The Effects of Spatial Configurations of Simulated Shrubs on Wind-proof Effectiveness

Maximizing the benefits of windbreaks requires a thorough understanding of the physical interaction between the wind and the barrier. In this experiment, a profiling set of Pitot tubes was used to measure the airflow field and wind velocity of simulated shrubs in a wind tunnel. The effects of form configurations and row spaces of simulated shrubs on wind-proof effectiveness were in-depth studied. We come to the following results: the weakening intensity of hemisphere-shaped and broom-shaped shrubs on wind velocity was mainly reflected below 2 cm in the root and 6-14 cm in the middle-upper, respectively, while the wind-proof effect of the spindle-shaped shrubs at the canopy (0.2-14 cm height) was the best. Besides, the simulated shrubs under 26.25 cm had the best protection effect on the wind velocity. Moreover, the designed windbreaks with Nitraria tangutorum, more effectively reduced the wind velocity among the windbreak compared to behind the windbreak. In the wind control system, the hemisphere-shaped windbreaks should be applied as near-surface barriers, and the windbreaks of broom-shaped and spindle-shaped can be used as a sheltered forest. The results could offer theoretical guidelines on how to arrange the windbreaks for preventing wind erosion in the most convenient and efficient ways.

Factors Affecting Compliance of Infection Control Measures among Dental Radiographers

Objectives. To assess the level of dental radiographers’ compliance with infection control measures and to evaluate the factors affecting their compliance. Methods. The study included 175 dental radiographers. Compliance with infection control was evaluated with a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 33 questions related to vaccination, hand hygiene (HH), personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfection and sterilization, and use of surface barriers. Pearson’s chi-square test was used to compare compliance between subgroups of radiographers. Results. 64.6% of participants were females, and 62.9% was younger than 30 years. 13.0% of the sample population had >10 years of experience and 28.0% take radiographs for >20 patients/day. 66.9% of participants wash their hands before/after taking radiographs. 26.3% of participants had vaccination against hepatitis B, tetanus, and tuberculosis. 12.6% fully use PPE, 10.9% perform complete disinfection and sterilization, and 16.0% apply all kinds of surfaces barriers. Vaccination was significantly affected by age, gender, and practice type. HH was affected by years of experience and number of patients radiographed per day. PPE was influenced by number of hours worked per week and patients radiographed daily. Disinfection and sterilization was affected by practice type and years of experience. The use of surface barriers was affected by age, practice type, and number of patients radiographed/day. Conclusions. The current study indicated poor compliance with infection control practices among dental radiographers. We recommend continuing educational programs and training courses to increase dental radiographers’ awareness of local and international infection control guidelines and to enhance their implementation of these guidelines.