Association of rodents with man-made infrastructures and food waste in Urban Singapore.

BACKGROUND: Rodent population control is an important measure in reducing the risk of rodent-borne disease transmission. In this study, we examined rodent activity in the sanitary waste network around the household waste-collection bin chamber of an urban residential apartment block. METHODS: We utilised infra-red camera traps to determine the pattern of rodent activity in a rodent-infested bin chamber and its associated sanitary waste network. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the risk factors that were independently associated with rodent activity in the bin chambers. RESULT: The camera trap surveillance showed that the rodents were active in the bin chamber and sanitary network both in the day and at night. In the cross-sectional study, rodent activity in the bin chambers was independently associated with broken floor traps [Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 36.7, CI: 21.3-66.3], calendar month [Log-likelihood ratio test (LRT) p = 0.002] and Town Council [LRT p = 0.004] variables. In restricted analysis, rodent activity in bin chambers was independently associated with defects in the wastewater pipe under the chamber [AOR: 12.3, CI: 4.3-51.7]. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that urban municipal management councils should prioritize rodent control resources in areas according to the factors that increase the risk of rodent infestation.

Formation of interconnects with carbon nanotubes by nano-patterning and acoustics-assisted alignment.

In this work, the feasibility of self-assembling double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) to form nano-sized interconnects over pre-fabricated gold electrodes using a combination of nanopatterning, surface functionalization and acoustics-assisted alignment of the DWCNTs was studied. Self-assembly and concurrent alignment of DWCNTs over the gold electrodes on selectively functionalized surfaces within nano-patterns took place in a fluid medium with the potential scalability for wafer-sized mass production. The adverse impacts of curvature and misalignment of DWCNTs on the chance of their attachment to the target zones were analyzed. Microscopic observations and electrical I-V curve measurements verified that DWCNT interconnects were indeed formed. The results indicated that the fabrication of self-assembled interconnects through the combined usage of nano-patterning, surface functionalization and DWCNT alignment is feasible and is in the right direction towards the fabrication of interconnects for future carbon nanotube-based devices and circuits.

A brief review of the recent evolution of the human mouth in physiological and nutritional contexts.

One of the defining characteristics of humans, one that could also explain our species' success, is probably our ability to cook food. A brief review of the literature suggests several adaptations of the mouth can be interpreted to support this. All probably enhance the efficiency of the physical treatment of food in the mouth.

Novel way of measuring the fracture toughness of leaves and other thin films using a single inclined razor blade.

A new test for measuring leaf fracture toughness by cutting with a single inclined razor blade is described here, this having been developed to overcome some of the inadequacies of conventional double-bladed cutting tests, such as scissoring and shearing. The accuracy and precision of this test were determined by measuring the fracture toughness of various leaf types and homogeneous films, and comparing the results with those obtained by scissoring. The new test was found to display a low friction of cutting with great precision in measurements. Fracture toughness measurements of the specimens were considerably lower for the new test than those obtained by scissoring, owing to greater blade sharpness and reduced damage to the specimens during cutting. Despite this, the rankings of fracture toughness measurements for the specimens are similar for both the new test and scissoring, thus demonstrating the test's consistency with scissoring. The new test was found to be successful in measuring the fracture toughness of leaf blades and other thin, film-like materials. It was also able to overcome some of the difficulties of conventional double-bladed cutting tests, especially the estimation of energy expenditure that is extraneous to the work of cutting.