bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
War Is Back in Post-Heroic Europe: Change and Continuity in the Relationship Between the Armed Forces and Society
Authors: Molendijk Tine
Published: September 2024

Since war is back in Europe, societal perceptions are shifting. Terms such as “warfighting,” “whole of society,” and “total defence force” are becoming more prevalent. There is a growing recognition of the military’s importance and heightened appreciation for soldiers, while taboos on weapon manufacturing and warfighting are disappearing. To what extent, how and with what implication have societal attitudes surrounding the armed forces changed in recent years? This article examines this question through exploratory empirical research of military, political, and public communication items, including media accounts and speeches. This reveals both change and continuity in what had been called post-heroic Europe: both a more pro-military stance and the persistence of one-dimensional narratives of conflict, military intervention and soldiers. This is strategically and ethically problematic. While fairy tale narratives dehumanize both opponents and “our” soldiers, demanding them to be superhuman, a tragic narrative better captures the human reality of war.
Inter Arytenoid Granular Cell Tumor of Larynx—A Rare Case Report
Authors: Sankar Sakthimurugan , N Raadhika Shree , Anbarasan Subagar , P Jayaganesh
Published: September 2024

Granular cell tumors (GCTs) are uncommon neoplasms, often originating from Schwann cells, with granular cytoplasm being a hallmark feature. Laryngeal GCTs, comprising 3% to 10% of cases, present diagnostic challenges due to their resemblance to squamous cell carcinoma. We present a case of a 46-year-old male with throat pain, diagnosed with a laryngeal GCT. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis. Laryngeal GCTs typically manifest as small, firm submucosal nodules, posing challenges in differentiation from vocal fold polyps. Diagnosis relies on histological examination, with characteristic features including eosinophilic granular cytoplasm and positive staining for specific markers. Malignant transformation, though rare, necessitates vigilant monitoring and accurate diagnosis. Treatment involves complete surgical excision with long-term follow-up to detect recurrence. This case underscores the importance of awareness and accurate diagnosis in managing laryngeal GCTs, ensuring timely intervention and optimal patient outcomes.
Straightening Crooked Nose with Precise Bone Refining
Authors: Kubilay Utku , Aghayarov Ozlem Yagız
Published: September 2024

Objectives: Crooked noses pose significant challenges in rhinoplasty due to their complex anatomy, particularly in the bony vault. Traditional methods focus on osteotomies but often do not equalize the lengths of the nasal bones. This study introduces a novel technique using otologic drills to address this problem by shortening the longer nasal bone and aligning the nasion–rhinion line at the midline. Methods: A Goodman incision was made to access the nasal bones under general anesthesia. Otologic drills were used for lateral and transverse ostectomies to shorten the longer nasal bone and reposition the nasal bone vault. Follow-ups were conducted 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Results: Of 48 cases (22 men and 26 women), 47 achieved satisfactory results with a straightened nose. One case showed a slight deviation after surgery, which did not require revision. Discussion: The technique effectively addresses the issue of asymmetric nasal bone lengths, which traditional methods often overlook. Using otologic drills allows precise bone cutting, contributing to long-lasting outcomes. Conclusions: Otologic drill-assisted ostectomies effectively equalize nasal bone lengths, improving nasal symmetry. More research with larger case series and long-term follow-up is needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of this technique, including potential applications in closed rhinoplasty.
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: Key Points for Safer Surgery
Authors: Kar Murat , Bayar Muluk Nuray , Alqunaee Marwan , Manole Felicia , Cingi Cemal
Published: September 2024

Objectives: To review measures for safer functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Methods: PubMed, EBSCO, UpToDate, Proquest Central at Kırıkkale University, Google, and Google Scholar were used in the literature review. The search was performed using keywords of “functional endoscopic sinus surgery,” “FESS,” “Safety,” “Image-Guided,” and “complications” between 2000 and 2024. Results: Inflammatory and infectious sinus illnesses are the most prevalent indications for FESS. The 4 most common methods for FESS are endoscopic uncinectomy, maxillary antral ostomy/ethmoidectomy, anterior ethmoidectomy, and posterior ethmoidectomy. FESS has a complication rate of 0% to 1.5% for significant problems and 1.12% to 20.8% for minor issues. Sinus surgery outcomes can be improved and problems avoided with careful preoperative preparation. Powered instrumentation may enhance the severity of the problems rather than the number of occurrences. Intraoperative detection of cerebrospinal fluid leakage necessitates immediate localization and fixing of the leaking structure. The danger of infection increases and hospital stays are longer when investigation is delayed. In image-guided surgery, surgeons employ preoperative imaging data to pinpoint the exact position of a surgical tool concerning surrounding anatomical structures in real time. Although initially designed for use in neurosurgery, endoscopic sinus surgery has quickly become one of the most popular applications of this technique. Conclusion: Safer FESS can be accomplished with accurate CT scans, good patient preparation, surgical knowledge and training, and by using image guidance for endoscopic sinus surgery.
Evolving Legal Issues and Title IX
Authors: Eckes Suzanne , Berlin Lois
Published: September 2024

Background:

Each year, several lawsuits are filed that involve peer-to-peer harassment in K–12 schools. It is important for school personnel to understand their legal obligations surrounding this issue. We highlight some recent developments in both case law and federal guidance related to peer harassment.

