Big Top Research Articles

Large-scale model test and numerical analysis of load-bearing arch characteristics of large cross-section tunnel under high geostress

Understanding the failure process and the load-bearing arch effect of the surrounding rock is crucial for the stability control and support design of tunnels under high geostresses. In this study, the progressive collapse behavior and the formation mechanism of the load-bearing arch of a soft rock tunnel under high geostress were investigated by a model test and numerical simulations. First, a large-scale model test was conducted to study the stress redistribution rules and the failure process of the soft rock under different overloads. According to the model test results, the formation of the final load-bearing arch was divided into four stages including initial local load-bearing arch formation, rock failure inside the local arch, overall load-bearing arch formation and load-bearing arch outward transition. Both the progressive failure and arch mechanism were related to the stress transfer effect. Then, numerical simulations were carried out to verify the stress response results from the model test. The determination method for the inner and outer boundaries of the load-bearing arch was put forward based on the circumferential stress distribution, which was validated by the model test results. Furthermore, the relationship between the radial displacement of the tunnel boundary and the arch position was illustrated. It was found that the load-bearing arch showed an oval shape with a big top and a small bottom. The arch position was linearly correlated with the radial displacement at the tunnel wall. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the load-bearing arch characteristics of large cross-section tunnels in soft rocks under high geostress conditions, which can be referred to in construction control and support design during tunnel construction.

The Impact of Rootstock on "Big Top" Nectarine Postharvest Concerning Chilling Injury, Biochemical and Molecular Parameters.

Peaches and nectarines have a short shelf life even when harvested at appropriate physiological maturity. Market life is increased by storage at low temperatures. However, chilling injury symptoms can appear, causing physiological disorders and limiting shipping potential. The rootstock effect on the post-harvest quality has hardly been explored. Thus, the principal aim of this work was to study the influence of seven different Prunus rootstocks on the "Big Top" nectarine cv, considering harvest and post-harvest quality parameters and their correlation with chilling injury disorders. Basic fruit quality traits, individual sugars and organic acids analyzed by HPLC and other biochemical compounds such as relative antioxidant capacity, total phenolics content, flavonoids, anthocyanins, vitamin C and related enzyme activities (PAL, POD, PPO) were considered. In addition, correlations with possible candidate genes for chilling injury (CI) tolerance were searched by qPCR. Although a low susceptibility to CI symptoms has been found in "Big Top", rootstocks "PADAC 9902-01", "PADAC 99-05" and "ReplantPAC" exhibited lower CI symptoms. A statistically significant influence of the evaluated rootstocks was found concerning the parameters of this study. Phenols and anthocyanins seem to be important parameters to be considered in the prevention of chilling injury disorders. Moreover, PAL1, PPO4, PG2 and LDOX genes relative expressions were positively associated with chilling injury susceptibility. This study opens new perspectives for understanding peach fruit adaptation and response to cold storage temperatures during the post-harvest period.

Through the big top: An exploratory study of circus-based artistic knowledge translation in rural healthcare services, Québec, Canada.

The conventional methods and strategies used for knowledge translation (KT) in academic research often fall short in effectively reaching stakeholders, such as citizens, practitioners, and decision makers, especially concerning complex healthcare issues. In response, a growing number of scholars have been embracing arts-based knowledge translation (ABKT) to target a more diverse audience with varying backgrounds and expectations. Despite the increased interest, utilization, and literature on arts-based knowledge translation over the past three decades, no studies have directly compared traditional knowledge translation with arts-based knowledge translation methods. Thus, our study aimed to evaluate and compare the impact of an arts-based knowledge translation intervention-a circus show-with two traditional knowledge translation interventions (webinar and research report) in terms of awareness, accessibility, engagement, advocacy/policy influence, and enjoyment. To conduct this exploratory convergent mixed method study, we randomly assigned 162 participants to one of the three interventions. All three knowledge translation methods were used to translate the same research project: "Rural Emergency 360: Mobilization of decision-makers, healthcare professionals, patients, and citizens to improve healthcare and services in Quebec's rural emergency departments (UR360)." The findings revealed that the circus show outperformed the webinar and research report in terms of accessibility and enjoyment, while being equally effective in raising awareness, increasing engagement, and influencing advocacy/policy. Each intervention strategy demonstrates its unique array of strengths and weaknesses, with the circus show catering to a diverse audience, while the webinar and research report target more informed participants. These outcomes underscore the innovative and inclusive attributes of Arts-Based Knowledge translation, showcasing its capacity to facilitate researchers' engagement with a wider array of stakeholders across diverse contexts. As a relevant first step and a complementary asset, arts-based knowledge translation holds immense potential in increasing awareness and mobilization around crucial health issues.

