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“Microplastic seasoning”: A study on microplastic contamination of sea salts in Bangladesh
No full textThis study investigated microplastics (MPs) in commercial sea salts from Bangladesh. The presence of MPs in the 18 sea salt bands was 100 %, where the mean MPs abundance was 471.67 MPs/kg, ranging between 300 and 670 MPs/kg. The maximum number of MPs in the 300–1500 μm size class was significantly higher than the 1500–3000 μm and 3000–5000 μm size class. The most dominant color was black. Fibers and foams were the dominant shapes. The highest number of MPs was 41 %, obtained from coarse salt grains. Four types of polymers were mainly identified from the analyzed samples: PP, PE, PET, and PA. The mean polymer risk index value among these sea salts was 539 to 1257. The findings of this study can be helpful for consumers, salt industries, and policymakers to be aware of or reduce MP contamination levels in sea salts during production and consumption
Interrelatedness of steering and lateral position parameters: Recommendations for the assessment of driving performance
No full textIntroduction: Loss of attention leads to less steady driving within the lane and is one of the main causes of road accidents. To improve road safety, vehicle-based parameters such as steering wheel angle and lateral position are used to objectively assess driving performance, especially in monotonous driving tasks. Method: The present driving simulator study investigated the extent to which eight commonly used parameters are independent indicators of driving performance. Fifteen participants undertook a monotonous highway driving task for 1 h. Four steering angle parameters were examined: average steering angle (ASA), standard deviation of steering angle (SDSA), steering angle range (SAR), and steering reversal rate (SRR); as well as four lateral position parameters: mean lateral position (MLP), standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP), lateral position range (LPR), and the out-of-lane duration. Measurements were averaged across 2-minute epochs. Repeated measures correlation analysis evaluated the similarity between each parameter, and the variance inflation factor test evaluated the multicollinearity of all the parameters. Results: The results demonstrated that some parameters are highly correlated and should not be used together to assess driving performance. It is recommended that the optimal combination is ASA and SAR to assess steering angle, and SDLP and out-of-lane to assess lateral position. Out-of- lane, as a factor directly contributing to road safety, is recommended because it has the least correlation with other parameters. Practical Applications: If implemented, these recommendations may improve the assessment of driving performance in future studies
Perceived concerns, impacts, and adaptations of Vietnamese seafarers during the crew change crisis amid the COVID-19 pandemic
No full textThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented disruptions to the global maritime industry, particularly for seafarers who are the frontline workers facing the brunt of the crisis. The crew change and repatriation problem emerged as a humanitarian crisis, leaving hundreds of thousands of sailors stranded onboard beyond their contracts. To understand the primary concerns, impacts, responses, and adaptation of seafarers during this extreme situation, an empirical study of a purposive sample of 25 Vietnamese seafarers trapped onboard was conducted using a qualitative approach. This study identifies nine dimensions that complement existing literature and empirical findings, shedding light on the states and reactions in extreme contexts. Three dimensions encompass the major concerns of seafarers associated with the pandemic, namely uncertainty, self-concern, and lower living conditions. The ways of coping with these concerns fall under three categories: work-based, socialized-based, and adjustment to compliance dimensions. Additionally, the impacts of the extreme situation are grouped into health, operational, and job satisfaction dimensions. The study concludes with three propositions and a summarized framework that highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the concerns of seafarers during crises. The implications for relevant stakeholders are also discussed, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to ensure the welfare of seafarers and the sustainability of the maritime industry
From feed to fork: immunity, performance and quality of products from farm animals fed sugarcane products
