Protective Screen Research Articles

Защита человека от ударных волн средствами инженерно-технической укреплённости

Purpose. Protective screens (barriers) are used in areas with large crowds of people to reduce the likelihood of human injury from explosive devices used in terrorist acts. To assess the effectiveness of protective screens, it is necessary to determine the following initial data in advance: the weight of the explosive device in TNT equivalent; the area being protected, and the acceptable probability of human injury within it. The article presents a general methodology for determining the effectiveness of protective barriers against terrorist-directed explosive devices. An example is given of using the developed methodology to determine the most optimal solution for protective barriers for a specific object. Methods. Various numerical simulation methods are used to solve gas dynamics problems. When modeling explosions accompanied by shock impacts, the Godunov’s scheme – solving the breakdown of an arbitrary discontinuity problem – is used. The problem of the breakdown of an arbitrary discontinuity in numerical schemes is reduced to a system of nonlinear equations related to the pressure and velocity of the medium at the discontinuity point, which determine the mass and momentum fluxes exchanged between adjacent computational cells. Findings. The author's experimental research methodology allows obtaining all the necessary information about the parameters of explosive loads formed during internal accidental explosions. Research application field. The research results can be used in the design of anti-terrorist protective structures. Conclusions. Blast loads are presented for the placement of anti-terrorist protective structures. Reduction in blast loads is shown for three different placement options of protective structures. The conditional probability of human injury by an air shock wave is determined. Based on the found parameters, the effectiveness of anti-terrorist protective structures is assessed for three different placement options.

Are protective measures against Covid-19 still active in orthodontic practices? A cross-sectional online survey of French orthodontists three years on from the pandemic.

The Covid-19 epidemic has imposed profound changes on the practice of orthodontics. It was in this anxiety-inducing context that drastic measures were imposed on orthodontists. The main aim of this online survey is to highlight the measures that are still in place in French orthodontic practices three years after the emergence of the pandemic. A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to French orthodontists from march to June 2023. The questionnaire, consisting of 32 questions, was divided into five sections covering habits before and after the pandemic, and the feelings of professionals. In this survey 230 complete answers were recorded. Three years later, the daily pace had returned to its pre-crisis level. Disinfection and aeration times were still present (p < 0.001). Orthodontists maintained and generalized the use of protective glasses (p = 0.17) and visors (p < 0.001). The same was true for the FFP2 mask and its frequency of change, as well as rigorous hand washing. Finally, the dedicated layout of the practices was maintained: protective screen, filtration system, supply of SHA, travel paths, removal of magazines (for all, p < 0.001). This study shows that the professional practices imposed by the Covid-19 crisis have been adopted by the majority of French orthodontists, and now appear to be anchored in their routine practice. opinion n°2023-004, dated 01.25.2023.

Evaluating the function and psychometric properties of a violence risk screening tool in a community sample of adolescents.

Youth violence continues to be widespread. Despite numerous evidence-based programs that reduce youth violence, objective ways to identify youth in need of services is lacking. Few screening tools are available that enables practitioners or community organizations to predict who may perpetrate serious violence. The Violence Injury Protection and Risk Screen (VIPRS) is a previously validated screening tool providing a framework to address youth violence. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the VIPRS in a community sample for use in multiple settings. Youth participating in a community-focused youth violence prevention intervention served as the study subjects. Households with youth ages 10-17 were eligible to participate. Study personnel verbally asked youth survey questions and recorded answers on a laptop. Multiple measures-including risk factors for violent behavior as well as, violence and delinquency scales, were asked. Eleven hundred youth participated. Mean age was 13.3; 53% female, 26% Black, 58% Hispanic, 11% more than 1 race. Twenty percent screened positive on the VIPRS-28% male versus 13% female (p = .000). Violence-related behaviors were common: 33% were in a physical fight, 27% experienced cyberbullying victimization, and 9% perpetrated a minor assault. The VIPRS demonstrated robust criterion validity with significant correlation to multiple violence measures (0.3-0.6). Scoring positive on the VIPRS conveyed increased odds of reporting other violent behaviors, such as perpetrating physical aggression (OR: 7 [95% CI: 5.1-11.5]). Overall, the VIPRS performed well in a community sample of youth further validating its psychometric functioning while demonstrating the potential for use in settings beyond healthcare.

