Intensive Exposure Research Articles

What Best Predicts the Use of Hearing Protection Devices?

AbstractThe use of protective devices to safeguard health in noisy environments is crucial. Intensive exposure to pop, rock, and jazz (PRJ) music leads to irreversible damage to the auditory system. This study analyzed the psychological variables that best predict the use of personal hearing protection devices (PHPD) in professional PRJ musicians and the relative importance of PHPD in general as well as in four different occupational contexts, after controlling for auditory measures and condition. Professional musicians’ attitudes toward PHPD and behavior were assessed. Analyses showed that the best predictor of current usage was the duration of previous use, followed by additional psychological factors that predict usage in the four occupational settings. Researchers can draw on the current findings to explore other psychological factors and mechanisms that may facilitate the use of PHPD. For example, the finding that custom-made PHPD predicts the use of PHPD could be explored further by identifying the underlying psychological mechanisms, such as perception of ownership or identification processes. Studies should examine the other barriers/inducements to the use of PHPD in addition to those examined here, including the social factors connected to particular musical ensembles. Overall, psychological approaches encouraging behavioral change should be implemented, such as reminding individuals about previous use of PHPD, drawing their attention to these devices and the occupational environment, and enforcing PHPD norms to augment occupational health and safety.The questionnaire used in the experiment is available online at https://www.press.uillinois.edu/journals/ajp/media/redicts_the_use_of_hearing_protection/index.html

Creating Cultural Safety as an Aboriginal Teacher in a Class of Non-Aboriginal University Students

ABSTRACT Creating a culturally safe learning environment is critical for Aboriginal teachers in universities. This paper explores my experience as a new lecturer convening an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social work course at an Australian university. As an Aboriginal woman teaching to a large class of non-Aboriginal students, establishing cultural safety became a priority early on. Through reflecting on my journey from feeling vulnerable at the beginning of the course, to developing a safe and collaborative learning and teaching experience, this paper presents the rare perspective of an Aboriginal academic in the teaching space, and offers practical ways to develop cultural safety in university classrooms. IMPLICATIONS Aboriginal social work teaching academics need to feel culturally safe in the classroom setting to sustain them in their role. Engaging non-Aboriginal students to feel safe through collaborative learning enhances the learning and teaching experience for everyone and contributes to cultural safety for Aboriginal academics. Aboriginal academics teaching Aboriginal-specific content risk being traumatised through intensive and consistent exposure to traumatic content that may be personal to them. Universities need to provide practical support to new teaching academics to best equip and prepare them for the role.

The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine.

The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine.

Mandarin-Italian Dual-Language Children's Comprehension of Head-Final and Head-Initial Relative Clauses.

The acquisition of languages by children using two languages is a matter of debate as many factors contribute to the success of this type of acquisition. We focus on how the competence of dual-language children changes in their two languages as a function of length of exposure and establish whether there are reciprocal influences during language development. We examined the comprehension of subject and object relative clauses in a group of 6-year-old (younger) and 8-year-old (older) Mandarin–Italian dual-language children. After 3 years of regular and intensive exposure to Italian, the younger group reached the same level of competence in the comprehension of relative clauses in their two languages, and after 5 years of exposure to Italian, the older group had a better comprehension of relative clauses in Italian than in Mandarin. Acquiring two languages leads to bidirectional influence, beyond a reciprocal support. Finally, some penalty may be observed in the acquisition of subject head-final relative clauses, which is not evident in that of subject head-initial relative clauses.

