关键词： Agricultural waste   Ceiling board   Cement   Balanite shell   Palm kernel shell  

摘要： This paper presents an experimental study to investigate sustainable alternative ceiling boards using PKS and BS. The ceiling boards were prepared by mixing BS/binder, PKS/binder, and PKS/BS/binder at different ratios of 20/80, 40/60, 60/40, and 80/20 and represented as samples (A(1), A(2), A(3) and A(4)), (B-1, B-2, B-3 and B-4), and (C-1, C-2, C-3 and C-4) respectively. The samples were cast by flat press process in rectangular sheet shape mould of 187 mm x 125 mm x 3 mm, cut into specimen sizes of 30 mm x 40 mm then tested for dry shrinkage, water absorption, apparent porosity, bulk density, flaking, and hardness properties. The morphology of the samples was examined using SEM. Results of the analysis show that irrespective of the filler loadings the properties of PKS / binder particularly at 20/80 ratio ''B-1" displayed better dry shrinkage of 3.7%;water absorption of 12.4%;apparent porosity of 15%;bulk density of 2.3 g/cm(3);flaking of 0.05 g and hardness of 57.6 Hv which approximates those of the conventional specimen with better physical properties compared to BS/binder at 20/80 ratio ''A(1)" and PKS/BS/binder at 20/80 ratio ''C-1". These results, therefore, suggest that PKS at 20/80 ratio with improved strength could be used as a sustainable alternative in the production of ceiling boards.

关键词： ankle   flexibility   lunge   squat  

摘要： vonGaza, GL, and Chiu, LZF. Comparison of alternative methods to improve weight-bearing sagittal plane anterior leg rotation. J Strength Cond Res 35(12): 3315-3321, 2021-Promoting rearfoot plantar flexion may permit greater sagittal plane anterior leg rotation in weight-bearing tasks. Anterior leg rotation, where the proximal tibia translates forward, is required for tasks such as squatting and landing from a jump. Twenty-eight individuals with less than 25 degrees anterior leg rotation during a weight-bearing lunge test were enrolled and randomly assigned to self-massage and stretching only (n = 15;14 subjects retained) or self-massage and stretching plus gastrocnemius exercise (n = 13). Anterior leg rotation was assessed during a weight-bearing lunge test and a partial squat;95% confidence interval (95% CI) of the change score and Cohen's d effect size were calculated. Anterior leg rotation in the weight-bearing lunge increased in the self-massage and stretching only (left: 95% CI [2.1 degrees-5.4 degrees], d = 1.14;right: 95% CI [2.3 degrees-6.0 degrees], d = 1.22) and self-massage and stretching plus gastrocnemius exercise (left: 95% CI [2.3 degrees-7.5 degrees], d = 1.71;right: 95% CI [4.2 degrees-8.6 degrees], d = 1.48) groups. There were no changes in anterior leg rotation in the partial squat for self-massage and stretching only (left: 95% CI [-1.2 degrees to 2.5 degrees], d = 0.15;right: 95% CI [-0.5 degrees to 2.6 degrees], d = 0.24) or self-massage and stretching plus gastrocnemius exercise (left: 95% CI [-0.2 degrees to 4.8 degrees], d = 0.55;right: 95% CI [-0.2 degrees to 4.0 degrees], d = 0.59) groups. Increases in anterior leg rotation in the weight-bearing lunge may be due to decreased passive stiffness in the plantar structures.

关键词： ECa   Drone   Yield   Site-specific  

摘要： Unoccupied aerial system (UAS) imagery may serve as an additional tool towards management zone delineation. This is because UAS data collection is relatively flexible. However, it is unclear how useful UASs can be towards generating management zones, relative to preexisting tools (e.g. apparent soil electrical conductivity or ECa). The purpose of this study, therefore, was to evaluate UAS imagery, relative to ECa, in terms of their ability to: 1) predict cotton traits (i.e. height, seed cotton yield), and 2) define cotton management zones based on these traits. Single-season UAS images from multispectral/thermal sensors were collected and processed into Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and radiometric surface temperature (T-r), respectively. Management zones were also delineated using digital camera (RGB) imagery collected at periods before planting and near harvest. RGB management zones were delineated by a novel open boll mapping approach. In-season NDVI and T-r layers were significant (P < 0.01) predictors of canopy height. Additionally, NDVI and T-r maps produced statistically different management zones during flowering and boll filling growth stages in terms of yield (P = 0.001 or less). Open boll layers were all more accurate predictors of cotton seed yield than ECa data-these two layers also produced statistically distinct management zones. ANOVA tests revealed that, given ECa alone, adding UAS information via the RGB open boll map resulted in a significantly different yield prediction model (P < 0.001). These results suggest that UAS imagery can offer valuable information for cotton management zone delineation that other techniques cannot.