Purpose:

Students have alleged that school officials violate Title IX when they fail to appropriately respond to known acts of peer-to-peer sexual harassment at school. After providing some context, we briefly examine a case involving a victim of alleged sexual assault in a K–12 school who was disciplined by school officials for reporting sexual misconduct. We conclude with a discussion on the recent amendments to the Title IX regulations and how these new amendments could impact similar cases in the future.

Research Design:

Using legal research techniques, we explore illustrative case law in this area and also highlight some considerations from the recently amended Title IX regulations.

Recommendations:

Under Title IX and its amended regulations, school districts are tasked with creating educational environments that are free from discrimination based on sex. We offer five recommendations for school officials as they relate to this issue. These recommendations highlight recent amendments to the Title IX regulations.
Echoes of Violence: Analyzing Hate Speech in the Ethiopian Broadcast Media
Authors: Nigussie Hagos , Kiflu Gebru , Desta Bereket
Published: September 2024

This paper examined hate speech in Ethiopian broadcast media (2020–2022), focusing on the people of Tigray. The rationale for selecting this period was the heightened media polarization and intensification of hate speech in Ethiopia. We analyzed hate speeches delivered by influential individuals, including government officials, religious leaders, and other elites. We chose to examine these individuals because of their dominant media presence and their considerable influence within the country. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, high-ranking government officials, religious leaders, and other elites labeled the people of Tigray as “enemies of Ethiopia” a state-led violent campaign. Broadcast media extensively covered hate speeches, as a strategy for declaring war on Tigray. Religious leaders (from all denominations) spread hate speeches, including in religious revels, and publicly declared their support for the Ethiopian National Defense Forces. This study highlights the increasing role of political leaders, religious leaders, or other elites, and broadcast media in fueling hate speech and violence in ethno-polarized Ethiopia.
An Interview with Adam Lowe: To Re-produce Works of Art
Authors: Frodon Jean-Michel
Published: September 2024

The relationship Bruno Latour had with Adam Lowe illustrates the close link between art and technique, and the problem of representation. Thanks to 3D digitisation and rematerialisation techniques of cultural objects, Adam reproduces all kinds of artworks at all scales with an unprecedented degree of precision. He does not do that in the customary sense today of producing an image of them. Breaking with the division between physical objects and the digital world, Lowe really produces them again, creating their material doubles in 3D, with their volume, their thickness, their grain. Latour was fascinated by Lowe’s project and its achievements, particularly in that they call into question the controversial problem raised by Walter Benjamin of the aura of works of art. The reverse was true, as this interview makes abundantly clear: Lowe has been captivated by the radical way in which Latour redefined modes of representation.
Falling off the Social Ladder: Longitudinal Behavioral and Mental Health Consequences of Desiring Higher Popularity and Experiencing Popularity Status Insecurity
Authors: Li Mingqi , Li Yan , Cui Ziyue
Published: September 2024

Increasing research has indicated associations between popularity goal and adolescents’ social functioning. However, little is known about the processes intervening and moderating these associations. We examined whether popularity status insecurity explained the longitudinal associations of popularity goal with depression and social behavior among Chinese adolescents ( N = 418), while also considering the moderating roles of initial popularity status and its changes. Results showed that popularity goal was positively related to popularity status insecurity. Moreover, popularity goal predicted greater relational aggression only when initial popularity was high, and popularity status insecurity predicted greater relational aggression only when popularity status was declining over time. Furthermore, popularity goal predicted greater depression through the mediation of popularity status insecurity when popularity status was initially lower and falling. The present findings highlight the complex interplay of social cognitive processes regarding popularity and variabilities of popularity in predicting adolescents’ mental health and social behavior.
Building a Better World: The Role of AI Ethics and Social Responsibility
Authors: Ferrell O.C. , Ferrell Linda
Published: September 2024

In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming marketing, the tensions associated with ethics and social responsibility are accelerating. This commentary addresses and expands upon what Grewal, Guha and Becker (2024) term “Theme #3-AI created novel tensions.” The differences between AI ethics and social responsibility are defined, including directions for collaborative efforts needed by managers and developers of AI. To serve society, all stakeholders need to be involved in addressing the tensions associated with AI applications. AI principles such as transparency, accountability and fairness need to be translated into rules to develop algorithms. This process should be a part of strategic organizational management of the organizational compliance function. AI should not be just a tool or tactic to ensure efficiency. The risks and opportunities should be managed to create a better world.
Subacute and chronic toxic hepatopathy in cattle grazing pasture with Crotalaria spectabilis
Authors: Ribeiro Marlon , Bianchi Isadora N. , Silva Wuglenya D. M. , Cavasani João Paulo S. , Santos Ícaro G. , Dias Luana , Colodel Edson M. , Furlan Fernando H.
Published: September 2024