Rapid TLC with Densitometry for Evaluation of Naproxen Stability

The purpose of the work was to develop such chromatographic conditions that allowed to separate as many naproxen degradation products as possible. In order to follow this process, thin-layer chromatography (TLC) coupled with densitometry and spectrodensitometry was used. A forced degradation study was performed using an ethanolic solution of naproxen spotted on silica gel plates, existing in the form of an aqueous solution at various pH values, and as solution prepared in saline and in hydrogen peroxide. Degradative effect of UV light on naproxen was watched in the context of naproxen spotted on plates precoated with silica gel and exposed to UV light, and also for its solution treated with UV light. However, the solution of naproxen prepared in water at pH ≈ 2.60 undergoes the largest changes as the results of its exposure to UV light during 10 h. Stressed samples of naproxen were analyzed by using a new and well validated TLC procedure including toluene (TOL)—acetone (ACE)—chloroform (CHL) (2:5:12, v/v/v) as mobile phase A and glacial acetic acid (AcOH)—n-hexane (Hex)—acetone (ACE)-(0.10:10:10, v/v/v) as mobile phase B. As the newly developed TLC-densitometric method can effectively separate the substances about pharmaceutical significance from products of its degradation, which are formed as a result of stress studies, is considered to be a good alternative and important tool in routine quality control and stability testing of naproxen in pharmaceutical formulations. These results indicate that proposed TLC-densitometric method is cost-effective, rapid, specific, accurate, and precise. This TLC procedure is comparable to HPLC and UPLC method in terms of detection the number of degradation products of naproxen. In addition, it realizes the criterion of linearity. A major advantage and novelty of proposed method is its low cost and ability to analyze examined drug and all degradation products simultaneously, including those which can be observed under intensive UV radiation exposure of naproxen solution which are not described by previous HPTLC studies available in the literature.

UV protection for young athletes: using participatory program planning to develop a sports schools program

BackgroundThe incidence of melanoma increased rapidly throughout the last decades, with overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation being an established risk factor. Due to their intensive sun exposure, many student athletes (SAs) have an increased risk for skin cancer. The Clever in Sun and Shade Program (CSSP) aims at enforcing positive attitudes toward UV protection (UVP) and at supporting sports schools in establishing UVP strategies.MethodsCSSP was developed in 2019 using participatory program planning (PPP) as well as following WHO recommendations for UVP at schools. After drafting first material, within a PPP groups were conducted at a partner school (convenience sample 1) with students (n = 20), teachers (n = 5), school administration (n = 2), and coaches (n = 5). Materials were then adapted. Program acceptance and feasibility were tested at two further schools (convenience sample 2) with PPP groups of students (n = 95) and school administration (n = 2). Content analyses and descriptive statistics were conducted.ResultsLess than 50% of SAs and coaches of sample 1 expressed positive attitudes toward UVP, less than 10% reported appropriate UVP behavior. By using PPP, program material was adapted to the target groups’ needs, i.e., by including specific barriers and solutions. Only the most accepted video drafts were produced. The majority of SAs of sample 2 (80-86%) used predominantly positive adjectives such as “important” and “positive” to describe the completed videos and the behavior self-check poster.ConclusionsPPP process has greatly influenced concept and materials of CSSP for sports schools. Integration of future program participants has proven to be an important component in creating a fitting and feasible program. CSSP for sports schools is a program free of charge that enables sports schools to integrate UVP into their daily routine. It will be disseminated in cooperation with German Olympic Sports Confederation and German Cancer Aid in 2021.

Assessment of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Sound Exposure Using a Smartphone Application.

This study aimed to determine the impact of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) design and environmental factors on neonatal sound exposures. We hypothesized that monitoring with a smartphone application would identify modifiable environmental factors in different NICU design formats. Minimum, maximum, and peak decibel (dB) recordings were obtained using the Decibel X phone app, and the presence of noise sources was recorded in each patient space at three NICUs over a 6-month period (December 2017 to May 2018). Data were analyzed by Student's t-test and ANOVA with Bonferroni correction. Data were collected at the University of Maryland Medical Center single family room (SFR) level IV and St. Agnes Healthcare hybrid pod/single family room level III NICU, Baltimore, MD and at Prince George's Hospital Center open-pod design Level III NICU, Cheverly, MD. All recordings in the three NICUs exceeded the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended <45 dB level. The maximum and peak dB were highest in the open pod format level III NICU. Conversations/music alone and combined with other factors contributed to increased sound exposure. Sound exposure varied by day/night shift, with higher day exposures at the level III hybrid and open pod NICUs and higher night exposures at the level IV SFR NICU. Although sound exposure varied by NICU design, all recordings exceeded the AAP recommendation due, in part, to potentially modifiable environmental factors. A smartphone application may be useful for auditing NICU sound exposure in quality improvements efforts to minimize environmental sound exposure. · Smartphone application was used to assess NICU sound exposure.. · All cases of sound exposure exceed recommendations.. · A smartphone application was used to identify modifiable factors..

