Plastic Tape Research Articles

Combining array tomography with electron tomography provides insights into leakiness of the blood-brain barrier in mouse cortex

Like other volume electron microscopy approaches, automated tape-collecting ultramicrotomy (ATUM) enables imaging of serial sections deposited on thick plastic tapes by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). ATUM is unique in enabling hierarchical imaging and thus efficient screening for target structures, as needed for correlative light and electron microscopy. However, SEM of sections on tape can only access the section surface, thereby limiting the axial resolution to the typical size of cellular vesicles with an order of magnitude lower than the acquired xy resolution. In contrast, serial-section electron tomography (ET), a transmission electron microscopy-based approach, yields isotropic voxels at full EM resolution, but requires deposition of sections on electron-stable thin and fragile films, thus making screening of large section libraries difficult and prone to section loss. To combine the strength of both approaches, we developed ‘ATUM-Tomo, a hybrid method, where sections are first reversibly attached to plastic tape via a dissolvable coating, and after screening detached and transferred to the ET-compatible thin films. As a proof-of-principle, we applied correlative ATUM-Tomo to study ultrastructural features of blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakiness around microthrombi in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury. Microthrombi and associated sites of BBB leakiness were identified by confocal imaging of injected fluorescent and electron-dense nanoparticles, then relocalized by ATUM-SEM, and finally interrogated by correlative ATUM-Tomo. Overall, our new ATUM-Tomo approach will substantially advance ultrastructural analysis of biological phenomena that require cell- and tissue-level contextualization of the finest subcellular textures.

Combining array tomography with electron tomography provides insights into leakiness of the blood-brain barrier in mouse cortex.

Like other volume electron microscopy approaches, automated tape-collecting ultramicrotomy (ATUM) enables imaging of serial sections deposited on thick plastic tapes by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). ATUM is unique in enabling hierarchical imaging and thus efficient screening for target structures, as needed for correlative light and electron microscopy. However, SEM of sections on tape can only access the section surface, thereby limiting the axial resolution to the typical size of cellular vesicles with an order of magnitude lower than the acquired xy resolution. In contrast, serial-section electron tomography (ET), a transmission electron microscopy-based approach, yields isotropic voxels at full EM resolution, but requires deposition of sections on electron-stable thin and fragile films, thus making screening of large section libraries difficult and prone to section loss. To combine the strength of both approaches, we developed 'ATUM-Tomo, a hybrid method, where sections are first reversibly attached to plastic tape via a dissolvable coating, and after screening detached and transferred to the ET-compatible thin films. As a proof-of-principle, we applied correlative ATUM-Tomo to study ultrastructural features of blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakiness around microthrombi in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury. Microthrombi and associated sites of BBB leakiness were identified by confocal imaging of injected fluorescent and electron-dense nanoparticles, then relocalized by ATUM-SEM, and finally interrogated by correlative ATUM-Tomo. Overall, our new ATUM-Tomo approach will substantially advance ultrastructural analysis of biological phenomena that require cell- and tissue-level contextualization of the finest subcellular textures.

Low Speed Impact of an Elastic Ball with Tapes and Clay Court

The study aims to investigate the normal and oblique impact of an elastic sphere (tennis ball) on a granular surface (clay) and two different plastic tape lines. In this research, we model the impact force with a mathematical elastoplastic force model, and a differential approach is used. The model is applied for an impact with granular material (green clay) and plastic surfaces (line tapes). We investigated the normal and oblique impact dynamics of a sphere (tennis ball). The impact duration is divided into two phases: compression with an elastoplastic force and restitution with an elastic force. The laboratory experiments in various configurations are recorded with a high frame-per-second camera and analyzed using image processing methods. The mathematical model for the impact with rebounds is verified with the experimental set-up for the considered surfaces. The viscoelastic and elastic forces agree well with the experimental data. The impact parameters of the granular surface and plastic tapes are compared. The ANOVA test suggests robust statistical significance in the coefficient of restitution between granular surfaces and plastic tapes. Our force model for impact performs well, and the impact responses of the sphere on the granular surface and the plastic line tapes are significantly different.