Creative activities of circuses in the Eastern and Western regions of Ukraine in wartime: based on interviews with circus directors

This article marks the inaugural chapter of a comprehensive research initiative, delving into the experiences of circus directors in Ukraine amidst challenging times. It presents interviews with two distinguished directors hailing from Lviv and Kharkiv. The narratives offered by these circus visionaries illuminate the profound impact of war and adversity on the circus industry in Ukraine. This article is the opening instalment of a larger exploration that seeks to engage with circus directors across the nation, unravelling the unique stories of these cultural bastions and the resilience they embody. Throughout this series, we will explore the multifaceted impacts of the war on Ukraine's circus community. We will delve into the directors' personal experiences, hearing their stories of triumphs and tribulations, and gain insight into the coping mechanisms that have allowed them to continue pursuing their passion for entertaining audiences, even in times of crisis.
 Moreover, we will shed light on the pressing needs of the Ukrainian circus today. Beyond the applause and standing ovations, these institutions are grappling with their own set of challenges. The circus, a timeless form of entertainment, has evolved to adapt to the changing world, but now faces a crisis of a different kind – one that requires support, understanding, and recognition of its cultural significance.
 Join us on this enlightening research through the Ukrainian circus, where the magic under the big top has not dimmed, but rather, has illuminated the path of resilience and hope in the face of adversity. These circus directors' stories are a testament to the power of art, passion, and community in the most trying of times, offering us a glimpse into a world where the show must go on, no matter the circumstances.

Digitalized Ship Maintenance Management System Website Application Innovation Strategy Using Design Thinking Method

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to explore the benefits of digitalization, specifically in the context of PT Biro Klasifikasi Indonesia's (PT. BKI) digital transformation efforts. The focus is on how digitalization can enhance operational efficiency, productivity, customer service, and global competitiveness in the maritime industry.
 Method: The research employs the design thinking method to identify and address customer needs and challenges. It highlights the development of the "Digitalized Ship Management Maintenance System" application, showcasing its role in simplifying ship maintenance processes. The study uses a customer-centric approach to determine modules that provide effective solutions to identified issues.
 Result: The Digitalized Ship Management Maintenance System application is designed to streamline ship maintenance for customers. Utilizing design thinking, the study identifies customer problems and develops modules to address them. The application offers direct integration with PT. BKI's survey status, strengthening its international classification standing. Additionally, it supports government data integration, ensuring safety and environmental protection in Indonesia's maritime areas.
 Implication: The implications of the study underscore the significance of digital transformation for companies in the maritime sector, particularly for PT. BKI. The "Go Global" and "Big Top 5 Asia" targets align with the broader benefits of digitalization, including enhanced operational efficiency, global market access, and improved customer service. The developed application serves as a tangible outcome of the digitalization process, contributing to PT. BKI's competitiveness and its role as a trusted classification body.

Everyone is welcome under the big top: a multiple case study on circus arts instruction in physical education

ABSTRACT Purpose This study aimed to explore the implementation and impact of circus arts instruction in physical education (PE) classes through a multiple case study design. Data Collection/Analysis This multi-site case study explored the implementation and impact of circus arts instruction in PE. Participant observation took place over the course of 16 hours of PE class time in a two-week period. Themes were created by collapsing common observations, following Braun and Clarke’s six-step thematic analysis process. Findings Circus implementation in elementary schools revealed a wide array of benefits to both teaching practices and student experience based on four themes. The themes included: (1) Circus in action: a shift in pedagogy; (2) Teacher training in circus; (3) Facilities and circus equipment; and (4) Pedagogical strategies. Conclusions With the integration of physical literacy enriched pedagogical practices, circus arts instruction created a gymnasium space inclusive to all students by addressing a number of barriers often observed in PE related to sex/gender equity, and inclusion of different levels of ability (physical and cognitive). Our findings suggest that circus arts is one of the best known examples of a physical literacy enriched experience, with inclusion at its foundation.