关键词： MassARRAY (R) SARS-CoV-2 panel   mass spectrometry   PCR   SARS-CoV-2 RNA  

摘要： Objectives: Accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA is essential to stopping the spread of SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the recently introduced MassARRAY (R) SARS-CoV-2 Panel and to compare it to the cobas (R) SARS-CoV-2 Test. Methods: The MassARRAY (R) SARS-CoV-2 Panel consists of five assays targeting different sequences of the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Accuracy was determined using national and international proficiency panels including 27 samples. For clinical evaluation, 101 residual clinical samples were analyzed and results compared. Samples had been tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA with the cobas (R) SARS-CoV-2 Test. Results: When accuracy was tested with the MassARRAY (R) SARS-CoV-2 Panel, 25 of 27 (92.6%) samples revealed correct results. When clinical samples were analyzed with the MassARRAY (R) SARS-CoV-2 Panel and compared to the cobas (R) SARS-CoV-2 Test, 100 samples showed concordant results. One sample was found to be inconclusive with the MassARRAY (R) SARS-CoV-2 Panel. When time-to-results were compared, the new assay showed longer total and hands-on times. Conclusions: The MassARRAY (R) SARS-CoV-2 Panel showed a good performance and proved to be suitable for use in the routine diagnostic laboratory. Especially during phases of shortage of reagents and/or disposables, the new test system appears as beneficial alternative to standard assays used for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA.

关键词： Alternative Food Networks (AFN)   Short Food Supply Chains (SFSC)   Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)   Direct marketing  

摘要： For some time we have seen a shift away from direct marketing, a core feature and dominant exchange form in the alternative food world, towards a greater role for intermediation. Yet, we still need to better understand to what extent and in what ways new mediated Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) represent an evolution of or departure from core tenets of alternative food systems. This paper focuses on AFNs with new intermediaries that connect small-scale producers with urban end-consumers. Based on original research in Frankfurt, Berlin, and Calgary, we analyze three different types of mediated AFNs: one driven by consumers, one by an external intermediary, and one by producers. Our cases include non-capitalist, capitalist, and alternative capitalist economic practices as identified by Gibson-Graham. Conceptually, we base our analysis on the three-pillar-model of alternative agri-food systems, which we further refine. Besides comparing our cases with each other, for heuristic purposes we also compare them with an ideal-type model that adheres to core tenets of alterity in all three pillars. Our empirical analysis shows that intermediary organizations can bring important benefits and that mediated AFNs are in principle able to hold true to the core tenets of alternative agri-food systems. However, it is very important to develop models of democratic control and ownership as well as economic arrangements in which created value is fairly shared. Only then can the potentials of new mediated models be realized while the pitfalls of the conventional systems they seek to replace be avoided.

关键词： Microvascular anastomosis   Microsurgery training   Suture size   Microsurgery learning curve  

摘要： Background Laboratory microsurgery training using invivo rat models is essential for clinical operation. However, challenges existin a structured training course when students transition from a non-livingmodel exercise to a living one. In the present article, we first demonstratethis steep learning curve in early-stage microsurgery training. We then proposethe potential solution of using various sizes of sutures for different trainingpurposes. Methods Twoseparate preliminary studies were included. First, we reviewed the records of25 students enrolled in our basic microsurgery training course. Each studentcompleted exercises in a non-living model before graduating to a live animalmodel where their performance on end-to-end arterial and venous anastomoses wasevaluated. Second, we examined the feasibility of different suture sizes in amillimeter microvascular anastomosis. Four groups of identical procedures inrat femoral artery were completed using sutures from 8-0 to 11-0. Patency rateand mean blood flow at 60 min post-op were measured and compared. Results Thirty-minute patency rates for firstarterial and venous anastomoses were 18/25 and 14/25. Those students who hadnon-patent anastomoses spent significantly longer time than those who hadpatent ones (p<.05). For varioussuture sizes, all groups achieved a 100% patency rate. No significantdifferences were found between the mean blood flow volume at 60 min post-op (p>.05). Conclusions Steep learning curve existed in the early-stagemicrosurgery training when transitioning from non-living to living exercisemodels. The feasibility of using various suture sizes in millimeter anastomosismay be a potential solution for instructors to ease this steep learning curve. Level of Evidence: Not gradable

关键词： hypertrophic pyloric stenosis   pyloromyotomy   laparoscopic   arthrotomy knife  