This report describes subacute and chronic toxic hepatopathy in cattle due to Crotalaria spectabilis poisoning. A total of 200 male Nellore cattle were introduced into a paddock contaminated with C. spectabilis. After spending 20 days grazing in this area, 6 cattle became ill and died. The remaining 194 cattle were moved to non-contaminated pasture in a nearby farm and, 45 days after arrival, 15 cattle became ill and died. Three affected cattle were necropsied. The main clinical changes consisted of anorexia, isolation from the herd, weight loss, jaundice, recumbency, and death. The primary lesions were observed in the liver. Subacutely poisoned cattle had slightly firm livers with an accentuated lobular pattern. Histologically, hepatocyte loss with dilated sinusoids, hepatomegalocytosis, and fibrosis was observed. Cattle with chronic disease had small, pale, firm livers with an irregular hepatic capsular surface. Microscopic changes included hepatocyte loss, hepatomegalocytosis, bile duct proliferation, and fibrosis.
Haptic experience of bodies alters body perception
Authors: Myga Kasia A. , Azañón Elena , Ambroziak Klaudia B. , Ferrè Elisa R. , Longo Matthew R.
Published: September 2024

Research on media's effects on body perception has mainly focused on the role of vision of extreme body types. However, haptics is a major part of the way children experience bodies. Playing with unrealistically thin dolls has been linked to the emergence of body image concerns, but the perceptual mechanisms remain unknown. We explore the effects of haptic experience of extreme body types on body perception, using adaptation aftereffects. Blindfolded participants judged whether the doll-like stimuli explored haptically were thinner or fatter than the average body before and after adaptation to an underweight or overweight doll. In a second experiment, participants underwent a traditional visual adaptation paradigm to extreme bodies, using stimuli matched to those in Experiment 1. For both modalities, after adaptation to an underweight body test bodies were judged as fatter. Adaptation to an overweight body produced opposite results. For the first time, we show adiposity aftereffects in haptic modality, analogous to those established in vision, using matched stimuli across visual and haptic paradigms.
Interpretable stacking ensemble learning for predicting the BOF oxygen blowing amount for making high-carbon steel with state-of-the-art machine learning and deep learning models
Authors: Xie Tian-yi , Zhang Cai-dong , Zhang Fei , Li Shuang-jiang , Liu Shan-xi , Zhang Hua , An Chao
Published: September 2024

Eight state-of-the-art machine learning and deep learning models designed for tabular data were developed to predict the basic oxygen furnace oxygen blowing amount for making high carbon steel. These models include extreme gradient boosting (XGboost), light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM), categorical boosting (CatBoost), tabular attention network (TabNet), neural oblivious decision ensembles (NODE), gated additive tree ensemble (GATE), gated adaptive network for deep automated learning of features (GANDALF), and deep abstract networks (DANets). The data with 20 tabular factors (information about hot metal, scrap, additives and endpoint values) were collected from 8300 heats. After tuning with 5-fold validation, in the test set, the LightGBM demonstrated the optimal prediction accuracy with R2  = 0.796, mean absolute error (MAE) = 71.873 m3, and rooted mean square error (RMSE) = 93.013, and mean relative error (MRE) = 1.412%. The overall and individual differences in performance among the various models were analysed using the Friedman test and the post-hoc Nemenyi Test. Then, the model stack, comprising the top three performing models, along with linear regression as the meta-learner, jointly implemented the stacking ensemble learning. The MAE and MRE were improved to 71.863 m3 and 1.411%, respectively. In addition, SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAPs) were implemented to quantify the exact impact of each factor by interpreting the LightGBM model. The results revealed the differences in the oxygen blowing amounts caused by each factor across various heats. Additionally, an oxygen blowing amount prediction software was developed based on the LightGBM and the SHAP analysis model.
Text-based multidimensional financial constraints and earnings management behaviour
Authors: Banerjee Pradip
Published: September 2024

Using unidimensional accounting-based measures of financial constraints, prior literature finds that constrained firms engage in significantly higher accrual earnings management. We argue that a firm may face different degrees of financial constraints in the equity and debt market, which cannot be captured through unidimensional measures. We examine this association using a novel multi-dimensional text-based measure of equity and debt market constraints. Considering 46,149 firm-year observations (7096 unique firms) of US-listed firms over the period 1997–2015, we find the relationship between equity-constraint (debt-constraint) and earnings management is positive (negative), respectively. Furthermore, we show how investment growth opportunity moderates this relationship and how firm’s cash holdings, life cycle stage, and R&D intensity influence this relationship. Our results remain robust with, alternative specifications of earnings management and endogeneity concerns.