ЕФЕКТ АНОМАЛЬНО СИЛЬНОГО ПОГЛИНАННЯ ЕЛЕКТРОМАГНІТНОГО ВИПРОМІНЮВАННЯ ТОНКИМИ ПРОВІДНИКОВИМИ ВОЛОКНАМИ

Subject and Purpose. The effect of abnormally strong interaction of electromagnetic radiation with fine conductive fibers is сonsidered. Metal, semiconductor, or graphite fibers can heavily absorb electromagnetic radiation provided the fiber diameter is several hundred times smaller than the radiation wavelength. For the most effective transfer of radiation energy, a proper ratio of the radiation wavelength, fiber refractive index, and fiber diameter is sought. Methods and Methodology. The diffraction problem of a cylinder whose diameter is much smaller than the incident wavelength is treated. The formulas to compute the radiation absorption efficiency have a series appearance. The series coefficients depend on the diameter of the cylinder, its refractive index, and the wavelength. With the cylinder diameter much smaller than the wavelength, these coefficients can be series expanded in the small parameter, and it should suffice to take into account only the first term. The findings are experimentally verified by measurements of the microwave radiation energy transmitted to a fine graphite fiber. Results. Relationships have been determined of the fiber diameter, fiber conductivity, and wavelength when the effect of the electromagnetic radiation absorption was at its strongest. The experiment showed that even unfocused, an 8 mm wave beam transmitted more than 10% of the energy to a graphite fiber of a 12 μm diameter. The size of the fiber area struck by the beam was 300 times smaller than the beam cross-section. Conclusions. Conductive fibers of a cross-sectional diameter much smaller than the incident radiation wavelength strongly absorb this radiation. The absorption is at its strongest when the radiation wavelength in the fiber substance is approximately 10 times larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the fiber. The effect of the anomalously strong absorption of electromagnetic radiation can be used to transfer the electromagnetic radiation energy to fine-fiber targets no matter whether the radiation beam is focused or not. Also, this effect can be of use for making protective screens in the microwave region.

Technical and economic assessment of the possibility of using a thermal and moisture protection screen to increase the resistance of the reinforced concrete cooling tower shell to operational conditions

During the operation of chimney-type evaporative cooling towers which are made of monolithic reinforced concrete, the shell is exposed to various aggressive environmental influences and the carried-away part of the recycled process water leading to its premature destruction. This article illustrates a method of protecting the shell tower of a reinforced concrete cooling tower from the aggressive effects of the operating environment using a thermal and moisture protection screen design – a ventilated curtain wall with a cladding of fiberglass sheets. By the finite element method, using the ANSYS PC, a calculated analysis of temperature values and air velocity in the air gap was performed, resulting in the geometry of the air gap. To assess the overall change in the percentage of reinforcement, the corresponding strength calculations of the cooling tower shell were made with and without a thermal and moisture protection screen. Subsequently, the corresponding technical and economic analysis of the proposed design option was carried out. As a result the use of thermal moisture protection screen allows significantly redact capital costs during the construction of new cooling towers and decrease expenses for periodic major repairs in the operational cycle, thereby increasing the durability of the cooling tower.

The shield of the screen: The role of anger on the development of social media addiction and internet gaming disorder

&lt;p&gt;This study aims to explore if the dimensions of anger can be risk factors for the development of social media addiction and an internet gaming disorder, considering that the correlation between anger and these specific subcategories of internet addiction can represent a core intervention in their prevention and treatment. 477 subjects, recruited among the general population, were assessed on-line by the following tools: STAXI–2; BSMAS, and IGDS9–SF. A correlation analyses showed a significantly positive relationship between the total score of the BSMAS and the STAXI–2 scales SANG (&lt;italic&gt;p&lt;/italic&gt; &amp;lt; 0.0001), TANG (&lt;italic&gt;p&lt;/italic&gt; &amp;lt; 0.0001), AX–O (&lt;italic&gt;p&lt;/italic&gt; = 0.003), and AX–I (&lt;italic&gt;p&lt;/italic&gt; &amp;lt; 0.0001), and between the total score of the IGDS9–SF and the STAXI–2 scales SANG (&lt;italic&gt;p&lt;/italic&gt; = 0.002), TANG (&lt;italic&gt;p&lt;/italic&gt; &amp;lt; 0.0001), AX–O (&lt;italic&gt;p&lt;/italic&gt; = 0.001), AX–I (&lt;italic&gt;p&lt;/italic&gt; &amp;lt; 0.0001), and AC–O (&lt;italic&gt;p&lt;/italic&gt; = 0.004). A linear regression model showed how TANG and AX–I were direct predictors of the BSMAS total scores, and how AX–I was a direct predictor of the IGDS9–SF total scores. It appears plausible that there is a significant correlation between the dimensions of anger and the emergence of social media addiction and internet gaming: internet usage may serve as a coping mechanism for emotional or social challenges and as a protective screen to deal with negative emotions.&lt;/p&gt;