Comparison of the chemical composition of aerosols from heated tobacco products, electronic cigarettes and tobacco cigarettes and their toxic impacts on the human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells

The electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) and more recently the heated tobacco products (HTP) provide alternatives for smokers as they are generally perceived to be less harmful than conventional cigarettes. However, it is crucial to compare the health risks of these different emergent devices, in order to determine which product should be preferred to substitute cigarette. The present study aimed to compare the composition of emissions from HTP, e-cigs and conventional cigarettes, regarding selected harmful or potentially harmful compounds, and their toxic impacts on the human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells. The HTP emitted less polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and carbonyls than the conventional cigarette. However, amounts of these compounds in HTP aerosols were still higher than in e-cig vapours. Concordantly, HTP aerosol showed reduced cytotoxicity compared to cigarette smoke but higher than e-cig vapours. HTP and e-cig had the potential to increase oxidative stress and inflammatory response, in a manner similar to that of cigarette smoke, but after more intensive exposures. In addition, increasing e-cig power impacted levels of certain toxic compounds and related oxidative stress. This study provides important data necessary for risk assessment by demonstrating that HTP might be less harmful than tobacco cigarette but considerably more harmful than e-cig.

Prevalence and predictors of psychopathology in the war-afflicted Syrian population.

Research on the psychological impact of war on affected populations is important for the planning and provision of interventions. However, most studies that address the effects of political violence have been restricted to Western countries, and even after six years of civil war in Syria, there has been no study addressing its psychological impact on the general population. The present study used an online survey to examine the level of psychological symptoms and correlates of distress in a sample of 387 subjects from different areas of Syria. We used t-tests to compare symptoms across zones with different levels of war activity, and multiple regression models to identify predictors of distress. Results indicate a high level of psychological distress indicative of psychopathology in all regions across the country. Rates were higher in areas with more intensive exposure ('hot' zones). Greater symptom severity was associated with living in a hot zone, female gender, older age, the number of potentially traumatic events, daily stressors, and (low) perceived feeling of safety; whereas social support, religiosity, and religious coping were associated with lower levels of symptoms. The elevated levels of mental health problems and direct relation between the level of exposure to violence and poorer mental health point to the need for mental health services. Reducing daily stressors and ensuring safety could contribute significantly to better mental health, although this does not replace the need for evidence-based psychotherapy. The planning and delivery of psychological interventions by NGOs should be informed by issues related to stigma, lack of understanding and acceptance of psychological care.

Leukemia risk and rate of radiation dose accumulation. Part 2: Comparative analysis of leukocytic indices and dynamics of peripheral blood values in relation to external gamma-exposure dose