Comparative transcriptomic profiling of peach and nectarine cultivars reveals cultivar-specific responses to chilled postharvest storage.

Peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch,) and nectarine fruits (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch, var nectarine), are characterized by a rapid deterioration at room temperature. Therefore, cold storage is widely used to delay fruit post-harvest ripening and extend fruit commercial life. Physiological disorders, collectively known as chilling injury, can develop typically after 3 weeks of low-temperature storage and affect fruit quality. A comparative transcriptomic analysis was performed to identify regulatory pathways that develop before chilling injury symptoms are detectable using next generation sequencing on the fruits of two contrasting cultivars, one peach (Sagittaria) and one nectarine, (Big Top), over 14 days of postharvest cold storage. There was a progressive increase in the number of differentially expressed genes between time points (DEGs) in both cultivars. More (1264) time point DEGs were identified in 'Big Top' compared to 'Sagittaria' (746 DEGs). Both cultivars showed a downregulation of pathways related to photosynthesis, and an upregulation of pathways related to amino sugars, nucleotide sugar metabolism and plant hormone signal transduction with ethylene pathways being most affected. Expression patterns of ethylene related genes (including biosynthesis, signaling and ERF transcription factors) correlated with genes involved in cell wall modification, membrane composition, pathogen and stress response, which are all involved later during storage in development of chilling injury. Overall, the results show that common pathways are activated in the fruit of 'Big Top' nectarine and 'Sagittaria' peach in response to cold storage but include also differences that are cultivar-specific responses.

“We Fight Anything That Fights the Circus”: Unions and Labor Organizing under the Big Top

AbstractWith seasons that often stretched across continents, and a diverse and cosmopolitan group of employees, the circus was a startlingly unique mobile, transient, and global workplace. This article focuses on the significant worker activism in the circus during the late 1930s and early 1940s, particularly as it intersected with labor organizations. In 1938, nearly sixteen hundred laborers with the Ringling Brothers Circus staged a sit-in to protest unfair wages with the help of the AFL. But they were shocked when the circus responded by shutting down for the season, leaving every worker out of a job. The 1938 circus strikes were at the tail end of a long history of negotiations and disputes. These various protests, led by a global workforce of sideshow performers, canvasmen, and high-paid stars from the center ring directly led to the modernization of the circus, along with its subsequent decline. This has larger implications for understanding early globalized workforces and the historic roots of employer responses to demands of a globalized working class.

Cross-Cultural Differences between Italian and UK Consumer Preferences for 'Big Top' Nectarines in Relation to Cold Storage.

Nectarines are perishable fruits grown in Southern Europe, valued for their sensorial properties. Chilling is used in the supply chain for Northern European consumers, while Southern European consumers can access fresh, locally grown fruit or cold-stored supermarket fruit. Cold storage and fruit ripening affect texture and flavour. Here a consumer survey and hedonic testing compared the appreciation of nectarines (cv. Big Top) in Italy and at two UK sites (n = 359). Fruit was at the commercial harvest stage, or stored at 1 °C or 5 °C for seven days, then sampled after two days’ (Italy and one UK site) or four days’ (second UK site) ambient recovery. In the consumer survey, the most important factors involved in purchase decision were ripeness, texture, colour, taste and price. Named varieties were more important to Italian than UK respondents, whilst ripeness, price, taste, blemishes, aroma, and ‘best before date’ were more important in the UK. In sensory analyses, fruits at the commercial harvest stage were preferred to those stored at 1 °C. Preference for the 5 °C stored peaches depended on recovery time. Distinct clusters of peach sensorial attributes were positively or negatively linked to hedonic rating. Factors important in purchase decisions did not affect hedonic rating in the tasting.