JEL Classification: G31, G32, G34, M41
Dynamic Testing of Instructional Needs: A Training-Only Graduated Prompts Approach
Authors: Veerbeek Jochanan , Vogelaar Bart
Published: September 2024

Dynamic testing, though underutilized, holds potential for assessing learning and instructional needs. However, its limited adoption is often attributed to the perceived time and labor-intensive nature of its administration. This study explores the viability of a training-only dynamic test (ToDT) with a standardized procedure to identify instructional needs in school children. The study involved 66 fourth and fifth-grade students ( M age = 10.89 years, SD = 0.53) and analyzed the relations between ToDT scores (number and type of hints), teachers’ estimations of instructional needs, and standardized math and reading scores. Results revealed moderate to strong correlations between ToDT scores, teachers’ estimations, and standardized scores. Additionally, children with different classifications based on ToDT scores differed in their instructional needs and standardized test scores. This study not only underscores the potential of the training-only dynamic test (ToDT) in gauging instructional needs, but also revealed distinct needs and outcomes based on their ToDT scores.
Target state responses to external support of rebel groups: Revealing the impact of support level and interstate strategic interaction
Authors: Kınay-Kılıç Latife , Aydınlı Ersel , Tokdemir Efe
Published: September 2024

How do target states react to third-party sponsorship of rebel groups? In this article, we provide a typology of responses from target states based on their severity and comprehensiveness level. We argue that the external support level and existing strategic interaction between targets and sponsors are crucial to explain the variation in target responses toward state sponsors since they affect the target states’ level of perceived threat. We test our theoretical claims using an original dataset featuring target responses between 1991 and 2010. Our findings show that strategic rivalry is the most crucial factor in increasing the severity and comprehensiveness of responses. Higher levels of support for rebel groups increase only coercive responses and do not impact comprehensiveness, whereas formal alliances decrease the adoption of mixed responses. Our study contributes to the literature on the external support of rebels and conflict management with implications for predicting target states’ responses to sponsorship.
Assessing Efficiency in Education: The Imperative of Curriculum-Based Measurements
Authors: Cunningham Todd
Published: September 2024

This article explores the limitations of traditional maximum performance tests in psychological assessments within educational settings, highlighting the need for efficiency assessments to better understand students’ real-world capabilities. While maximum performance tests like IQ and achievement tests reveal peak abilities under optimal conditions, they often fail to reflect students’ proficiency and speed, crucial for classroom success. Efficiency assessments, such as Curriculum-Based Measurements (CBMs), provide valuable insights by evaluating both accuracy and speed, offering a more practical measure of skill mastery. By integrating these assessments, psychologists can more accurately identify areas of need, inform targeted interventions, and monitor progress, ensuring tailored support for each student’s unique learning profile. This comprehensive approach enhances academic development, ensuring that students receive the necessary support to thrive in educational settings.
Preliminary Efficacy of Positive Change(+Change): A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of an Integrated Alcohol and Sexual Assault Prevention Program Tailored by Gender and Sexual Orientation
Authors: Gilmore Amanda K. , Nielsen Karen E. , Salamanca Nashalys K. , Oesterle Daniel W. , Parekh Anushka , Leone Ruschelle M. , Orchowski Lindsay M. , Ramakrishnan Viswanathan , Kaysen Debra , Davis Kelly Cue
Published: September 2024

The current study presents preliminary efficacy findings of a pilot randomized controlled trial of Positive Change©( +Change©). +Change©utilizes personalized normative feedback to target alcohol use, sexual assault (SA) victimization, SA perpetration, and bystander intervention tailored for heterosexual cisgender men, heterosexual cisgender women, and sexual and gender-minoritized (SGM) groups. Participants included 165 undergraduate students aged 18 to 25 years old from a large public university in the Southwestern U.S. who engaged in past month heavy episodic drinking. Participants (57 cisgender heterosexual men; 54 cisgender heterosexual women; and 54 SGM) were randomized to +Change©( n = 83) or an assessment-only control ( n = 82) and completed surveys online at baseline and 3-month follow-up in a parallel design with a 1:1 ratio (NCT04089137). The current study presents the secondary outcomes of the pilot randomized controlled trial which include alcohol use, SA victimization, SA perpetration, and bystander intervention behavior. +Change©was associated with significantly less severe SA victimization and more bystander intervention behavior at 3-month follow-up relative to the control. There were no significant differences between conditions in alcohol use at 3-month follow-up, however, the magnitude of decreases in drinking in the +Change©condition in this pilot study were consistent with other personalized normative feedback interventions. The present study was unable to assess differences in SA perpetration due to low base rates. No adverse effects among those receiving the intervention were observed. Findings suggested that +Change©may be a feasible strategy to prevent SA, by reducing student SA victimization and increasing bystander intervention. A fully powered randomized clinical trial is needed to examine the effects of +Change©.
How head teachers can create a supportive workplace where teachers feel valued and respected
Authors: Minott Mark A
Published: September 2024