The results of a retrospective analysis of leukocytic indices and dynamics of peripheral blood values in relation to external gamma-exposure dose among the personnel of the first atomic production facility in Russia were presented. The study was performed on the basis of the database “Leukemia in the cohort of workers of the Mayak Production Association employed in 1948-1958”. The database contains hematological, clinical and dosimetry information on the two groups of workers: the study group includes individuals with leukemia as the cause of death (n=84); control group includes personnel without hematological cancer pathology (n=300). The control group was composed by selecting 3-4 internal control cases for each leukemia case taking into account gender, age of the start of the exposure and the same accumulated absorbed dose of gamma-exposure to red bone marrow. Based on 19592 analysis of peripheral blood we had described hematopoiesis shifts along cell lines, performed correlation analysis of interrelation between hemogram values and radiation dose, analyzed particular characteristics of blast cells’ appearance in peripheral blood flow in the period prior to leukemias. Comparative analysis of various leukocytic indices was performed among Mayak PA personnel for the first time. The diverse nature of the response of bone marrow hematopoiesis was noted; more pronounced hematological shifts were indicated regarding more intensive production exposure. A number of hematopoietic features were detected among people exposed to production radiation: 1) cytopenia in relation to minimum accumulated doses of radiation exposure in both studied groups; 2) more pronounced lability of hemograms in relation to increased accumulation dose of external gamma-exposure and period of radiation exposure among individuals who had developed leukemia in future in comparison to controls; 3) correlation between peripheral blood cells and accumulated doses of external gamma-exposure was characterized by the highest values of coefficients among individuals with future leukemias; 4) myeloblasts were most often registered among all the blast cells; proerythroblasts were characterized by the shortest average period from the start of the exposure and to the moment of their appearance in the peripheral blood flow (178 days in the study group); polychromatophile erythroblasts in peripheral blood were registered only among the workers with future leukemia; 5) when comparing leukocytic indices in proportion to the categories of accumulated doses of external gamma-exposure, a pronounced variability in the ratio of blood cells was observed among exposed individuals who were subsequently diagnosed with leukemia, especially in the range of 2.0-2.5 Gy. Thus, a comprehensive analysis of hematological parameters, including the assessment of leukocytic indices, is more informative than studying a standard hemogram. Particular features of the dynamics of the cellular composition of peripheral blood can be used as indicators of pathological hematopoiesis in exposed workers prior to clinical manifestation of leukemia.

Staphylococcus aureus Population Structure and Genomic Profiles in Asymptomatic Carriers in Switzerland.

Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause for clinical infections and food intoxications, causing over 100,000 yearly cases of bacteremia in the United States and 434 food-borne outbreaks in the European Union. Approximately 30% of the population permanently carry S. aureus asymptomatically in their nasal cavity. The risk of infection and transmission to food items or the environment is higher in individuals that are nasally colonized. In addition, S. aureus can acquire various antimicrobial resistances leading to therapeutic failure, additional medical costs, and fatalities. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) cause a considerable burden of disease in humans and animals. MRSA carriage has been associated with animal and in particular livestock contact. Extensive current data on the virulence gene profiles, as well as data on antimicrobial resistance determinants is crucial in developing effective strategies to mitigate the burden of disease. To this end, we screened the anterior nares of 160 test subjects (87 pupils and 73 members of farmer families) in Switzerland for S. aureus carriage. A total of 73 S. aureus isolates were obtained. Factors such as exposure to farm or companion animals and personal medical history were recorded using a questionnaire. Using a DNA microarray, isolates were assigned to clonal complexes (CCs), and virulence and resistance gene profiles were determined. The collected strains were assigned to 20 CCs, among others CC1, CC7, CC8, CC15, CC30, CC45, CC97, and CC398. Two MRSA strains and one multiresistant isolate carrying genes blaZ/I/R, InuA, aadD, tetK, and fosB were isolated from farmers with intensive exposure to animals. Strains carrying pvl, causing severe skin lesions and necrotizing pneumonia, as well as tetracycline, erythromycin, and kanamycin resistance genes were found in individuals that had taken antibiotics during the last year. A variety of superantigenic toxin genes was detected, including among others, the toxic shock syndrome toxin (tst1), and various enterotoxins (sea, sec, sel, and the egc cluster). Contact to chickens was identified as a significant factor contributing to S. aureus colonization.

Recent Advances in Electrochemical Sensors and Biosensors for Detecting Bisphenol A.

In recent years, several studies have focused on environmental pollutants. Bisphenol A (BPA) is one prominent industrial raw material, and its extensive utilization and release into the environment constitute an environmental hazard. BPA is considered as to be an endocrine disruptor which mimics hormones, and has a direct relationship to the development and growth of animal and human reproductive systems. Moreover, intensive exposure to the compound is related to prostate and breast cancer, infertility, obesity, and diabetes. Hence, accurate and reliable determination techniques are crucial for preventing human exposure to BPA. Experts in the field have published general electrochemical procedures for detecting BPA. The present timely review critically evaluates diverse chemically modified electrodes using various substances that have been reported in numerous studies in the recent decade for use in electrochemical sensors and biosensors to detect BPA. Additionally, the essential contributions of these substances for the design of electrochemical sensors are presented. It has been predicted that chemically modified electrode-based sensing systems will be possible options for the monitoring of detrimental pollutants.