Effortful foraging activity for uncertain food in pigeons

When well-known food resources are running out, animals extinguish their foraging behavior in that food patch and increasingly work for reward-related information to decrease outcome uncertainty. In the absence of such information, a potentially successful strategy consists of spending more time and effort searching for profitable locations—a phenomenon known from extinction learning experiments conducted in conventional conditioning chambers. Here, we tested this hypothesis by means of a semi-natural “foraging board” allowing pigeons to move and look for food items inside perforated holes. The holes could be covered with a slit plastic tape, hiding the food items they contained while making them accessible to pigeons. Our goal was to determine how pigeons forage on hidden food items in an area associated with uncertainty (one in three holes baited, on average) when visible or hidden food items were available in an adjacent area associated with certainty (each hole baited). The number of food items was equivalent in both areas. We expected longer time spent and more pecks given in the uncertain vs. certain area with the food items visible in the certain area, as well as longer time spent and more pecks given per visit in the uncertain vs. certain area with the food items either visible or hidden in the certain area. Our results confirm these predictions.

MRI compatibility study of a prototype radiofrequency penetrable oval PET insert at 3T.

To perform an MRI compatibility study of an RF field-penetrable oval-shaped PET insert that implements an MRI built-in body RF coil both as a transmitter and a receiver. Twelve electrically floating RF shielded PET detector modules were used to construct the prototype oval PET insert with a major axis of 440mm, a minor axis of 350mm, and an axial length of 225mm. The electric floating of the PET detector modules was accomplished by isolating the cable shield from the detector shield using plastic tape. Studies were conducted on the transmit (B1) RF field, the image signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and the RF pulse amplitude for a homogeneous cylindrical (diameter: 160mm and length: 260mm) phantom (NaCl + NiSO4 solution) in a 3T clinical MRI system (Verio, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany). The B1 maps for the oval insert were similar to the MRI-only field responses. Compared to the MRI-only values, SNR reductions of 51%, 45%, and 59% were seen, respectively, for the spin echo (SE), gradient echo (GE), and echo planar (EPI) images for the case of oval PET insert. Moreover, the required RF pulse amplitudes for the SE, GE, and EPI sequences were, respectively, 1.93, 1.85, and 1.36 times larger. However, a 30% reduction in the average RF reception sensitivity was observed for the oval insert. The prototype floating PET insert was a safety concern for the clinical MRI system, and this compatibility study provided clearance for developing a large body size floating PET insert for the existing MRI system. Because of the RF shield of the insert, relatively large RF powers compared to the MRI-only case were required. Because of this and also due to low RF sensitivity of the body coil, the SNRs reduced largely.

Atypical Postmortem "Incaprettamento" After an Honor Homicide.

Honor killing is a murder carried out to protect the family's reputation by actions that are perceived as shameful. Usually, honor killing occurs to preserve family's honor, which has been violated by adulteries, premarital pregnancies, or inappropriate relationships. In Southern Italy, the culture of honor is quite strong especially among the local criminal organizations. Honor crimes by Italian Mafia are intended to have an admonitory significance, and they can be carried out following a macabre ritual of "incaprettamento." The aim is to humiliate the victim treating him like an animal, a bonded young goat where the victim is secured by a rope passing behind the back from the upper to lower extremities. In this case study, the honor homicide was perpetrated against the lover of a butcher's wife by sharp weapon, followed by a postmortem atypical incaprettamento of the corpse. The wrists and ankles were tied together by ropes, and the extremities were fixed to the abdomen with a string. The body was also wrapped in a plastic tape after penile amputation. According to killer's confession, the mutilation and the incaprettamento were expressions of revenge and contempt for the victim to restore the honor lost.

A simple medical device development according to normative values of calf circumference across ages: results from the Italian Longevity Check-up 7+ (Lookup 7+) project.

