bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grape Seed Extract and Urolithiasis: Protection Against Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Authors: Alomair Manar Khalid , Alobaid Amjad Abdullah , Almajed Marwah Abdulaziz Ali , Alabduladheem Lama Salman , Alkhalifah Essraa Abdulrahman , Mohamed Maged Elsayed , Younis Nancy Safwat
Published: March 2023

Background

Grape seed extract (GSE) has demonstrated various pharmacological actions. Urolithiasis is the occurrence of calculus in the renal system. The present study evaluated the anti-urolithic effect of GSE on ethylene glycol (EG) and ammonium chloride (AC)-induced experimental urolithiasis in rats.

Materials and Methods

Rats were assigned into six groups; Normal control and Normal + GSE, in which rats received standard drinking water and GSE orally daily, respectively; Urolithiatic animals received EG with AC in drinking water for 28 days; Urolithiatic animals + GSE, in which rats were administered EG with AC in drinking water and GSE 100 and 200 mg/kg orally; and Urolithiatic + cystone, where rats received EG with AC in drinking water and 750 g/kg of cystone as a standard drug orally.

Results

Urolithiatic animals showed a significant decrease in excreted magnesium and citrate and antioxidant enzymes, whereas they exhibited amplified oxalate crystal numbers, urinary excreted calcium, phosphate, oxalate ions, uric acid, intensified renal function parameters, lipid peroxidation, and inflammatory mediators. Management with GSE and cystone significantly augmented urolithiasis inhibitors (excreted magnesium and citrate) and amplified the antioxidant enzymes’ activities. GSE reduced oxalate crystal numbers and urolithiasis promoters, including excreted calcium, oxalate, phosphate, and uric acid excretion, lessened renal function parameters, and declined lipid peroxidation and the inflammatory mediators.

Conclusion

GSE could protect against EG-induced renal stones as evidenced by mitigated kidney dysfunction, histological alterations, and oxalate crystal formation. This action may be related to the antioxidant as well as anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts.
Investigation of the Relationship Between Xenophobic Attitude and Intercultural Sensitivity Level in Health Education Students
Authors: Yıldız Metin , Yildirim Mehmet Salih , Elkoca Ayşe , Varol Ela , Aydin Muhammet Ali , Dege Gökhan
Published: March 2023

Introduction:

Intercultural sensitivity and xenophobia levels of health education students can affect the care they give to the patient. It is important to know the level of intercultural sensitivity and xenophobia of students receiving health education and to determine the relationship between them. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between xenophobic attitudes and intercultural sensitivity among university students.

Methods:

This quantitative cross-sectional research was conducted in between January and June 2022 with health education students. The study conducted with health education students at Gumushane University and Agri Ibrahim Cecen University. Child Development, Nursing, Emergency Management Services/Technicians, Nutrition and Dietetics, Elderly care, Social services, Medical Laboratory Techniques, and Disabled Care studying at these universities were included in the study. Students who received health education and wanted to participate voluntarily in the study were included. Students aged 18 and over, studying in the health education department of the university, studying in the 1, 2, 3, 4th classes and volunteering to participate in the study were included in the study. The Introductory Information Form, the Xenophobia Scale, and the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale were used to collect the research data.

Results:

This study was conducted with 789 students. According to our study, a significant negative correlation was found between the students’ xenophobia scale and the intercultural sensitivity scale total score means ( p < .05). Intercultural sensitivity has a negative and significant effect on the level of xenophobia (β = -0.116; t (787) = -3.283, p = .001). A significant difference was found between the students’ Xenophobia Scale total score mean and gender, department, and grade ( p < .05) as was the case between Intercultural Sensitivity Scale total score mean and gender, department, grade, immigrant acquaintance, and foreign language knowledge (English language) level ( p < .05).

Discussion:

Intercultural sensitivity has a negative and significant effect on the level of xenophobia. It can negatively affect the level of caregiving of students receiving health education. It is thought that intercultural sensitivity will be developed by including course content in the curriculum to increase students’ intercultural effectiveness and awareness levels and to reduce xenophobic prejudices.
Prevalence of Personality Disorders in Adults With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Adamis Dimitrios , Kasianenko Dmytro , Usman Memoona , Saleem Faisal , Wrigley Margo , Gavin Blánaid , McNicholas Fiona
Published: March 2023

Objective:

To estimate the prevalence of PDs according to Millon’s evolution-based model among adult ADHD outpatients.

Method:

Cross-sectional study of consecutive patients referred to an adult ADHD clinic. PDs were evaluated with Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory–III (MCMI-III).

Results:

One-hundred-eighty-one participants had valid MCMI-III, of whom147 were diagnosed with ADHD. Mean age: 32.97, SD:11.56, females: 74 (50.3%). Among the 147 participants with ADHD, 29 (19.7%) did not meet criteria for any PD, 43 (29.3%) met the criteria for one PD, 34 (23.1%) for two PDs and the rest three or more. Most common PD was Dependent ( n = 58) followed by Depressive ( n = 45). Inattentive sub-type was associated with dependent PD, while combined type with antisocial, negativistic (passive/aggressive) and sadistic PD.

