening associative polymers in porous media: effects of associative content, salinity, time, velocity, and temperature
Authors: Åsen Siv Marie , Stavland Arne , Strand Daniel
Published: February 2022

Above a critical temperature, thermo-thickening associative polymers (TAPs) have a superior ability to decrease the mobility of the water phase, compared to traditional polymers for enhanced oil recovery. The ability to decrease the mobility, will be amplified at low flow velocities, and by the presence of salt, and is much higher in porous media than would be expected from bulk viscosity. In this work, we have examined TAPs ability to reduce the mobility, i.e., to increase the resistance factor. We have studied the effect of increasing the associative content, changing the porous media, changing the salinity, and scaling up the size of the porous media. How the resistance factor evolved, was studied as a function of temperature, velocity, and time. We found that a critical associative content or critical concentration of polymer was needed to achieve thermo-thickening in the porous media. As expected, thermo-thickening increased by increasing the salinity. For the relative homogenous clastic porose media investigated here, ranging from ~ 1Darcy sandstone to multidarcy sand, type of porous media did not seem to have a significant impact on the resistance factor. Time and amount of polymer injected is a critical factor: The buildup of thermo-thickening is delayed compared to the polymer front. For our tests with the weaker systems, we also observed a breakdown of the associative network at very low injection rates, possibly caused by the formation of intramolecular association.

Article highlights

Key findings from our tests of thermo-thickening associative polymer for enhance oil recovery operations:

At high temperature, the polymer solutions mobility in porous media is much lower than expected from viscosity

At low temperature, the flow behavior is like that of a traditional synthetic polymer

This will mean good injectivity and superior sweep, compared to a traditional polymer for enhanced oil recovery