Wide consensus exists on the notion that low muscle mass is a predictor of negative health-related events, such as disability, morbidity, and mortality. Indeed, the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 had identified muscle mass as the key component to confirm the diagnosis of sarcopenia. However, the lack of normative values for muscle mass across ages hampers the practical assessment of this important parameter. The aim of the present study was to produce cross-sectional centile and normative values for calf circumference (a surrogate estimation of muscle mass) across a wide spectrum of ages using a large and unselected sample of community-dwellers enrolled in the Longevity Check-up 7+ (Lookup 7+) project. This is a cross-sectional study using the data of Lookup 7+ project, an ongoing study started in June 2015 and conducted in unconventional settings (i.e., exhibitions, malls, and health promotion campaigns). Candidate participants were considered eligible for enrolment if they were at least 45years of age and provided written informed consent. Calf circumference was measured using an inextensible but flexible plastic tape in a sitting position with the knee and ankle at a right angle and the feet resting on the floor. Normative values for calf circumference from ages 45 to 80+years were generated. A total of 11814 participants were enrolled from 1 June 2015 to 30 September 2022. The mean age of participants included in the analyses was 61.8years (standard deviation; 10.2years; range: 45-98years), and 6686 (57%) were women. Normative values for calf circumference were obtained for men and women, stratified by age groups. Accordingly, a calf circumference tape, with colour bands that demarcate the centiles range into which the patient falls, was created and validated. Our study established age- and gender-specific centile reference values for calf circumference. The calf circumference tape can be used to easily interpret the assessment in every-day practice for the early detection of individuals with or at risk of sarcopenia and malnutrition.

An Atypical Asphyxial Death: A Case Study.

An atypical asphyxial death is presented. The deceased was found wrapped like a mummy with multiple layers of plastic and adhesive tape, lying face down on the floor of his home. The death scene was in the lounge area of a large, poorly-kempt, free-standing house. No obvious evidence of illicit drugs or other medications were identified. There was no pornographic material or other paraphernalia of a sexual nature in proximity to the body. According to the brother, the deceased had attempted similar incidents like this in the past, where someone was available to release him.Because of the similar behaviour in the past, the background psychiatric history, and statements from the girlfriend and relatives, the authors propose that this represents an atypical asphyxia death.

Spirometric Indices of Charcoal Smoke Exposed Food Grillers in Yenagoa South-South, Nigeria

Background: Pulmonary function is an important marker of the effects of air pollution on the exposed population. Mild to moderate reductions of FEV1/FVC, FEV1, FEV1%, PEF, and FEF25–75 have been associated with the exposure to biomass burning in cross-sectional studies. Some hospital-based case-control studies, confirm that people exposed to biomass smoke have high risk for developing airflow obstruction with significant reduction of FEV1 and FEV1/FVC. However, none of these studies has evaluated lung function parameters among charcoal smoke exposed food grillers. Therefore this index study took a look at spirometric indices among food grillers exposed to charcoal smoke in Yenagoa, South-South Nigeria. Methods: This was a comparative observational cross-sectional study of charcoal smoke exposed spirometric indices of food grillers compared to fruit sellers The Medical Research Council (MRC) Questionnaire was administered to participants and a “one-on-one” interview was conducted by the researcher using the questionnaires.Information obtained included socio-demographic characteristics such as age, gender, marital status and level of education. Spirometry was performed in accordance with the ATS/ERS using standard single reusable turbine spirometer (MIR Spirobank II Basic; manufactured by P & A Medical Limited). Spirograms that met the ATS/ERS criteria for acceptability were used. Information obtained with the spirometer were FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, PEF and FEF25-75. A portable HANA analogue weight machine was used to weigh the study participants and a flexible plastic tape measure was used to measure the heights of participants Results: A total of one hundred and sixty (160) participants made up of eighty (80) food-grillers and fruit-sellers (controls) respectively were recruited for this study. A normal lung function pattern was found in 60 (75.0%) of food-grillers and 72 (90.0%) of controls. This shows that more fruit-sellers had normal lung function pattern, and this was statistically significant (p = 0.013). Obstructive pattern was found in 16 (20.0%) of food-grillers and 6 (7.5%) of controls (p = 0.022). The mean lung function values for food-grillers compared to fruit sellers were: FEV1=2.8±0.5L vs 3.2±0.5 (72.3±5.8% predicted); FVC=3.6±0.6L vs 3.9±0.8 (76.8±6.6% predicted), FEV1/FVC=78.5±4.9 vs 85.3 ±5.3 (77.1±5.4% predicted); PEF=5.7± 1.2L/s vs 6.9 ±2.9 (81.6±7.3% predicted) and FEF25-75=2.8±0.8L/s vs 3.0 (±0.4) (80.5±15.3% predicted). The values were statistically different between food-grillers and controls (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Exposure to charcoal smoke is associated with the development of lung function abnormalities and reduction in lung function parameters. Increasing exposure time to charcoal smoke increase the likelihood of lung function abnormalities.