Gorilla Glass Cutting Using Femtosecond Laser Pulse Filaments

Due to high durability, scratch resistance, and impact resistance, Gorilla glasses are a popular choice for protective screens of smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Precise cutting of Gorilla glasses is very important to maintain the overall aesthetics and user experience, which is very challenging. We demonstrated for the first time the cutting of Gorilla glass by means of femtosecond laser filamentation technique. To achieve laser filamentation, a femtosecond laser beam was focused and irradiated in different depths of the sample Gorilla glasses. The filament length varied with the change in the focus position of the laser beam. The effective numerical aperture of the objective lens rises due to the presence of dielectric material (i.e., the Gorilla glass itself) before the focus position of the femtosecond laser beam inside the glass samples. As a consequence, the focal distance of the incident laser beam was prolonged and focused in a very tiny spot with extremely high energy density. Consequently, filaments (i.e., high aspect ratio micro-voids) were evident inside the Gorilla glass samples. The filament length is controllable by changing the irradiation parameters of the laser beam, including magnification and numerical aperture of the lens, laser energy, and thickness of the Gorilla glass before the target focal point. The filament-engraved Gorilla glass samples go through mechanical cleaving process with 400 MPa pressure on both sides of the laser scanning line for smooth cutting of Gorilla glass. The proposed glass cutting technique show promises for commercial application.

High-throughput synchronous erythrocyte cellular antioxidant activity and protection screening of phenolic-rich extracts: Protocol validation and applications

Oxidative/nitrosative damage takes part in chronic disease development, which generates an urgent need for intervention and better therapies to manage them. The scientific community has demanded easy-to-run, cheap, and reliable methods for cellular antioxidant activity assays. This work standardised and validated an erythrocyte cellular antioxidant activity and membrane protection/injury (HERYCA-P) protocol to study food-derive extracts. The method measures intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, lipoperoxidation, and haemolysis induced by 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride. Quercetin decreased ROS generation by 50.4% and haemolysis by 2.2%, while ascorbic acid inhibited lipid peroxidation by 40.1%. Total phenolic contents of teas were correlated with decreased ROS generation (r = −0.924), lipoperoxidation (r = −0.951), and haemolysis (r = −0.869). The erythrocyte ROS generation and lipoperoxidation were also associated with CUPRAC (r = −0.925; r = −0.951) and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (r = −0.936; r = −0.949). The precision rates of antioxidant standards and tea samples were below 15%. HERYCA-P is feasible as a complementary antioxidant assay for food matrices.

Assessment of the determination of groundwater pollution parameters from destroyed ameliorative structures, tail storage and flooded landfills

As a result of the damage to the structures of the supporting front and the destruction of the protective screens on the reclamation systems, tailings storage facilities, and landfills due to military operations, processes of flooding and pollution of water resources are taking place on the territory of Ukraine. This issue requires an assessment and forecast of the further development of events at the damaged buildings. An integral component of such an assessment is the methodology of approaches to the filtration calculations of the consumption of polluted water through a closed protective screen using the analysis of migration due to the aquifer. In this work, the issues of the theoretical approach to the determination of head loss and filtration through a protective screen for the assessment and further forecast of groundwater pollution by filtration flow from tailings, landfills, and reclamation canals due to their flooding due to military actions are considered. Approaches to the determination of pressure loss through a shielded structure in the event of various types of damage and at various stages of water filtration from channels are given. According to the proposed formulas, the loss of water from the main channel of the Ingulets irrigation system and the filtration coefficient of the damaged lining due to the destruction of the dam of the Kakhovskaya Hydro Electric Station were determined. The results of the research will be useful in making management decisions regarding the protection of water bodies from pollution and in the restoration of damaged structures.