The Great Zapfino by Mac Barnett

Reviewed by: The Great Zapfino by Mac Barnett Elizabeth Bush Barnett , Mac The Great Zapfino ; illus. by Marla Frazee . Beach Lane/Simon , 2022 [ 32 p] Trade ed. ISBN 9781534411548 $17.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9781534411555 $10.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R 4-8 yrs Join the crowd, hold your breath, and thrill to the ringmaster's ballyhoo as The Great Zapfino ascends the impossibly high ladder and prepares to make the ten-story Leap For Life onto an impossibly tiny trampoline, defying fate "for your entertainment." It's a feat no rational person would attempt—and it seems that Zapfino thinks so too. He's out of the big top in a flash and on an airplane to a palm-tree lined beach, where he snags a job and a dingy top floor room in a Miami-esque mid-century modern apartment building, making a new life for himself as an elevator operator. He likes the tenants and the tenants like him, and life rolls along until the evening he falls asleep waiting for his nightly bread slice to toast and dinner catches fire. What Zapfino wouldn't do "for your entertainment" he now does for self-preservation, delighting onlookers as he leaps off the ledge and tumbles acrobatically through the air, bouncing onto the firefighters' trampoline and sticking a perfect landing with a theatrical flourish. Apart from some well-placed signage and the ringmaster's initial patter, the story proceeds wordlessly, allowing viewers to pore over the variety of elevator riders and their gear and to recognize Zapfino's air of contentment as he settles into a humble but satisfying routine. Frazee's black pencil drawings capture the action in a slightly ambiguous temporal setting, in which elevator operators ply their trade and men can be spotted in ties and fedoras, while airline passengers drag wheeled suitcases and hipsters carry coffee cups and yoga mats. Slight but delightful, this title easily withstands multiple readings, and unprepossessing Zapfino earns the big Z on the front of his uniform. Copyright © 2022 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois

Peach, Apple, and Pear Fruit Quality: To Peel or Not to Peel?

The nutritional value of the peeled and unpeeled fruit (peel plus flesh tissues) was studied using four peach (Prunus persica L.; Red Heaven, Maria Blanca, Big Top, and Queen Giant), two pear (Pyrus communis L.; Santa Maria, Pyrus pyrifolia N.; Nashi), and three apple (Malus domestica Borkh.; Gala, Granny Smith, and Red Chief) cultivars. Based on principal components analysis (PCA) models, there was a clear differentiation among the cultivars’ and the peeled fruits’ nutritional characteristics in comparison to the unpeeled ones. Increased antioxidant capacity and content of total phenols and flavonoids of peaches (Red Heaven and Maria Blanca) versus nectarines (Big Top and Queen Giant) were recorded. In contrast, nectarines were characterized by higher hydroxycinnamates and dry matter. The apples’ cultivar Granny Smith exhibited a high level of titratable acidity (TA), while the Gala displayed a high level of soluble solids concentration (SSC), carotenoids, dry matter, hydroxycinnamic acids, and flavonols at the unpeeled fruit, whereas the Red Chief by increased anthocyanins, antioxidant capacity, total phenols, and flavonoids. Nashi pears with peel were more beneficial due to the strong skin contribution in the fruits’ beneficial compounds content. The peel of the Granny Smith cultivar was associated with an increased level of P, K, Ca, and Mg, whereas that of Red Chief with increased anthocyanins and Mg content.

Beneficial effect of secondary treated wastewater irrigation on nectarine tree physiology