Evaluation of Nutritional Status using MUAC, BMI Percentile and Biochemical indicators among Internally Displaced Children attending IDPs Clinic within Maiduguri/ Jere, Borno State, Nigeria: An impact of the Boko Haram insurgency

The adverse effect of war and conflicts on the health of children is food and nutrition insecurity and poor health outcome with consequence of death before the age of 5 years and stunted growth due to malnutrition. Thus, we evaluated the nutritional status of children aged under 5 years in a Boko Haram war zone, Maiduguri. A cross sectional survey was conducted among 110 IDP children between the age of six (6) month and thirty-six (36) months. The Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), Body mass index (BMI) percentiles and Biochemical indicators (Serum protein, albumin and Calcium), were gused to determine the nutritional status of these children. MUAC was measured using a simple colored plastic tape. BMI percentiles were analyzed. Biochemical parameters (Total protein, serum Albumin, and serum Calcium) were analyzed using Cobas C311 Hitachi/Roche Chemistry Auto analyzer. The mean ± SD for Age, Height, and Weight for boys and girls were 15.58±7.08, 0.67±0.10, 7.03±0.99 and 14.04±5.39, 0.64±0.11, 7.01±1.19 respectively. The Boys-Girls ratio was 1:29 with 43.6% boys (n=48) and 56.4% girls (n=62). Out of the 110 children, 50(45.5%) had diarrhoea, 36(32.7%) had vomiting, and 64(58.2%) had cough, 9 children had MUAC less than 11.0 cm (SAM), 85 had MUAC of 11.0 - 12.5cm (MAM) and 16 children had MUAC of between 12.6-12.9 cm (at risk for acute malnutrition). The result also showed that both boys and girls had mean BMI between 50th and 75th percentiles (normal weight). Biochemical analysis indicates that the children had normal serum total Protein (66.00±7.46g/L), Albumin (37.31±4.75g/L) and hypocalcemia (2.15±0.24mmol/L). However, Albumin, BMI and Weight were weakly correlated with MUAC and the relationship was significant at p < 0.05 but height was negatively correlated with MUAC and the relationship was not significant(p>0.05). Malnutrition and diseases such as diarrhoea, vomiting and respiratory infections are the most common health outcome and mortality risk factors among the IDPs children less than 5 years. Thus, it is therefore imperative that government and the world at large should identify the root cause(s) of this conflict. It is also imperative that relevant stakeholders such as government agencies, non-governmental organizations, UN agencies, and local partners are involved in the formulation of policies that will guarantee provision of adequate nutrients and balanced diets for the children in the IDP camps.

The effect of plastic tape seal to reduce face seal leak in respirator N-95 type 1860

The risk of face seal leak while using N-95 respirators is experienced by health workers and thus failing fit test are quite common. Finding solutions to overcome face seal leaks is crucial; one of which is by sealing the N-95 respirator. The seal used in this research was Tegaderm® a transparent film dressing or a plastic tape which is known to have the advantages of strong adhesion, high level of pore density and standardized medical grade. This study tries to determine the effectiveness of plastic tape adhesive on the N-95 type 1860 respirator in overcoming face seal leak qualitative fit test using Bitrex immediately after being worn and after 4 h of using it. The study used a quantitative approach with an incidence study design conducted pre and post experimental without comparison to see the effectiveness of plastic tape sealing. The subjects for the research were 81 health workers in the CMH environment who were at risk of being exposed to COVID-19. The study found a significant difference in the Bitrex fit test immediately after sealing the N-95 type 1860 respirator with plastic tape; 100% passed the fit test immediately after sealing, and 64.2% passed the fit test after 4 h of working. The effectiveness of sealing using plastic tape is considered to be quite good to overcome face seal leak on the N-95 type 1860 respirator. Health care workers need to be more vigilance to ensure better face seal.