The influence of the parameters of engineering protective structures on the effectiveness of their use in densely built-up territory

A study of the influence of application of an engineering protective screen made of small-diameter driven piles on the existing building deformations, caused by the arrangement of the pit fence made of bored piles, was carried out. The study was carried out with the help of numerical modeling using the method of finite elements, which allowed to display the work of the system "soil base - engineering protective structures - the foundation of the existing building" with different parameters of the protective screen. The influence of the following parameters is shown:&#x0D; 1) the depth of laying the protective screen L in relation to the depth of the compressible soil zone (Hst).&#x0D; 2) the position of the protective screen between the retaining structures of the pit and the existing building.&#x0D; 3) rigidity of the screen – the ratio of the step to the diameter of the piles of the engineering protective screen.&#x0D; 4) the distance between the existing building and the pit in relation to the depth of the enclosing structures of the pit of the new construction.&#x0D; The tasks were modeled in a spatial arrangement with the task of the system "soil base - enclosing constructions of the pit - protective screen - foundations of the existing building". The soil environment was modeled using the Hardening Soil Model. The calculation was carried out in stages.&#x0D; The variation of the parameters of the protective screen was carried out for the historical building, which in most cases was made according to a rigid wall construction scheme with strip foundations.&#x0D; The foundation depth is 1.2 - 3.0 m and the foundation width is 1-2 m. The average pressure under the foundation is 150-250 kPa.&#x0D; The rational depth of the foundation and the position of the protective screen between the existing building and the pit of the new construction were established.&#x0D; The area of effective application of the protective screen was revealed, depending on the distance between the building and the pit fence.&#x0D; The effective stiffness is established depending on the change in the relative distance between the poles of the protective screen.&#x0D;

The effect of an explosive shock wave on the plate of a protective structure of a critical infrastructure

The article presents the outcomes of an analysis on the stress-strain conditions of reinforced concrete structures subjected to an explosive shock wave resulting from the detonation of a combat unit from a kamikaze drone against a protective screen. When designing protective structures for critical infrastructure, employing computer simulation enables an assessment of the genuine impact of explosive loading on the structural elements' strength. The active phase of explosive loading is exceptionally brief, lasting only a fraction of a second. Under such circumstances, modeling is best performed using explicit methods of direct integration in time.&#x0D; The structure considered in this work is a reinforced concrete slab supported by a metal beam cage with I-beam cross-sections, topped with a sand backfill. The study was executed within the SIMULIA Abaqus software suite, incorporating models depicting nonlinear material behavior in a three-dimensional context. Discretely positioned reinforcement was considered for reinforced concrete structures, and the "Concrete Damage Plasticity" model was applied for concrete, accounting for damage accumulation. The devised computational scheme for the shelter represents a section of the protective structure's roof under conditions of cyclic symmetry.&#x0D; The article elucidates the core principles of incorporating explosive loading according to algorithm CONWEP.The results demonstrate that during the detonation of a kamikaze drone, an explosive wave created a crater in the sand backfill, exposing the slab. The study illustrates the development of damage in the reinforced concrete slab at various time intervals. Despite the identified damage to the slab, the protective structure overall withstood the explosive load. The intensity of the explosive shock wave diminishes significantly as it propagates away from the explosion site.

RADIATION PROTECTION IN THE NUCLEAR MEDICINE CENTER FROM PET RADIONUCLIDE

The purpose of this article is to present a methodology for determining sufficiency of the wall thickness to protect patients from the non-therapeutic effects of a medical source of ionizing radiation and calculating its increase in a way alternative to the use of the Monte Carlo method. The article is based on a case with a specific source of 18F activity of 4 Сi in a tungsten container with a wall thickness of 29.5 mm, which are used in the Center of Nuclear Medicine of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The objectives of the study are the following: calculation of the exposure dose rate from a radionuclide source of certain activity; calculation of the multiplicity of the dose attenuation rate to ensure human safety and establishing the necessary thickness of protection from the opted building material. The results of these calculations may differ depending on the method of direct and reverse recalculation of various radiation doses units, and therefore the conclusion suggests the most optimal of them in terms of physical efficiency, economic feasibility and regulatory performance. Operational dosimetry solves the problem of implementing the ALARA principle, problems of optimizing radiation safety are solved. Reducing the dose load on a person is achieved by reducing the operating time, increasing the distance to the radiation source and using a protective screen. The article describes the choice of protective material and its thickness for protection against radionuclide sources.