“Distant Participation” and Youth Political Attitudes: Evidence from a Natural Experiment

ObjectiveIn this article, we explore the seldom studied concept of “distant participation,” defined as the experience of social movements (such as receiving information from online media) from overseas. Online media may affect people's political attitudes, but how people use online media is also contingent upon their political attitudes.MethodWe take advantage of a natural experiment to deal with this endogenous selection problem. Our treatment group consists of college students who happened to join a short‐term overseas exchange program during the Umbrella Movement, which had an unexpectedly large turnout in Hong Kong. These students had a different mode of participation in the event from their peers physically in Hong Kong. The experience, including intensive exposure to online media, changed their media consumption habits, and hence their political attitudes.ResultsWe find that the treatment group is more likely to report using online media to obtain news. They also have a stronger sense of political efficacy and significantly weaker national identity. We, however, find no significant difference between the treatment and control groups regarding civic and political participation.ConclusionThis study provides a rare contribution to the study of the effect of online media by tackling the problem of selection. The concept of distant participation should also be given more attention given the ease of population flow and technological advancement nowadays.

Disseminated Superficial Actinic Porokeratosis in the Elderly: A Case Report

Abstract Currently, most authors believe that disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP) is an inherited or acquired dermatologic disorder of keratinization that occurs in genetically predisposed individuals after adequate exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, or immunosuppression. Lesions in DSAP start in sun-exposed areas most commonly in the third or fourth decade of life. The lesions are pink to brownish papules and plaques with a raised scaling ridge, histologically seen as a column of parakeratotic keratinocytes, the cornoid lamella. DSAP is not only the most common, but also the most often overlooked form of porokeratosis (P). Here we present a 77-year-old male with DSAP, who sporadically developed initial skin lesions at the age of 67, at the time when his personal and medical history were significantly long for chronic intensive sun exposure and type 1 insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. We established the diagnosis of DSAP based on personal and medical history, clinical presentation, auxiliary methods such as dermoscopy, and confirmed with pathohistological findings. We advised the patient to avoid sun exposure and to apply photo-protective sunscreens, emollients and keratolytics. After five years of monitoring his changes, we continue to control his lesions for any possible alteration. Although mutations in several genes and data on sun exposure may be responsible for the onset of the disease, most cases of DSPA occur sporadically and without involving the facial skin, as in our case. Lesions usually begin in the third or fourth decade of life. In the elderly, an additional trigger may be present, such as e.g. age-related decreased immune competence. Diabetes mellitus may also be associated with immunodeficiency in the elderly. Recently, DSPA has been a special subtype of DSPA in the elderly. Malignant alteration can occur in DSPA, most commonly in lesions that are long lasting, large, in the elderly, or in lesions in immunocompromised individuals. In conclusion, this is the case of a 77-year-old male person, who sporadically developed the so-called subtype DSPA in the elderly. In addition to UV radiation, the relevant suggestive trigger factors were the immunosuppressive effects of diabetes mellitus and chronological aging.

HBV X protein-based therapeutic vaccine accelerates viral antigen clearance by mobilizing monocyte infiltration into the liver in HBV carrier mice

BackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) persistently infected about 250 million people worldwide, and a curative treatment remains an unmet medical need. Among many approaches to treat chronic hepatitis B (CHB), therapeutic vaccines have been developed for two decades, but none have yielded promising results in clinical trials. Therefore, dissection of HBV clearance mechanisms during therapeutic vaccination in appropriate models, which could give rise to new curative therapies, is urgently needed. Growing evidence indicates that prolonged and intensive exposure of antigen-specific T cells to viral antigens is a major cause of T cell exhaustion, and decreases anti-HBV immunity efficacy of therapeutic vaccination. HBV X protein (HBx) is expressed at low levels, and the understanding of its immunogenicity and potential in therapeutic CHB vaccines is limited.MethodsHBV genome sequences from CHB patients were cloned into a pAAV plasmid backbone and transfected into immunocompetent mouse hepatocytes through hydrodynamic injection. Mice carrying > 500 IU/mL serum HBV surface antigen (HBs) for more than 4 weeks were considered HBV carriers mimicking human CHB and received 3 doses of weekly HBx vaccine by subcutaneous immunization. Serum HBV clearance was evaluated by monitoring serum HBs and HBV-DNA titers. Residual HBV in the liver was evaluated by western blotting for HBV core antigen. The splenic antigen-specific T cell response was quantified by a 15-mer overlapping peptide-stimulated interferon-γ enzyme-linked immunospot assay. Blood and hepatic immune cells were quantified by flow cytometric analysis.ResultsOur HBx-based vaccine induced systemic HBx-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses in HBV carrier mice and demonstrated significant HBs and HBV-DNA elimination. The protective effect persisted for at least 30 days without additional booster immunization. Different infiltrating myeloid cell subsets, each with distinctive roles during immune-mediated HBV clearance, were found in the liver of vaccinated mice. During vaccine therapy, inflammatory monocyte depletion resulted in sustained HBV clearance inhibition, whereas phagocytic monocyte-derived macrophage and Kupffer cell elimination resulted in only transient inhibition of vaccine-induced HBV clearance.ConclusionsWe report the potential role of HBx as a major immunogen in an HBV therapeutic vaccine and the significance of a liver-infiltrating monocyte subset during hepatic viral clearance.

Impact of Plasma Exposure of Statins and Their Metabolites With Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Chinese Patients With Coronary Artery Disease.

The selection of optimum statin intensity is inconclusive, and the association of plasma exposure of statins and metabolites with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) is unclear. This study sought to compare the effect of low (quartile 1), intermediate (quartiles 2 and 3), and high (quartile 4) plasma exposure of statins and metabolites on MACE, re-ischemia events and death in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) at 5 years. A total of 1,644 patients in atorvastatin (AT) cohort and 804 patients in rosuvastatin (RST) cohort were included, and their plasma concentration of statins and metabolites was categorized as low-, mid-, or high-group. The association between the plasma levels of statins and metabolites and the incidence of primary endpoint in patients was assessed by Cox proportional hazard models. Intensive AT exposure (Q4 > 5.32 ng/ml) was significantly associated with increased risk of death compared with low (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.522; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.035–1.061; P = 0.0022) or moderate exposure (HR: 2.054; 95% CI: 1.348–3.130; P = 0.0008). This association was also found in AT’s five metabolites (all P < 0.01). In patients with RST treatment, moderate RST concentration (0.53–4.29 ng/ml) versus low concentration had a significantly lower risk of MACE and re-ischemia events. (HR: 0.532, 95% CI: 0.347–0.815, P = 0.0061 and HR: 0.505, 95% CI: 0.310–0.823, P = 0.0061, respectively). A higher plasma exposure of AT and metabolites has a significantly higher risk of death, and moderate RST exposure has a significantly lower risk of MACE and re-ischemia events in Chinese patients with CAD. The harms of high plasma exposure should be considered when prescribing statins to patients because it may be a risk factor for having poor prognosis in patients with CAD.

Tackle your Tics: pilot findings of a brief, intensive group-based exposure therapy program for children with tic disorders

Tourette syndrome (TS) and other chronic tic disorders (CTD) are prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders, which can have a huge burden on families and society. Behavioral treatment is a first-line intervention for tic disorders. Despite demonstrated efficacy, tic reduction and utilization rates of behavioral treatment remain relatively low. Patient associations point to an urgent need for easy-to-undergo treatments that focus both on tic reduction and improvement of quality of life. To enhance treatment outcome and overcome treatment barriers, this pilot study’s aim was to investigate the feasibility and preliminary results of a brief, intensive group-based treatment. Tackle your Tics is a 4-day intensive and comprehensive group-based program for children and adolescents (9–17 years) with a tic disorder, consisting of exposure and response prevention (ERP) treatment and additional supporting components, such as coping strategies, relaxing activities and parent support. Assessments were performed pre- and post-treatment and at 2 months follow-up, to test outcomes on tic severity and quality of life, and explore premonitory urges, emotional and behavioral functioning and treatment satisfaction (N = 14, of whom 13 completed the treatment). Parents and children rated this treatment positive on a treatment satisfaction questionnaire. On tic severity (Yale Global Tic Severity Scale) and quality of life (Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome Quality of Life Scale for children and adolescents), improvements between pre-treatment and follow-up were found. Intensive ERP in group format is promising as a feasible treatment to improve both tic severity as well as quality of life. Larger controlled trials are needed to establish its effectiveness.