First report of Fusarium wilt caused by species of the Fusarium solani complex on sweet cherry in Henan province, China

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium) is an important fruit crop in China with a cultivation area of more than 13,000 km2 (Sun et al., 2017). In June 2020, wilt symptoms caused by unknown factors occurred on four-year-old sweet cherry (cv. Gisela 5) with 30% disease incidence in an orchard of Nanyang Agricultural Vocational and Technical College (32°59´5˝N, 112°30´38˝E), Henan, China. Affected leaves were predominantly curved at first (Fig. 1a), and withered under intense sunlight and drought. The root surfaces were dark black (Fig. 1b). The cross-sections of affected roots were brown with the bark rotted (Fig. 1c). Affected root segments were rinsed with water and treated with 75% (v/v) ethanol for 15 s, followed by 4 min in 0.1% (v/v) HgCl2 then rinsed five times with sterile distilled water. Internal diseased tissue pieces were cut out with a sterilised knife and placed onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates. Two isolates FS-1 and FS-2 were selected randomly from 14 Fusarium-like isolates growing from the symptomatic tissues. The isolates produced off-white colonies (Fig. 2) and three types of asexual spores, i.e. microconidia, macroconidia and chlamydospores on PDA after five days of incubation at 28°C (Fig. 3). Microconidia were hyaline, oval or elliptical in shape with 0–1 septum and measured 8.2 to 19.6 (12.7) μm × 3.2 to 5.3 (4.1) μm (n = 50) in size. Macroconidia were hyaline, mostly crescent-shaped with 2–5 (3) septa and measured 26.4 to 41.1 (34.6) μm × 3.8 to 6.4 (5.0) μm (n = 50). Chlamydospores were brown, round in shape with a diameter of 5.8-10.8 (8.0) μm (n = 100), frequently born on a conidium or between two hyphal cells. Microconidia were produced commonly prior to macroconidia and chlamydospores. The morphological features of the isolates agreed with those of the F. solani species complex that consisted of multiple Fusarium spp. strains including the members previously belonged to F. solani (Matuo and Snyder, 1973). Sequences of rDNA-ITS (internal transcribed spacer), tef (translation elongation factor 1 α gene) and β-tubulin gene of the two isolates were amplified with primers ITS1/ITS4, EF1-688F/EF1-1251R and Bt2a/Bt2b, respectively (Keeling, 2003; Lu et al., 2011). The GenBank Accession Nos. were MW276145 and MW276147 for rDNA-ITS, MW303522 and MW303523 for tef, and MW303520 and MW303521 for β-tubulin gene of FS-1 and FS-2, respectively, with a maximal sequence identity of 99.82-100% to multiple F. solani species complex strains. In the neighbour joining phylogenetic trees of amplified sequences, both FS-1 and FS-2 clustered with F. solani species complex strains, clearly separating them from other Fusarium spp. (Fig. 4). For the pathogenicity tests, the isolates were grown on PDA at 28°C for five days. Mycelial plugs (5 mm diameter) were inoculated on wounds made 10 cm above the ground of two-year-old healthy cv. Gisela 5 stalks (n = 3 for each isolate). The inoculated sites were wrapped with plastic tape. For the controls (n = 3), the wounds were inoculated with PDA plugs alone. After 30 days incubation at 24°C and 65 % RH, the plants inoculated with FS-1 and FS-2 showed wilt symptoms similar to those observed on naturally affected plants. The control plants were asymptomatic (Fig. 5). Fusarium cultures with the same phenotypic features as the inocula were reisolated from diseased tissues of the inoculated plants, confirming FS-1 and FS-2 as causal agents of the disease. F. ventricosa (Chen et al. 2016) and F. oxysporum (Úrbez-Torres et al. 2016) were reported as pathogens causing root rot on sweet cherry in China and British Columbia, respectively. This is the first report of Fusarium wilt caused by F. solani species complex on sweet cherry in China.