This opinion piece proposes a solution to the issue of some head teachers or principals failing in both their words and actions to recognize and acknowledge the importance of teachers and their professional abilities and contributions.
Effect of bolt size and fibre orientation on the bearing performance of resin-infused thermoplastic and thermoset 3D woven composite double-lap joints
Authors: Hussnain SM , Sajid Z , Shah SZH , Megat-Yusoff PSM , Hussain MZ
Published: September 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive assessment of the effect of bolt size and fibre orientation on the bearing performance and damage mechanisms of single-bolt double-shear (SBDS) lap joints in 3D fibre-reinforced composites (FRC). The bearing performance of resin-infused thermoplastic 3D-FRC was evaluated along the on-axis (0° and 90°) and off-axis (45°) fibre orientations and compared with their thermoset counterparts. The resin-infused thermoplastic 3D-FRC joints exhibit superior bearing performance in terms of absorbed energy, bearing stiffness, ultimate bearing strength, and damage severity. In on-axis configurations, as the bolt size increases the bearing strength decreased by 26% and 21%, whereas the bearing stiffness increased by 46% and 48% in thermoset and thermoplastic 3D-FRC, respectively. In off-axis configuration, thermoplastic lap joints experience a significant increase of 116% in the bearing stiffness with a slight decrease of 12% in the bearing strength, while thermoset joints exhibit an increase of 21% in bearing stiffness with a reduction of 25% in bearing strength. Furthermore, the surface morphology of damaged specimens showed the main damage characteristics of thermoplastic bolted joints include plastic kinking while the damage characteristics of thermoset include undesirable damage modes, i.e., fibre/matrix debonding, transverse cracking and fibre brooming.
The Discursive Power of Trade Union Leadership: Framing Identity Fields for Public Persuasion
Authors: Boyle Kathryn A
Published: September 2024

This article explores the role of subjective agency and politicised union leadership in exercising societal (discursive) power through a frame and rhetorical analysis of the writings, speeches and media interviews of Mick Lynch, General Secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (UK). Findings demonstrate Lynch engaged in a dynamic process of framing identity fields to support a collective action frame around the redistribution of wealth in society, developing a complex network of protagonist, antagonist and audience characteristics under three main categorisations: value, power and action identity fields. He did so in dialogic response to opponents’ counter-identity frames, utilising rhetorical techniques to present opposing arguments ( dissoi logoi and logoi versus anti-logoi), other argumentation ( inventio) and figures of speech ( elocutio) for public persuasion. These findings extend literature on union power resources by illuminating how discursive power is generated through identity field framing as a dialogical and rhetorical process.
Preparation and characterization of PMR-type polyimides from furan-based diamines
Authors: Tu Jianwei , Sable Gabriel A. , Yadav Santosh K. , La Scala John J. , Palmese Giuseppe R.
Published: September 2024

PMR-type polyimide resins were prepared in an analogous manner PMR-15 resin is formulated, using two furan-based diamines. The PMR resins from both furan-based diamines showed well-separated transitions that are well-known for PMR-type polyimides, and their oligoimide prepolymers showed lower softening temperatures and cure onsets than PMR-15, making them suitable for lower temperature processing. The cure kinetics of the prepolymers were followed by FTIR spectroscopy. The glass transition and thermal degradation of the crosslinked polyimides were characterized by DMA and TGA which showed in general these polyimides had lower thermal properties than PMR-15. A study on the effects of prepolymer molecular weight was conducted using DFDA to find the optimal stoichiometric number n for better processability and thermal properties. The study determined the polyimide based on DFDA with n = 1.5 had overall a good balance in properties. Its oligoimide precursor softens at 135°C and the cure onset temperature is 231°C. The polyimide has a glass transition temperature of 296°C. Degradation study by TGA showed the lower decomposition temperatures which limit their application temperature to below 300°C. A 1000-h thermo-oxidative stability experiment at 280°C resulted only 6.8% weight loss for DFDA-PI with n = 1.5, making it suitable for high temperature applications around 280°C.
Comprehensive investigation of optimal vortex generator shape and position for heat transfer enhancement in a rectangular passage to cool electronic appliances: A numerical analysis
Authors: Shukla Jaideep , Shukla Pushpendra Kumar , Jangde Prashant Kumar
Published: September 2024

Poor thermal management can cause overheating that can drastically reduce any electronic equipment's performance and its life. This study discusses an effective heat dissipation technique by geometrical modifications to resolve the overheating issue of electronic equipment's, specifically by utilizing vortex generators to enhance heat transfer. In this work, hot blocks were placed in a channel as an equivalent to electronic chips that may fail due to overheating. Vortex generators (VG) were deliberately placed inside the channel at different spots with an aim of improving heat transfer. The finest profile of the VG with its influence and optimum position on the Nusselt number is obtained for different quantities of the Reynolds number. A laminar, two-dimensional, and steady-state fluid flow with mixed convection heat transfer exists inside the channel. Three shapes of VG (triangular, square, and circular) have been selected and installed at different places. The investigation is performed for a value of Reynolds numbers (250, 500, and 750) considering the laminar zone at the beginning of the channel keeping the same flow situations. An appreciable increase in the Nusselt number can be seen in all cases on account of the installation of a VG. However, the improvement in Nusselt number is found to be 8.72% and 4.69% more in the case of the square VG as compared to triangular and circular shapes respectively for the lowest value of Reynolds number. For the moderate value, the square VG gains an increase in Nusselt number equal to 1.04% and 4.99% as compared to triangular and circular VG respectively. It is also found that under a high value of Reynolds number (high fluid velocity), the performance of triangular VG is better which has 2.60% and 8.08% more value of Nusselt number as compared to square and circular VG respectively. The analysis has been carried out using ANSYS 16.0 by a Semi-Implicit Method for Pressure-linked Linked Equations (SIMPLE). After careful consideration and analysis, it is recommended to use a square vortex generator for lower to medium Reynolds numbers, while a triangular shape is more appropriate for higher Reynolds numbers. This study lays the groundwork for further design optimization of VGs, integrating advanced cooling techniques and exploring novel materials, that can eventually reduce the overheating issues to a greater extent in electronic devices as small as mobile phones and laptops to as large as HPCs.
Joint HIV and hepatitis C virus phylogenetic analyses signal network overlap among women engaged in sex work and men who purchase sex
Authors: Melnychuk Stephanie , Balakireva Olga , Pavlova Daria , Lopatenko Anna , McClarty Leigh M , Lazarus Lisa , Herpai Nicole , Pickles Michael , Mishra Sharmistha , Becker Marissa L , Sandstrom Paul , Cholette François ,   on behalf of the Dynamics study team
Published: September 2024