Application of nitrifying granular sludge for stable ammonium oxidation under intensive light

A single photobioreactor inoculated with nitrifying bacteria and microalgae has attracted attention as an energy- and cost- effective approach for the treatment of ammonium-containing wastewater. Nitrifying bacteria are sensitive to light exposure, and having light-stress-tolerant bacteria is key for stable nitrification in sunlight. This study compared the nitrification activity of dispersed and granular nitrifying sludges in batch assays under a wide range of light intensities. In a dispersed sludge reactor, the original nitrification activity in dark conditions (0 μmol photons m−2 s-1) was 0.85 mg-N g-SS–1 h–1. The activity significantly decreased to 0.43 and 0.25 mg-N g-SS–1 h–1, which correspond to 50 % and 70 % less than in dark condition, with light intensities of 450 and 1600 μmol photons m−2 s-1, respectively. In contrast, the activity in the granular sludge was not significantly inhibited by light exposure. An empirical simulation of seasonal variability in the nitrification activity of a photobioreactor in Tokyo shows that sunlight decreases the activity in the dispersed sludge reactor, especially in summer, by up to 14 % less than when in ideal conditions, whereas the granular sludge reactor maintained the activity throughout the year. For the first time, this study represents the effectiveness of the use of granular sludge to achieve stable nitrification under intensive light exposure.

Instructor feedback on free writing and automated corrective feedback in drills: Intensity and efficacy

This study investigated the intensity and efficacy of automated corrective feedback (CF) in a tutorial CALL (computer-assisted language learning) environment during form-focused drills as compared with those of instructor CF on free writing in the classroom. The English simple past tense, a previously learned target structure, was selected as the target structure. A hundred and fifty-two Chinese intermediate learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) were randomly assigned to six groups and completed three writing tasks: a pretest, an immediate posttest, and a delayed posttest. The six groups included two automated feedback groups (direct correction on an error-correction test and metalinguistic feedback on an error-correction test), two feedback-on-writing groups (direct correction and metalinguistic feedback), a group who completed the error-correction test with no feedback, and a control group who participated in none of the interventions. The results showed that the error-correction test provided the participants with more intensive CF exposure than the writing task. However, the groups that received CF in the writing task were the only groups that performed better than the control in subsequent written production. Post hoc analyses of the production data revealed that the metalinguistic-feedback-on-writing group’s improvement could be attributable to error avoidance.

Analysis of Melanoma Lesion Images using Feature Extraction &amp; Classification Algorithms

Among the most dangerous of cancers found in human beings, skin cancer is the prevalent one. These are of various forms. The most sporadic among them is melanoma. Early phase identification of melanoma will be helpful in curing it. Intensive skin exposure to UV radiation is the principal cause of melanoma. In this article, along with other techniques for extracting features (LDP [Local Directional Patterns], LBP [Local Binary Patterns], Convolutional Neural Networks [CNN]), we have used an SVM classifier for the study of melanoma skin photos. Such suggested algorithms are best graded when opposed to other recognition schemes. The LBP and LDP gives us means to extract features; these figures are subsequently used for identification of derived features from these methods or algorithms and classified or separated by the SVM (Support Vector Machine) classifier. For many of the classifications of melanoma skin images using these algorithms, we have accuracy nearly above 80 %, whereby the LBP system together with the SVM classifier was the most powerful attribute extraction tool of the three with their polynomial kernel type. Thus using this algorithm-classifier, the melanoma skin lesion images can be detected and diagnosed by the doctors in its early stage itself, resultantly, helping save lives.