COMPATIBILITY OF REINFORCEMENT AND WOOD IN BEAMS WORKING ON TRANSVERSE BENDING

One of the ways to eliminate the negative shortcomings of wood (dependence of its properties on the structure, defects, the need for use and significant consumption of quality lumber, excessive mass of sections, creep under prolonged load, etc.) and increase technical and economic efficiency is reinforcement of solid and glued trees, steel or composite plastic fittings. This allows you to significantly reduce wood costs, reduce installation weight, improve the quality and reliability of wooden structures that work mainly on the bend.
 The expediency of reinforcing elements of solid or glued wood with steel and composite polymer reinforcement is substantiated. The rather high compatibility of wood work in the compressed and stretched zones of the bending element of steel reinforcing steel of classes A400C, A500C and composite fiberglass reinforcement, composite basalt reinforcement and composite carbon tape is shown. Reinforcement of solid and glued cross-sectional elements of wooden structures with steel or composite plastic reinforcement or tape can significantly reduce wood costs, reduce height and installation weight, improve quality and reliability.
 Analysis of the current state of research of reinforced wooden structures indicates the need for a thorough study of the bending of wooden beam elements with combined reinforcement of steel and composite reinforcement and with combined pre-stressed reinforcement. To date, the issue of studying the stress-strain state of reinforced wood in the "calculated cross section" of both the structure and the work of the material in its composition is insufficiently covered. The use of reinforced wood in structures is not regulated by most countries, so there is no general theory of calculation of reinforced wood structures, which would be based on sound clear hypotheses and assumptions and would be based on the basic principles of solid mechanics.

Microstructure and Wear Characteristics of Multilayer Laser-Cladded Hypereutectic Al-Si Alloys

In this study, a multilayer laser-cladding method was used to increase the Si content in a hypereutectic Al-Si alloy laser cladding. One-, two-, and three-layer claddings were produced by printing Si powder paste on A1050 aluminum surfaces using 180-, 210-, and 250-㎛-thick plastic tape, respectively, and then irradiating laser pulses over them. The two- and three-layer claddings were produced by printing on the one- and two-layer cladding surfaces, respectively. The one-layer cladding had a thickness of approximately 190 ㎛ and was uniform and defectless. The cladding had a chemical composition of Al-20.2 wt.% Si and had a fine eutectic Al-Si microstructure in most regions. By contrast, the two-layer cladding had a thickness of approximately 250 ㎛ and exhibited many pores and some cracks. The cladding had a chemical composition of Al-60.5 wt.% Si and a hypereutectic Al-Si microstructure with many coarse primary Si particles. Finally, the three-layer cladding had a thickness of approximately 280 ㎛ and exhibited many large pores and a few large cracks. The cladding had a chemical composition of Al-72.6 wt.% Si and a hypereutectic Al-Si microstructure with very coarse primary Si particles. Block-on-roll wear tests were then performed on the claddings. The weight losses in the one-, two-, and three-layer claddings following the wear test were 5.5, 7.7, and 8.3 mg, respectively.

The comparison stature estimation from forearm, hand length and foot length between Iranian and Pakistani medical students

<abstract><sec> <title>Objectives</title> <p>An important task of the forensic anthropologist in unidentified human remains cases is establishing the identity of the deceased. A forensic anthropologist typically examines the remains in such a case to determine the biological characteristics of the deceased, such as their age, sex, height, and ethnicity, to narrow down the search for the missing. The purpose of this study was the comparison stature estimation from foot, forearm and hand length between Iranian and Pakistani students.</p> </sec><sec> <title>Methods</title> <p>Our measurement procedure involved measuring the foot, forearm and hand lengths of 160 Iranian and 200 Pakistani students. A random sampling of 18 to 22-year-olds was used to carry out the survey. Cluster sampling was used to select the subjects for the present descriptive and analytic study. In order to measure the anthropometrics, we used metal and plastic tape, a goniometer, a caliper, and a scale. Foot forearm and hand measurements were taken separately.</p> </sec><sec> <title>Results</title> <p>The mean ± SD of the stature were 178.228 ± 6.319 cm and 167.610 ± 7.580 cm in Pakistani males and females, respectively, and in Iranian males and females were 180.446 ± 5.569 cm and 164.435 ± 5.072 cm, respectively. In both Pakistani and Iranian populations, the regression model is meaningful (P = 0.000), except for Pakistani male students' foot length (P = 0.107) and Iranian female students' hand length (P = 0.102).</p> </sec><sec> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>We found that the foot, forearms, and hand length are correlated with height. Therefore, they can be used for estimating stature.</p> </sec></abstract>