Background

Transmission of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are heavily influenced by complex interactions within sexual or injecting networks where risk behaviors occur. In Ukraine, women engaged in sex work (WSW) and men who purchase sex (MWPS) are disproportionately affected by both viruses. The aim of our study was to the investigate the influence of underlying networks on transmission of HIV and HCV.

Methods

A cross-sectional integrated bio-behavioural survey was implemented among 560 WSW and 370 MWPS representative of sex work hotspots in Dnipro, Ukraine (December 2017 to March 2018). A portion of the HIV reverse transcriptase gene ( n = 13; 62% WSW, 38% MWPS) and HCV NS5B gene ( n = 46; 70% WSW, 30% MWPS) were sequenced from dried blood spot specimens. Tip-to-tip distances on phylogenetic trees were used to infer phylogenetic clusters for identifying potential transmission clusters.

Results

Phylogenetic analyses identified two HIV clusters containing four sequences (50% WSW; 50% MWPS) and 11 HCV clusters containing 31 sequences – the majority comprising infections in WSW (83.9%). Nearly half (45.4%) of HCV clusters contained at least one WSW with a history of injecting drugs.

Conclusions

Joint analyses of HIV and HCV signal overlap in sex work and injecting networks in Ukraine, suggesting implications for the comprehensive coverage of prevention programs for WSW including harm reduction services. Conducting phylogenetic analyses with HCV may provide a more complete appraisal of underlying transmission networks than HIV alone, particularly in the context of high HIV treatment coverage yielding viral suppression.
Subchronic oral toxicity assessment of Bacillus velezensis strain BV379 in sprague-dawley rats
Authors: Bauter Mark R. , Brutscher Laura M. , Dolan Laurie C. , Spears Jessica L.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The spore-forming bacterial species Bacillus velezensis is commonly utilized in feed for livestock and aquaculture. In recent years, there has been increased interest in introducing B. velezensis into human supplements and food. Before it can be safely administered in humans, the safety of each B. velezensis strain needs to be established. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vivo safety of Bacillus velezensis strain BV379 by high-dose oral administration to rats in a 28-day subchronic toxicity study.

Methods

In this study, 80 animals were assigned to four groups: vehicle control, 1 × 1010, 4 × 1010, or 10 × 1010 CFU/kg bw/day by gavage. The following toxicological assessments were performed: ophthalmological examinations; observations for viability, signs of gross toxicity, and behavioral changes; in-life parameters, including body weight and food consumption; urinalysis, hematology, clinical chemistry, and coagulation assessments; macroscopic and microscopic tissue assessments; and bacterial enumeration in selected tissues.

Results

Under the conditions of this study, no adverse clinical endpoints were attributed to the administration of Bacillus velezensis strain BV379, which was well-tolerated up to the highest dose of 10 × 1010 CFU/kg bw/day.

Conclusion

These results support the in vivo pre-clinical safety of Bacillus velezensis strain BV379 for use in food and supplements.
Oilfield FRP Liners Face Corrosion and High Temperatures
Authors: Ghotra Joginder Singh
Published: September 2024

The oil and gas industry is currently expanding its use of fibre reinforced plastics (FRP). This paper concerns the corrosion resistance requirements of FRP for use in liners for steel pipes in downhole and flowline pipework, with special reference to locations seeing high service temperatures. It reviews the relevant literature, and highlights areas requiring further study. The number of aggressive treatment chemicals used in oil and gas pipelines is very large, and their effects on FRP, especially when acting in combination or sequentially, are not yet well understood.
Potential of Photostabilizers in Polymeric Contact Lenses
Authors: Lastuvkova Helena , Pospisil Jan , Nespurek Stanislav , Bandlitz Stefan , Habicher Wolf D.
Published: September 2024