Fugitive Dust Associated with Scrap Metal Processing

Fugitive dust (FD) is a nuisance and potential health issue, particularly in environmental justice communities that can experience high levels of contaminated FD. This community-initiated study examined FD from a scrap metal processor in Detroit, Michigan, to determine whether the FD was contaminated, how it migrated through the community, whether wipe or composite road dust samples were preferable, and whether literature profiles adequately characterized this source. The study was motivated by community concerns, as well as a massive subsidence/upheaval event resulting from excessive accumulation of mill scale, which is a type of scrap metal, at the facility. We collected 57 wipe samples from windows and other surfaces, and 20 composite road dust and surface soil samples, which were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence. Concentrations were expressed using the fraction of the reconstructed mass. We also compared results to air quality monitoring data and calculated pollution indices and enrichment factors. Samples collected near the processor had high levels of Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Sr, and Zn compared with background soils, and levels remained elevated in residential areas several blocks distant. Composite road dust/sediment samples appeared preferable to wipe samples for chemical characterization. The available chemical profiles did not match the FD composition, suggesting the need for local profiles. The high level of Fe, which is consistent with mill scale, was a novel finding and caused the road dust to exceed health protection screening levels. Numerous metal scrap facilities operate locally and nationally, and our results show the need to improve controls to limit or eliminate FD emissions from industrial sources using enforced policies that reduce dust generation and truck track-out.

Numerical simulations of sand‐screen performance in unconsolidated prepacked gravel screen

AbstractThis work addresses the ongoing challenge of optimizing sand control screens, attributed to a limited understanding of screen blocking. A novel one‐way computational fluid dynamics and discrete element method (CFD–DEM) coupling technique is presented to analyze the structural parameters of unconsolidated prepacked gravel screens (PPGS). CFD–DEM involves systematically investigating the width of the punched slot on the outer protective screen, the size of the gravel, and the efficiency of gravel packing to improve the antiblocking capability of unconsolidated PPGS. Results from numerical simulations reveal that under conditions of effective sand control, the amount of sand entering the gravel layer to the bridge (referred to as the sand pass rate) is positively correlated with the antilocking ability (referred to as oil productivity index) for unconsolidated PPGS. The efficiency of gravel packing has the most substantial effect on the antilocking performance of unconsolidated PPGS. The data suggest that appropriately reducing the efficiency of gravel packing can enhance the antilocking capability of unconsolidated PPGS. To design an unconsolidated PPGS with enhanced antilocking capability, the efficiency of gravel packing be determined first. Then, the gravel size is designed based on this efficiency, and the width relative to the gravel size is decided. This contemporary design principle diverges considerably from previous design principles for gravel‐packed sand control screens. Supporting validation experiments agree with simulation outcomes, suggesting the established one‐way CFD–DEM coupling method in this paper is suitable for analyzing the plugging mechanism of unconsolidated PPGS. Thus, the CFD–DEM coupling method improves the design of such screens for improved antiblocking performance.

Cervical cancer screening in Brazilian Amazon Indigenous women: Towards the intensification of public policies for prevention

Background Indigenous women are vulnerable to cervical cancer. Screening is a strategy to reduce the burden of the disease. Objective To evaluate the prevalence profile of cervical cancer screening cytological results in Brazilian indigenous women by age and frequency of tests compared to non-indigenous women. Methods A cross-sectional study evaluating the prevalences of screening test results in indigenous women assisted in the Brazilian Amazon from 2007 to 2019 (3,231 tests), compared to non-indigenous women (698,415 tests). The main outcome was the cytological result. Other variables were frequency, age groups, and population. The frequency was categorized as "1st test", the first test performed by the women in their lifetime, or "screening test," tests from women who had previously participated in screening. Analyzes were based on prevalences by age group and population. We used Prevalence Ratios (PR) and 95% Confidence Intervals for risks and linear regression for trends. Results Data from the 1st test showed a higher prevalence of Low-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (LSIL) in indigenous women. Peaks were observed in indigenous under 25, 35 to 39, 45 to 49, and 60 to 64. The prevalence of High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion or more severe (HSIL+) was low in both groups in women younger than 25. The indigenous HSIL+ prevalence curve showed a rapid increase, reaching peaks in women from 25 to 34 years, following a slight decrease and a plateau. In screening tests, HSIL+ was more prevalent in indigenous from 25 to 39 (PR 4.0,2.3;6.8) and 40 to 64 (PR 3.8,1.6;9.0). In indigenous, the PR of HSIL+ results in screening tests over 1st tests showed no screening effect in all age groups. In non-indigenous, there was a significant effect toward protection in the age groups over 25. Conclusion This screening study of indigenous women from diverse ethnicities showed a higher prevalence of cytological LSIL and HSIl+ than in non-indigenous women. The protective screening effect in reducing HSIL+ prevalence was not observed in indigenous.