Behavior of timber-concrete composite with defects in adhesive connection

Rigid timber to concrete connection is the most effective solution for timber-concrete composite members subjected to the flexure which provides full composite action and better structural behaviour. One of the most used technologies to produce glued connection of the timber-concrete composite is “dry” method, which includes gluing together of timber and precast concrete slab. This technique has high risk of forming a poor-quality rigid connection in timber-concrete composite, and there are difficulties in controlling the quality of the glued connection. The effect of the non-glued areas in connection between composite layers on the shear stresses and energy absorption were investigated by finite element method and laboratorian experiment. Three timber-concrete composite panels in combination with carbon fibre reinforced plastic composite tapes in the tension zone with the span 1.8 m were statically loaded till the failure by the scheme of three-point bending. Mid-span displacements were measured in the bending test. One specimen was produced by dry method, by gluing together cross-laminated timber panel and prefabricated concrete panel. Timber-concrete qualitative connection of the other two specimens was provided by the granite chips, which were glued on the surface of the cross-laminated timber by epoxy, and then wet concrete was placed. Dimensions of the crushed granite pieces changes within the limits from 16 to 25 mm. The investigated panel with different amount and sizes of non-glued areas in the timber to concrete connection was numerically modelled. Obtained results shown, that the increase of shear stresses is influenced not so much by a total amount of non-glued areas, but by the size of the individual defective areas. Moreover, large non-glued areas significantly reduce the energy absorption of elements subjected to the flexure, which was observed experimentally for defective panel produced by the classical dry method with almost 4 times larger mid-span displacements than for panel with full composite action provided by the proposed production technology of the timber to concrete rigid connection. So, the proposed technology based on the use of granite chips, provides a high-quality connection between timber and concrete layers, with insignificant ration between possible defect and total connection surface area, which is equal to the area of ​​one granite chips edge.

Who Packed the Drugs? Application of Bayesian Networks to Address Questions of DNA Transfer, Persistence, and Recovery from Plastic Bags and Tape.

When DNA from a suspect is detected in a sample collected at a crime scene, there can be alternative explanations about the activity that may have led to the transfer, persistence and recovery of his/her DNA. Previous studies have shown that DNA can be indirectly transferred via intermediate surfaces and that DNA on a previously used object can persist after subsequent use of another individual. In addition, it has been shown that a person’s shedder status may influence transfer, persistence, prevalence, and recovery of DNA. In this study we have investigated transfer persistence and recovery on zip-lock bags and tape, which are commonly encountered in drug cases and how the shedder status of the participants influenced the results. A probabilistic framework was developed which was based on a previously described Bayesian network with case-specific modifications. Continuous modelling of data was used to inform the Bayesian networks and two case scenarios were investigated. In the specific scenarios only moderate to low support for Hp was obtained. Applying a continuous model based on the profile quality can change the LRs.

Assessment of Diamond™ Nucleic Acid Dye for the identification and targeted sampling of latent DNA in operational casework