The original function of polymeric contact lenses was as a vision aid. Recent developments in materials and methods, have improved their properties to fulfil the requirements of oculists and patients, and include lenses to protect the eye against photochemical and physical stresses of the environment, i.e. against the UV part of the troposphere's solar radiation and against photo-oxidants from the polluted atmosphere. This paper deals with an interdisciplinary topic. Topics covered include monomers used for the construction of polymeric contact lenses, the formation of aggressive photo-oxidants, photo-oxidative damage to the eye and the polymeric lens, and their protection by UV absorbers and hindered amine stabilizers. Activity mechanisms of photostabilizers, and examples of monomeric structures suitable for copolymerization with the monomers used to make contact lenses to produce physically permanent (polymer-bound) photostabilizers are explained.
The Crystallization and Impact Properties of High Strength Polyethylene Fibre Reinforced LLDPE Composites
Authors: Lee Seung Goo , Joo Chang Whan
Published: September 2024

High strength polyethylene (HSPE) fibre reinforced linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) composites were fabricated to develop impact resistant materials. Crystallization behaviour of the LLDPE resin was investigated in order to understand its interfacial adhesion to HSPE fibre. LLDPE matrix crystallization was affected by the inclusion of HSPE fibre because of the transcrystallization on the fibre surface. Interfacial shear strengths of HSPE/LLDPE composites were varied by altering the cooling rate. Consequently, the impact properties of the resulting composites were dependent on the interfacial strength associated with the matrix crystallization. Large deformations such as transverse bulging and dishing are the main failure modes absorbing impact energy in HSPE/LLDPE composites.
Electrical Properties of Conductive Polypyrrole-Coated Textiles
Authors: Lian Anqing , Dao Le H. , Zhang Ze , King Martin W. , Guidoin Robert G.
Published: September 2024

Conductive polymer-coated textiles are part of a family of recently developed composite materials with potential applications in many fields. In this paper. we report the electrical properties of conductive polypyrrole-coated polyester fabrics under various experimental conditions. The properties studied include the volume and surface resistivities. as well as the broadband dielectric relative permittivity and loss index. We found that both the surface and volume resistivities of the coated textiles dropped by more than 10 orders of magnitude compared with the uncoated fabric. while the dielectric properties exhibited a strong relaxation from 5 Hz to 13 MHz. The volume resistivity of the coated materials varied between 101 and 102 Ω.m, while the surface resistivity changed from 102 to 104 Ω/square depending on the coating thickness. It was also found that their electrical properties were not affected significantly by environmental factors. such as humidity and sterilization by gamma/radiation. The conduction and relaxation mechanisms associated with these changes are discussed.
Mechanical Behaviour of an Epoxy Resin Under Multiaxial Loadings. Part I: Experimental Study
Authors: Hu Yafei , Xia Zihui , Ellyin Fernand
Published: September 2024

Uniaxial and equibiaxial creep tests were performed to study the mechanical behaviour of an epoxy resin. Multiaxial mechanical behaviour under a constant octahedral shear strain-rate was also studied by subjecting specimens to different strain combinations (loading paths). The effect of loading rates was further investigated by changing the octahedral shear strain rates along each loading path. Stress envelopes for two octahedral shear strain values and the failure stress envelope are discussed and compared with von Mises ellipses.
Cord Pull-Out Tests: 3D Finite Element Simulations
Authors: Kocak S. , Pidaparti R.M.V.
Published: September 2024

Cord pull-out tests were simulated using a three-dimensional micromechanical finite element developed for cord-rubber composites. The simulation model integrates a solid rubber element and a cord element. The effect of cord shape on the interface stresses was examined. Both tvre cord adhesion tests and modulus independent cord adhesion tests were simulated and the results were validated whenever possible with those available in the literature. Simulated results of deformations and stress distributions are presented to illustrate the influence of cord shape, cord and rubber properties. The presented results illustrate that cord shape and rubber properties have a strong effect on the int erface stress distributions in cord pull-out tests.
Study of Interfacial Bonding Between Epoxy Matrix and Polypyrrole-Deposited Carbon Fibres
Authors: Lin Jeng-Shyong
Published: September 2024

Polypyrrole (PPy) was deposited onto carbon fibres via continuous electrochemical deposition (ECD) to improve the interfacial bonding to an epoxy matrix. In addition, heat shock was applied to the polypyrrole-deposited fibre. The specimens were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile strength measurement, interlaminar shear stress (lLSS) tests, and critical fihre length determination. The results show that the highest interfacial honding between carbon fibre and epoxy resin was achieved with a current density of 80 mA/cm2 and using tetra-n-butylammonium perchlorate as the supporting electrolyte. After ECD treatment of carbon fibre, the ILSS can be increased by 50% and the critical fihre length can be reduced by 34%.
Electrically Conductive Elastomer Composites Containing Polyaniline
Authors: Tsanov Tihomir , Ditcheva-Kortchakova Mariana , Terlemezyan Levon
Published: September 2024