Irrigation with secondary treated wastewater (STW) as a support to traditional irrigation management is becoming a necessary alternative to addressing issues of water shortage and fertilizer saving. The application of STW on young potted plants of Prunus persica (L.); cv: Big Top, grafted on GF 677, was studied outdoors on two consecutive seasons, during which three different irrigation treatments were compared: 1) irrigation with STW; 2) irrigation with tap water with the addition of mineral fertilizer (TW + MF) and 3) irrigation with tap water (TW). To assess the effects of the different irrigation treatments, tree nutritional status, shoot growth, Stem Cross Sectional Area (SCSA), Trunk Cross Sectional Area (TCSA), leaf gas exchanges, plant water status, fruit growth, fruit yield and quality were monitored during both seasons. Tree nutritional status, vegetative growth, TCSA, cumulative plant photosynthesis, fruit growth and yield were positively influenced by STW irrigation, compared to TW. TW + MF trees showed the highest vegetative growth and vegetative/reproductive ratio. This induced a rise in their water use and a consequent decrease in stem water potential, indicating the onset of water stress conditions. Results indicated that there was no negative effect of STW application on any of the monitored parameters. STW partially improved the plant physiological, nutritional and productive performances due to its intrinsic fertilizing effect. These results encourage further studies on the possibilities to directly use STW as an alternative source for irrigating and fertigating fruit crops even in open field conditions.

Linkage and association mapping for the slow softening (SwS) trait in peach (P. persica L. Batsch) fruit

Fruit texture is a crucial quality factor influencing consumer preference and shelf life. Peach (P. persica L. Batsch) is a highly perishable fruit subjected to a rapid softening after harvest. Improvement of peach shelf life is an important breeding objective, stimulating the characterization and exploitation of texture-related traits. Variants of melting (M) texture have captured an increasing interest, following the economic success of “Big Top” nectarine, one of the most cultivated varieties worldwide. “Big Top” fruit maintains a crispy texture for an extended period before the onset of the melting phase, prolonging its shelf life. Genetic determinants regulating this complex trait, defined as slow softening (SwS), are still unknown, mainly because of limitations in phenotyping methods. In this work, a mechanical approach for measuring SwS fruit texture was used to phenotype offspring derived from a cross between “Rebus028” (SwS texture) and “Max10” (M texture). Mechanical parameters were used in linkage mapping, allowing the identification of a major QTL on chromosome 8 (qSwS8.1). The presence of this QTL was validated by a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in a panel of accessions phenotyped for mechanical properties. Less significant signals were also detected by GWAS in other genomic regions, suggesting that additional loci may regulate the SwS trait, possibly depending on the genetic background. The inheritance pattern of the SwS trait and the presence of additional loci are crucial aspects to be addressed in future studies, along with a better characterization of other important textural attributes.

Human health risk assessment of lead in nectarines

The aim of the paper was to determine the level of soil contamination with lead and perform risk assessment by calculating the Hazard Quotient Index (HQI). The research was carried out during 2015 and 2016 at three locations in Herzegovina (Mostar, Čapljina, and Stolac), where nectarine cultivars ('Big Top' and 'Caldesi 2000') were cultivated. At the Mostar and Čapljina locations, the total content of lead in the soil exceeded MPC values in both years of research. Estimated daily intake (EDI) and estimated weekly intake (EWI) values of lead in the studied nectarine varieties showed no acute or chronic risk for human health.

Visible and Near-Infrared Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy for Fast Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of Nectarine Quality

Visible and near-infrared spectroscopy has been widely used as a non-invasive and rapid-assessment technique for the quality control of agricultural products. In this study, 325 samples of nectarines representing two commercial varieties, cv. ‘Big Top’ and cv. ‘Magique’, were analysed by visible and near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (VIS-NIR). The spectral data were pre-treated and analysed to predict the internal quality of the samples and to discriminate between the two varieties. Good prediction of the internal quality of the samples, using partial least-squares regressions, was observed for both (R 2 P of 0.909 and 0.927 and RMSEP of 0.235 and 0.238 for cv. Big Top and Magique, respectively). Discriminant models, using linear discriminant and partial least-squares discriminant analyses, were built to classify the nectarines. Both methods provided good results with rates of 97.44 and 100% of correctly classified samples. The results indicated that visible and near-infrared techniques can be useful and simple methods for quality control and for the correct identification of nectarines in commercial lines as an alternative to the slower and less accurate manual classification.