Abstract PR019: Evaluating the role of ambient air pollution in racial disparities of colorectal cancer incidence and survival in metropolitan Detroit

Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed cancer in the United States and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Moreover, Non-Hispanic Black (NHB) individuals have the highest rates of CRC incidence and mortality in the United States. We have become increasingly aware of the potential impact of social determinants of health (SDOH) on colorectal physiology and carcinogenesis. Other than individual and neighborhood level socioeconomic status (SES), neighborhood quality can also affect an individual’s risk of exposure to harmful environmental contaminants including ambient air pollution. Moreover, as NHB individuals are more likely to live in areas of lower area-level SES they experience these effects even further. We sought to understand whether higher exposure rates to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) played a role in racial differences in CRC incidence and survival in metropolitan Detroit. To do this, we obtained data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Environmental Justice Mapping and Screening Tool through the Georgetown University Environmental Impact Data Collective (EIDC) and patient data from the Metropolitan Detroit Cancer Surveillance System (MDCSS) registry. Incidence rates were calculated using population data from the American Community Survey. Associations between PM2.5 exposure and CRC incidence were estimated using Poisson modeling. Data were obtained for NHB (n=3778) and Non-Hispanic White (NHW) (n=9727) individuals diagnosed with invasive CRC between 2010 and 2019 in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties, including their geocoded census tract at diagnosis as well as demographic and clinical features. Vital status was reported as months from the date of diagnosis to either death or last contact. PM2.5 metrics were converted to the national percentile of PM2.5 in the air utilizing the Bayesian space-time downscaling fusion model for derived estimates of air quality at the census tract level. Survival was assessed using Cox Proportional Hazards modeling. We found that an increase in the PM2.5 percentile increased the risk for CRC overall for NHB and NHW patients (Relative Risk [RR] = 1.80, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.55 - 2.08, p-value &amp;lt;0.0001). This association was even stronger among NHB patients (RR = 7.94, 95% CI = 5.45 - 11.52, p-value &amp;lt; 0.0001), but was not statistically significant among NHW patients (RR = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.95 – 1.32, p-value = 0.16). PM2.5 exposure was not associated with survival overall or stratified by race. We conclude that ambient air pollution, particularly PM2.5, increases the risk of CRC cancer and disproportionately affects NHB patients but may not play a role in mortality risk. These results highlight the importance of environmental justice research in biomedical research and the need for a better understanding of the etiology of CRC within and among differing genetic ancestries and races by evaluating the genetic and epigenetic differences in patient tumor samples. Citation Format: Natalie G. Snider, Theresa Hastert, Ed Peters, Elena M. Stoffel, Laura Rozek, Ann Schwartz, Kristen Purrington. Evaluating the role of ambient air pollution in racial disparities of colorectal cancer incidence and survival in metropolitan Detroit [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr PR019.

Experience in deploying radar corner reflectors for InSAR monitoring

This work aims to analyze the effectiveness of corner reflectors deployment designed in various for InSAR monitoring by the Sentinel-1 satellite. Method. The accuracy of determining the spatial movements of the surface by the InSAR method in the places where the corner reflectors are deployed depends on their size, as well as the signal-to-clutter ratio on the radar images. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the backscattering intensity on radar images for the selected territory before installing the corner reflector. In places where corner reflectors are to be deployed, an increase in backscatter should be at least 10 dB. The orientation of the corner reflectors was performed based on Sentinel-1 satellite orbit parameters, which were obtained from the Heavens Above web resource. The analysis of the backscatter intensity time series on radar images was carried out using the online platform EO Browser. Results. The effectiveness of deployment and monitoring of trihedral triangular corner reflectors measuring 0.5 m and 1 m was studied. The research results made it possible to generalize the experience of deploying temporary corner reflectors and use them to design reflector structures for permanent monitoring using radar sensing. The maximum autonomy and constant value of the effective scattering area of the triangular corner reflector is ensured thanks to the equipped protective screen that prevents atmospheric precipitation from entering the reflector. Unlike three-sided corner reflectors, which are oriented to the ascending or descending orbit of the satellite, the circular four-sided corner reflector provides an increase in the intensity of backscatter on radar images taken from different orbits and different satellites. The circular quadrilateral reflector, which was deployed for continuous monitoring, is characterized as a universal reflector for all possible sensors that will conduct radar imaging. Scientific novelty and practical significance are in the confirmation of the effectiveness of the use of ground corner reflectors to increase the intensity of backscattering on radar images. Tested and improved designs of reflectors can be used when creating a network for constant monitoring, which will ensure millimeter accuracy in determining the spatial movements of the earth's surface and engineering structures by the InSAR method.