The electrical co nductivity and mechanical properties of several elastomer-based composites containing pol yal1ilin e-dodecylbenzene sulphonic acid (PANI-DBSA) complex have been studied. An inhomogeneity of these materials (heterogeneous microdispersion of the particles of the con du ctive constituents - carbon black and PANI) was found. It was shown that structural changes took place within the hlends during storage, causing perceptible changes in the state of the conductive pathways. This non-equilibrium nature and. as a consequence, the unstable behaviour of the composites was revealed using both average conductivity and average conductivity deviation methods. A substantial decrease in the glass transition temperature (ΔTg ca. 5-15 C) of the insulating matrix polymer (styrene-butadiene rubber. nitrile-butadiene rubber or ethylenepropylene-diene terpolymer) in the composites was also found. The lowering of Tg has been attributed to the presence of OBSA (free and as counter-ions of the main PANI chains). which plasticized the polymer com posites. From an industrial point of view, the preparation of composites containing the PANI-OBSA complex is of great importance since the processability of the mixtures is facilitated.
Polymer-Matrix Composites for Microelectronics
Authors: Chung D.D.L.
Published: September 2024

Polymer-matrix composite materials for microelectronics are reviewed in terms of the science and applications. They include those with continuous and discontinuous fillers in the form of particles and fibres, as designed for high thermal conductivity, low thermal expansion, low dielectric constant, highllow electrical conductivity and electromagnetic interference shielding. Applications include heat sinks, housings, printed wiring boards, substrates, lids, die attach, encapsulation, interconnections and thermal interface materials.
Anomalous Diffusion of a Penetrant in a Viscoelastic Polymer: Modelling and Testing
Authors: Roy S. , Xu W.Q. , Park S. J. , Liechti K.M.
Published: September 2024

It is now well known that Fick's Law is frequently inadequate for describing penetrant diffusion in polymers or polymer composites. Non-Fickian or anomalous diffusion typically occurs when the rates of diffusion and viscoelastic relaxation in a polymer are comparable, and the ambient temperature is below the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymer. As a result, it is necessary to take into account the time-dependent response of a polymer, analogous to viscoelastic relaxation of mechanical properties, in constructing such a model.

In this paper, a simple yet robust methodology is proposed that would allow characterization of non-Fickian diffusion coefficients from penetrant weight gain data for a polymer below its Tg. Reduced absorption plots are used to verify the thickness independence of the diffusivity data. Subsequently, these diffusion coefficients are used for predicting penetrant concentration profiles through the thickness of a polymer. Penetrant weight gain data at different temperatures for an epoxy and a urethane adhesive specimen is employed to test the model.
Effect of the State of Cure on the Hardness and Resistance to Liquids of EPDM Rubbers
Authors: Azaar K. , Granger R. , Rosca I.D. , Vergnaud J.M.
Published: September 2024

The effect of the state of cure and peroxide content on EPDM rubbers has been studied by considering some properties of the final material such as the hardness and the resistance to liquids. EPDM rubbers with 2 and 10% peroxide were cured, and the state of cure was evaluated using a numerical model which takes into account heat conduction through the rubber and heat generated by the overall cure reaction. The kinetics of heat evolved by the cure reaction was determined by calorimetry. The state of cure represents the heat evolved up to time t as a fraction of the total heat evolved from the cure reaction. The resistance to toluene was measured through the kinetics of the liquid absorbed and desorbed; these processes are controlled by diffusion with change in dimensions and the two parameters of interest are the diffusivity and the amount absorbed at equilibrium. The hardness and the resistance to liquids reached a maximum value for a state of cure of 90%, and they increased with the peroxide content.
Effect of High Temperature Nucleating Agent on Adhesion of Glass Fibres to Nylon 6-6
Authors: Chou Shen , Chen Shuh-Heng
Published: September 2024

Plasma-polymerized organic nucleating agents were prepared so as to induce the formation of a transcrystalline layer for improving the interfacial shear strength of glass fibre reinforced nylon 6-6. Four organosilicon monomers were plasma polymerized onto the glass fibre surfaces to act as nucleating agents. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to investigate the thermal stability of these plasma polymers. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the morphology of the glass fibres treated with these plasma polymers, and static and dynamic contact angle measurements were used to investigate their surface free energy. In addition a micro-bond pull-out test was introduced to measure the improvement in interfacial shear strength after treatment with these plasma polymers. The results indicate that the plasma polymers were durable in molten nylon 6-6 (265 °C), and three of them (polymers of hexamethyldisilazane, hexamethyldisiloxane and tetramethylsilane) formed particle-like layers and induced a transcrystalline layer to form, which increased the interfacial shear strength by 147%, 127% and 106%, respectively, to attain values 105%, 89% and 72% higher than those of samples treated with coupling agent only.
Uniaxial and Biaxial Stretching of PET Sheets made from Post Consumed Beverage Bottles: Investigation of the Structural and Property Modification Induced by Deformation
Authors: Nakayama Kazuo , Qi Kun
Published: September 2024

Polymer sheets, made from recycled poly (ethylene terephthalate) (R-PET) flakes, were hot stretched uniaxially and biaxially at around the glass transition temperature of PET. The structure and property changes were investigated as a function of draw ratio by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), mechanical analysis, wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), dynamic-mechanical analysis (DMA) and a microwave orientation measurement. The crystallisation and the orientation of PET in the R-PET sheets could be induced by both uniaxial and biaxial stretching. The uniaxial and biaxial stretching methods make sheets with different crystallisation and orientation levels. For uniaxially stretched sheets, large orientation effects were obtained in the stretching direction, as well as improved properties.