摘要： Background: When the disposable arthroscopic banana knife (Linvatec, Largo, FL) became unavailable, many pediatric surgeons adapted the use of spatula tip cautery for laparoscopic pyloromyotomy;however, reusable arthroscopic knives remain readily available and are well suited to the ***: We compared laparoscopic pyloromyotomy with a reusable arthroscopic banana knife (Sklar, West Chester, PA;catalog no. 45-6050) to those using spatula tip cautery at a single institution between September 1, 2012, and December 31, 2019. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare operative time, room time, and time to discharge between ***: Overall, 109 patients underwent pyloromyotomy for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis during the study time period. Of these, 12 were open and one was undertaken with the Storz pyloromyotomy knife, so these were excluded. A total of 74 (77.1%) laparoscopic cases with spatula tip cautery and 22 (22.9%) with the banana knife were included. Mean age at the time of surgery was similar to 37 days. The majority of patients in each group were white, male, and full term. The most common comorbid conditions were reactive airway disease and neonatal abstinence syndrome. There were no significant differences in operative time (P = .61), room time (P = .41), or time from surgery to discharge (P = .26) between procedures using the banana knife and those using the cautery spatula tip. There were no perforations or ***: Our findings suggest that the reusable banana knife is a safe and effective alternative to spatula tip cautery for laparoscopic pyloromyotomy, with no difference in operative time, time from surgery to discharge, or complications.

关键词： Research assessment framework   Malaysia   Research centres of excellence   Participatory action research (PAR)   MyRA  

摘要： Evaluation of research performance has significantly increased in importance, particularly in many emerging higher education systems. In Malaysia, the Malaysian Research Assessment (MyRA) was developed to evaluate the research performance of universities and Research Centres of Excellence (RCoEs). This paper reports on a participatory action research approach aimed at developing a new framework for measuring research performance of Malaysian RCoEs. The introduction provides the contexts leading to the development and adoption of the MyRA including the challenges and its appropriateness as a tool for evaluating the research performance of relatively smaller entities namely, RCoEs. A stepwise approach in developing an alternative system of assessment for RCoEs is then described, leading to a list of prioritised components and criteria for the newly proposed tool. Finally, some of the wider implications of the new assessment framework are discussed, including the applicability to other contexts, lessons learned, and the contribution to the literature.

关键词： breast cancer   estrogen receptor   alternative splicing   EMT   splicing signature  

摘要： Simple Summary Aberrant alternative splicing is now considered a hallmark of cancer, including breast cancer. This results in the production of novel tumor-specific splice RNA variants, and the activation of biological processes such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, leading to more aggressive phenotypes. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of estrogen receptor alpha in regulating the expression of RNA-binding proteins in luminal breast cancer cells and to determine the effects of its downregulation at the isoform level by exploring changes in isoform usage and alternative splicing. The findings of this study unravel a novel layer of gene regulation mediated by estrogen receptor alpha, which is fundamental for breast cancer cell growth as well as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Finally, we foresee that this novel feature should be considered when studying the functional roles of estrogen receptor alpha in the onset and progression of breast cancer. Background: The transcriptional activity of estrogen receptor alpha (ER alpha) in breast cancer (BC) is extensively characterized. Our group has previously shown that ER alpha controls the expression of a number of genes in its unliganded form (apoER alpha), among which a large group of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) encode genes, suggesting its role in the control of co- and post-transcriptional events. Methods: apoER alpha-mediated RNA processing events were characterized by the analysis of transcript usage and alternative splicing changes in an RNA-sequencing dataset from MCF-7 cells after siRNA-induced ER alpha downregulation. Results: ApoER alpha depletion induced an expression change of 681 RBPs, including 84 splicing factors involved in translation, ribonucleoprotein complex assembly, and 3 ' end processing. ApoER alpha depletion results in 758 isoform switching events with effects on 3 ' end length and the splicing of alternative cassette exons. The functional enrichment of these events sho

关键词： Marine ecotoxicology   Mysidopsis juniae   Seawater   Toxicity   Complexation   Bioavailability  

摘要： The evaluation of sediment quality through biological testing of the aqueous fraction can be applied in dredging situations and is associated with a small number of confounding factors. The use of test organisms that are relatively resistant to contaminants is recommended when working with complex mixtures such as sediments. In this study, the sensitivity of the mysid Mysidopsis juniae to ammonia (NH3) and metals was investigated in acute toxicity laboratory tests and the results were compared to those obtained in the traditional test with sea urchin embryos and larvae. The ability of the toxicity identification and evaluation (TIE) technique, with the use of EDTA and sodium thiosulfate, to indicate the factors responsible for adverse effects was determined. The results indicate that mysids are almost 5 times more resistant than the sea urchin to ammonia (NH3), more sensitive to Cd2+ and Ni2+ and more resistant to Zn2+ and Pb2+. With the TIE technique and with the use of EDTA as a complexing agent, a greater resolution was observed in the diagnosis of the presence of the metals Cd2+ and Ni2+, which could be applied to the aqueous fraction of the sediment.