Recovery and DNA profiling of latent touch DNA deposits is a ubiquitous practice by operational forensic laboratories that provides critical evidence in many criminal investigations. Despite recent improvements in the sensitivity of contemporary DNA profiling kits, the inability to localise and visually quantify touch DNA deposits on an exhibit means that ineffective or unwarranted sampling is often performed leading to poor success. Diamond™ Nucleic Acid Dye (DD) is a fluorescent DNA binding dye which has recently been shown to bind to corneocytes enabling visualisation and targeted sampling of touch DNA deposits under controlled conditions. The ability to translate these findings to operational casework, where a diverse range of substrates is encountered and the amount and distribution of touch DNA is uncontrolled, is currently unknown. Here, we provide the first report on the use of DD in an operational context. Spraying items with DD was shown to have no impact on downstream immunological testing, DNA extraction, or DNA profiling with the GlobalFiler™ PCR amplification kit. DD was shown to effectively locate areas of touch DNA on select exhibits using the Polilight. Issues with background fluorescence, non-specific staining, interference from fingerprint enhancement reagents, or absorbance of the excitation light by black surfaces demonstrated that DD is not compatible with all exhibits. Background fluorescence also prevented the use of DD to screen for the presence of cellular material on IsoHelix swabs post-sampling but it was suitable for screening Lovell DNA tapelifts. A casework trial of 49 plastic bag and tape exhibits showed limited application of DD to triage out negative items as DNA was recovered from items where DD fluorescence was not detected. Where DD fluorescence was detected, its broad distribution prevented targeted sampling and any correlation to be made between the amount observed and DNA yield or profiling outcome. The DD procedure also increased the time taken to search exhibits and risk of inadvertent contamination. Our study suggests that DD is not suited as a generalised screening technique across all touch casework exhibits but further investigation is warranted to determine its applicability to specific exhibit types.

Analysis of different condensing surfaces for dew harvesting

Abstract Due to water shortages in several places in the world, alternative water sources such as atmospheric water and greywater have been studied. Dew water harvesting by passive radiative cooling is an unconventional water source that is easy to use, install, and shows great potential in several places in the world. This paper aims to experimentally evaluate the dew yield through passive radiative cooling in Vicosa city, Minas Gerais, Brazil by using standard white plastic for dew harvesting, developed by the International Organization for Dew Utilization (OPUR), polypropylene plastic, black plastic, packaging tape, and anodized aluminum as condensing surfaces during two different periods. The polypropylene plastic and packing tape materials used in this present research have not been researched before in the literature. However, they have demonstrated potential for harvesting dew. As a result, the average water collected was, respectively, 0.151, 0.135, 0.140, 0.127, and 0.046 mm/night using the OPUR standard plastic, polypropylene plastic, black plastic, and packaging tape, and anodized aluminum as condensing surfaces. Although relatively small water volumes were harvested, this water should not be neglected since it can supplement the water demand for irrigation, human and animal consumption, among other uses in drought periods.

RIGID CONNECTION WITH GRANITE CHIPS IN THE TIMBER-CONCRETE COMPOSITE

Timber-concrete composite panels enables to combine advantages of pure timber and pure concrete panels in one structural member especially in the case, when the rigid timber-concrete connection is provided. The effectiveness of timber and concrete use and load-carrying capacity of the timber-concrete composite panels will grow in the case. The new concept of rigid timber to concrete connection was developed by the using of the granite chips as the keys to provide high quality of the glued connection. Behaviour of the timber-concrete composite panels were investigated by finite element method and laboratorian experiment. Three timber-concrete composite panels in combination with carbon fibre reinforced plastic composite tapes in the tension zone with the span 1.8 m were statically loaded till the failure by the scheme of three-point bending. One specimen was produced by dry method, by gluing together cross-laminated timber panel and prefabricated concrete panel. Timber-concrete connection of the other two specimens was provided by the granite chips, which were glued on the surface of the cross-laminated timber by epoxy, and then wet concrete was placed. Dimensions of the crushed granite pieces changes within the limits from 16 to 25 mm. The current study focuses on determining the effect of the use of granite chips for timber-concrete composite panels with adhesive connection between layers. The effect of the use of granite chips in rigid connection is determined by comparison of mid-span displacements and level of failure load of the two variants of the timber-concrete composite panels. Three-dimensional finite element models of timber-concrete composite with rigid connection was developed and validated by experiment data. Obtained results shown, that the use of the granite chips in rigid timber to concrete connection allow to make a quality rigid connection. Possibility to increase by 28% level of failure load of the timber-concrete composite panels by the adding of granite chips was stated. Maximal vertical mid-span displacements of the panels decrease about 3.8 times at the same time.