Selective Patterned Growth of ZnO Nanoneedle Arrays

Abstract Nanostructured coatings are widely used to improve the sensitivity of various types of sensors by increasing the active surface area compared to smooth films. However, for certain applications (in some cases), it may be necessary to achieve selectivity in the coating process to ensure that nanostructures only form in specific areas leaving interelectrode spaces free of nanostructures. This article discusses several methods for creating intricate ZnO nanostructured patterns, including area selective application of Zn acetate seeds followed by hydrothermal growth, selective thermal decomposition of zinc acetate via laser irradiation followed by hydrothermal growth, and the electrochemical deposition method. These methods enable ZnO nanostructures to grow onto designated surface areas with customised, patterned shapes, and they are rapid, cost-effective, and environmentally benign. The article examines the process of producing a nanostructured coating with a complex shape and discusses several factors that can impact the quality of the final product. These include the influence of the thermocapillary flows and the “coffee stain” effect on the deposition of a seed layer of zinc oxide from an ethanol solution of zinc acetate. Additionally, the study found that using a protective screen during the growth of nanostructures can reduce the occurrence of unintended parasitic structures in areas lacking a seed layer. Overall, the article presents various techniques and strategies to improve the quality of nanostructured coatings. We have proven that the use of laser radiation to create a seed layer does not impact the final morphology of the resulting nanostructures. However, when combined with computer-controlled technology, this approach allows for the creation of intricate patterns made up of micrometre-sized lines which cannot be achieved by using other methods. The article also demonstrates an electrochemical technique for obtaining zinc oxide nano-structures that can selectively coat metal electrodes without requiring a seed layer.

Species assemblage, abundance, and distribution of Phytoseiid mites (Parasitiformes: Phytoseiidae) in Citrus Under Protective Screen.

Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS) production system excludes the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, vector of Huanglongbing (HLB), and large predators. However, small pests and beneficial arthropods such as predatory mites may enter the CUPS. Predatory mites from the family Phytoseiidae attack several economically important pests, especially phytophagous mites common in CUPS. The species assemblage, abundance, and distribution of phytoseiid mites in CUPS and open-air (control) were investigated in Ray Ruby grapefruit from 2018 to 2020. Foliar sprays of chemicals for pest suppression were used in both systems and evaluated for effect on predatory mite populations. In the 2 production systems, a significant peak in the phytoseiid mite population was observed in February 2019 and 2020. This increase coincided with the blooming period of grapefruit, which likely provided pollen as an alternative food. A total of 2,234 specimens of 11 species were identified. Amblyseius tamatavensis Blommers and Typhlodromalus peregrinus (Muma) were dominant in both systems. Amblyseius tamatavensis was slightly more abundant in CUPS (50% of total specimens) than T. peregrinus (47%), while T. peregrinus was prevalent (82%) in open-air compared with A. tamatavensis (16%). Shannon index and evenness were significantly higher in CUPS, but species richness was similar. Chlorpyrifos with abamectin and oil, cyantraniliprole with spirodiclofen, copper, and oil as well as pyridaben alone reduced phytoseiid populations between 87% and 96%. Fenbutatin oxide mixed with copper reduced phytoseiids by 48% in open-air only. Our results demonstrate phytoseiid survival, reproduction, and contribution to biological control in CUPS, despite high temperature and humidity.

Fading Protective Equipment in Treating Self-Injury: Description of a Screening Protocol and Case Report

We describe a screening protocol for making clinical decisions about the fading of protective equipment worn by children with intellectual disability (ID) who injure themselves. The Protective Equipment Screening Protocol includes information sources derived from research publications and is presented in a format conducive to review and completion by treatment teams. An accompanying case report illustrates protocol-driven protective equipment fading procedures implemented with a self-injurious student. Using the screening protocol in a clinical context and research directions are discussed.