No full textSugarcane extracts have generated a growing interest due to their potential applications that extend beyond conventional sugar and ethanol production. These by-products, along with sugarcane extracts offer valuable nutrients and compounds that can be utilized in animal feed supplementation, aiming to improve immunity and growth performance, and the quality of animal-derived products consumed by humans. The immune-boosting properties of sugarcane supplementation have been documented through several studies highlighting enhanced cytotoxicity, increased phagocytic capacity, and modulation of immune cells and cytokine production. Abundant in polyphenols and bioactive compounds, sugarcane products are believed to contribute to these immunological effects. However, further research is required to unravel the specific mechanisms underlying these actions. Supplementing sugarcane by-products in animal feed has shown promising results of improved growth rates and weight gains in various animal species. Sugarcane supplementation positively influences animal performance by optimizing nutrient intake and utilization, enhancing feed conversion efficiency, and promoting healthy growth. Moreover, sugarcane supplementation has been associated with improved meat tenderness and overall quality in animal-derived products. To optimize the utilization of sugarcane products, future research will need to focus on determining optimal inclusion quantities and product or extract combinations, identifying specific compound classes, and balancing nutritional profiles in animal feed formulations. Additionally, studies should focus on evaluating long-term effects on animal health and subsequent product quality, and explore the environmental sustainability of sugarcane product supplementation in feed. This mini-review explores the impact of sugarcane product supplementation on swine, poultry, aquaculture species and ruminants, focusing on its effects on immunity, growth performance, and product q
Polyether Ketone Ketone (PEKK) matrix composites for material extrusion additive manufacturing
No full textDespite the widespread use of fused filament fabrication (FFF) (an extrusion-based additive manufacturing process) to manufacture end-use parts for the aerospace industry, limited materials are available within this process that can be used for structural applications in the harsh space environment. Currently available high-performance polymers need to be improved by incorporating additives within the polymer matrix to achieve multi-functional properties. Additives such as graphene, graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes and boron carbide are known to improve mechanical and thermal properties and radiation shielding. This study aims to understand if these additives can be successfully incorporated into PEKK matrix to manufacture printable filaments for FFF. Graphene, graphene oxide (GO) and boron carbide (B4C) were compatibilised with PEKK matrix, and their mechanical, thermal and rheological properties were analysed and compared with commercially available carbon fibre and carbon nanotube-reinforced PEKK where appropriate. As rheological properties of the formulations confirmed that they were printable, filaments for FFF were then manufactured. Graphene–PEKK was the most printable filament followed by GO–PEKK while B4C–PEKK was not printable. TEM images of filament cross-section showed good dispersion of graphene and graphene oxide, while boron carbide formed large agglomerates; B4C also presented feeding issues due to its hardness which affected its printability. Dispersion of the additives was also confirmed by studying their X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, and chemical structures were assessed using FT-IR spectroscopy. Finally, parts were printed using selected composite filaments, and their porosity and surface roughness were compared with neat PEKK and commercial CNT-reinforced PEKK to develop an understanding of metrology and bulk material properties of the composites
The association between emotional intelligence and decision making for pilots
No full textEmotional Intelligence (EI) refers to the regulation, perception, and management of self and others’ emotions. EI has been used to gain insights into decision making in corporate Human Resource Management (HRM) contexts, as well as in stressful situations. The link between EI and decision making in HRM could have great benefits to training and management in high-consequence and safety-critical industries. This research investigated the association between EI and decision making of pilots in the aviation industry. The aim was to uncover the level of association between EI dimensions and decision making for pilots; as well as to understand the role that pilots perceive EI dimensions play in their decision making in safety-critical scenarios. One hundred and seventeen pilots completed an online survey comprised of the Wong-Law EI Scale, decision making scenarios, and open-ended questions. The mixed-method analysis of the survey data showed a correlation between individual EI dimensions and decision-making scenarios, rather than the total scores. There are potential implications for general HRM research in EI and decision making as well as practical implications for the aviation industry. Overall, it was found that there is a link between EI and decision making, specifically for scenarios that involve other cognitive functions
Fabrication of Sb2S3/Sb2Se3 heterostructure for potential resistive switching applications