Genetic analysis of the slow-melting flesh character in peach

The slow-melting flesh (SMF) trait in peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] defines a slower process of postharvest fruit-softening than the prevalent melting flesh (MF) types. This gives a longer shelf life and a delayed harvest-time resulting in better fruit quality. Unlike other known fruit texture traits, SMF is difficult to measure and has a complex inheritance. We examined this character over 2 years in the offspring of two crosses, both with “Big Top,” an SMF nectarine, as the female parent, and with a melting flesh (MF) nectarine as the male parent (“Armking” and “Nectaross”). Following harvest, a texturometer was used to provide a textural profile analysis, and fruit firmness evolution was measured with a penetrometer over a period of 5 days’ storage at 20 °C. Linkage maps were constructed with a high-density SNP chip, and a phenotype-genotype analysis allowed the detection of three independent genomic regions where most QTLs (quantitative trait loci) were located. Two of these, on linkage groups 4 and 5, explained the variability for two characters—maturity date and firmness loss—that is, the QTL on linkage group 4 found in the MF parents and that on linkage group 5 in Big Top. A third region on linkage group 6, which identified a QTL for maturity date only in Armking, has no apparent association to the softening process. The relationship between maturity date and fruit-firmness loss and a hypothesis on the inheritance of the SMF character are discussed.

Phenolic, sugar and acid profiles and the antioxidant composition in the peel and pulp of peach fruits

In this study, antioxidant compounds (ascorbic acid; total phenolic, flavonoid and anthocyanin contents; and relative antioxidant capacity) and the profiles of sugars, organic acids, polyphenols and mineral composition were compared in the peel and pulp tissues of nine commercial peach cultivars. The antioxidant compounds, measured by a 96-well microplate reader, showed differences among cultivars. The phenolic profile determined by UPLC resulted in the quantification of hydroxycinnamates, flavonols (only in peel), flavanols and anthocyanins, which were differently distributed in both tissues. Peels contained the highest concentrations of phytochemicals, with the exception of sugars and organic acids. We found that the contents of flavonoids, anthocyanins and total phenolic compounds measured by spectrophotometry and UPLC–MS methodologies were highly correlated. The Spanish cultivar Calanda Tardio showed the highest antioxidant and sorbitol contents. Venus had the highest contents of ascorbic and citric acids, and Big Top had the highest sucrose content.

Under the big top: An exploratory analysis of psychological factors influencing circus performers

There is a substantial body of literature addressing psychological experiences of performers in sport domains; however, there is a paucity of literature exploring the psychological experiences of performers in other domains, specifically circus arts. This study was designed to be an exploratory investigation of the mental challenges faced by circus performers as well as mental strengths that contribute to performance excellence. The researchers hoped to gain: (a) a general insight into the mental side of circus arts, (b) insight into differences between the mental side of circus arts and sports/performing arts, and (c) insight into the differences that might exist amongst specific disciplines within circus arts. Participants (n=4) consisted of 2 aerialists and 2 clowns/mimes. Participants each engaged in a 30–60min semi-structured interview about the mental aspects of practice and performance. Results showed that mental skills such as confidence, concentration, energy management, and emotional management are considered integral to success in circus arts. Results also reflected differences that exist between circus and sport domains, such as the ability to embody emotions and connect with the audience. Future research should explore phenomena more systematically as well as continue to examine the differences that exist between circus arts and other performance domains.

Under the Big Top: Big Tent Revivalism and American Culture, 1885–1925 By JoshMcMullen. New York: Oxford University Press, 2015. Pp. x + 229; plates. Hardcover, $74.00.

Religious Studies ReviewVolume 42, Issue 3 p. 220-220 Short Reviews of Recent Publications: The Americas: USA Under the Big Top: Big Tent Revivalism and American Culture, 1885–1925 By Josh McMullen. New York: Oxford University Press, 2015. Pp. x + 229; plates. Hardcover, $74.00. Robert E. Brown, Robert E. Brown James Madison UniversitySearch for more papers by this author Robert E. Brown, Robert E. Brown James Madison UniversitySearch for more papers by this author First published: 15 September 2016 https://doi.org/10.1111/rsr.12609Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume42, Issue3September 2016Pages 220-220 RelatedInformation

Josh McMullen.Under the Big Top: Big Tent Revivalism and American Culture, 1885–1925.

Josh McMullen.<i>Under the Big Top: Big Tent Revivalism and American Culture, 1885–1925</i>.