No full textThe exponential growth of large data and the widespread adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) have created significant challenges for traditional Von Neumann computers. These challenges include complex hardware, high energy consumption, and slow memory access time. Researchers are investigating novel materials and device architectures to address these issues by reducing energy consumption, improving performance, and enabling compact designs. A new study has successfully engineered a heterostructure that integrates Sb2Se3 and Sb2S3, resulting in improved electrical properties. This has generated significant interest in its potential applications in resistive switching. In this study, we have demonstrated the fabrication of a device based on Sb2S3/Sb2Se3 heterostructure that exhibits resistive switching behavior. The device has different resistance states that can be switched between high and low resistance levels when exposed to an external bias (−1 V to 0 V to 1 V). It also has good non-volatile memory characteristics, including low power consumption, high resistance ratio (∼102), and reliable endurance (∼103). The device enables faster data processing, reduces energy consumption, and streamlines hardware designs, contributing to computing advancements amidst modern challenges. This approach can revolutionize resistive switching devices, leading to more efficient computing solutions for big data processing and IoT technologies
Differences in Anxiety, Insomnia, and Trauma Symptoms in Wildfire Survivors from Australia, Canada, and the United States of America
No full textMany survivors of wildfires report elevated levels of psychological distress following the trauma of wildfires. However, there is only limited research on the effects of wildfires on mental health. This study examined differences in anxiety, depression, insomnia, sleep quality, nightmares, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms following wildfires in Australia, Canada, and the United States of America (USA). One hundred and twenty-six participants from Australia, Canada, and the USA completed an online survey. The sample included 102 (81%) women, 23 (18.3%) men, and one non-binary (0.8%) individual. Participants were aged between 20 and 92 years (M age = 52 years, SD = 14.4). They completed a demographic questionnaire, the Disturbing Dream and Nightmare Severity Index (DDNSI), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and PTSD Checklist (PCL-5). Results showed that participants from the USA scored significantly higher on the GAD-7 (p = 0.009), ISI (p = 0.003), and PCL-5 (p = 0.021) than participants from Australia and Canada. The current findings suggest a need for more international collaboration to reduce the severity of mental health conditions in Australia, Canada, and the USA
The effect of Dictyophora indusiata, oats and Polygonatum kingianum on the physicochemical properties and in vitro digestion of pizza crust
No full textA high-glycaemic index diet can lead to elevated blood glucose levels and chronic diseases. In this study, Dictyophora indusiata powder, oats powder and Polygonatum kingianum powder were substituted for some wheat flour to make pizza crust. The aim was to investigate the effects of the three powders on the chemical composition, physical quality, antioxidant properties, in vitro digestibility of starch and sensory characteristics of pizza crust. The addition of the three powders enhanced the nutritional value of the pizza crust, especially the dried Dictyophora indusiata flour and oats powder were rich in dietary fibre and protein, the three powders also increased the total phenolic content (214%) and antioxidant activity (ABTS+185%, DPPH30.5%) of the pizza crust and improved the shelf-life of the pizza crust. In addition, the three powders increased the slowly digestible starch (25.9%) and decreased the reducing sugar levels and hydrogenation index, and expected glycaemic index of the pizza crust compared to the control group. The results suggest that the three powders could be used as functional ingredients to enhance the nutritional value and lower the glycaemic index of pizza crusts. This study provides new ideas for the development of nutritious and hypoglycaemic functional bakery products
Understanding Clinician EHR Data Quality for Reuse in Predictive Modelling
No full textIt is imperative to build clinician trust to reuse ever-growing amounts of rich clinical data. Utilising a proprietary, structured electronic health record, we address data quality by assessing the plausibility of chiropractors, physical therapists and osteopaths' data entry to help determine if the data is fit for use in predicting outcomes of work-related musculoskeletal disorders using machine learning. For most variables assessed, individual clinician data entry positively correlated to the clinician group's data entry, indicating data is fit for reuse. However, from the clinician's perspective, there were inconsistencies, which could lead to data mistrust. When assessing data quality in EHR studies, it is crucial to engage clinicians with their deep understanding of EHR use, as improvement suggestions could be made. Clinicians should be considered local knowledge experts