Conclusion:

Particular personality profiles were more common with different ADHD subtypes. Given the developmental origins of PD, further research may help identify possible links with childhood difficulties.
Fitness testing at police academies: Optimal fitness for duty
Authors: Koedijk Matthijs , Hutter R.I. (Vana) , Renden Peter G. , Kleygrewe Lisanne , Oudejans Raôul R. D.
Published: March 2023

Fitter police recruits are more likely to graduate, are less injury-prone, and fatigue less rapidly. Although most police academies implement fitness testing to ensure a minimum standard of job-specific fitness, academies may benefit from utilizing fitness tests that challenge recruits beyond the minimum fitness demand. The current study evaluated whether a fitness test called Professional Fit (ProfFit) of a police academy aligned with the academy’s purpose to challenge their recruits to become optimally fit. We evaluated whether the ProfFit measures an all-round range of fitness characteristics. Moreover, we evaluated whether the ProfFit measures higher fitness levels than the minimum fitness demand for duty. Police recruits ( N = 103) were tested on the ProfFit, six extra fitness tests known to measure one (isolated) aspect of fitness, and a standard practice job-specific fitness test. Results showed that the ProfFit measures an all-round range of fitness characteristics: anaerobic power, strength lower extremities, strength upper extremities, isometric strength, and muscular endurance of the trunk muscles. The results also showed that recruits indicated a higher rating of perceived exertion during the ProfFit than during the job-specific fitness test, indicating that they experienced the ProfFit as more demanding than the minimum fitness demand for duty. It was concluded that the ProfFit facilitates to challenge police recruits physically, as was the aim of the police academy. These findings provide empirical support for fitness tests that aim to improve police recruits’ fitness levels to be not just fit for duty, but rather optimally fit for duty.
Re-fashioning feminist subjects: authors’ conversation
Authors: Dosekun Simidele , Pinto Samantha , Roy Srila
Published: March 2023

In this conversation with Samantha Pinto, Simidele Dosekun and Srila Roy trace the ways that gender and sexuality are both highly local and deeply transnational in the current landscape of neoliberalism. Dosekun's Fashioning Postfeminism: Spectacular Femininity and Transnational Culture looks to beauty industry and practices in Lagos to explore the tension between self-construction and media representation in a world of savvy consumption and complex audiences for women's embodied lives. Roy's Changing the Subject: Feminist and Queer Politics in Neoliberal India looks to two activist organisations representing very different forms of feminist praxis and appeal to the state in contemporary India that both reproduce but also confound neoliberal logics of governmentality. Dosekun and Roy, using ethnographic methods, leave feminist theory undone by their counterintuitive and even ambivalent critical moves that refuse to rest on well-worn binaries and critiques within neoliberalism. This piece is a conversation meant to draw out powerful connections between the challenging, field-changing work of these two scholars, as well as the specificity each brings to their intellectual practice of feminist theory.
Impact of COVID-19 on social work field education: Perspectives of Canadian social work students
Authors: Au Cara , L. Drolet Julie , Kaushik Vibha , Charles Grant , Franco Monica , Henton Jesse , Hirning Marina , McConnell Sheri , Nicholas David , Nickerson Amanda , Ossais Jessica , Shenton Heather , Sussman Tamara , Verdicchio Gabriela , Walsh Christine A. , Wickman Jayden
Published: March 2023

Social work field education has experienced major disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while also embracing new opportunities to grow. The Transforming the Field Education Landscape research partnership developed a cross-sectional web-based survey with closed- and open-ended questions to understand student perceptions of COVID-19’s impacts on social work field education. The survey opened during the first wave of the pandemic from July 8 to 29, 2020 and was completed by 367 Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) students across Canada. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Respondents experienced reduced practicum hours and placements terminating early or moving online. Students were concerned about gaining adequate experience for future job prospects. They were generally positive about academic institutional responses to COVID-19 but described financial challenges with tuition costs and a lack of paid practica. Respondents were mostly satisfied with practicum supervision. They experienced negative impacts of COVID-19 on mental health with isolation and remote learning and described a lack of institutional mental health support. Students were concerned with missing direct practice skills, while some students reported more flexible hours, access to online events beyond their region, and increased research experience. They expressed a need for practicum flexibility and accommodation.

Recommendations include an increase in flexibility and accommodations for practicum students, exchanges of promising and wise field education practices, and accessible postsecondary mental health supports. Professional development opportunities should support graduates who missed learning opportunities in their practicum.
Empowerment in old age: A ladder of user participation in social services for older people
Authors: Kam Ping Kwong
Published: March 2023

This article indicates how to achieve empowerment in old age by promoting user participation in social services for older people. Common empowerment strategies include promoting community and political participation, the seniors’ power movement, and policy advocacy. More effective strategies for empowering older people need to be identified and explored to respond effectively to increasing global aging problems. The article discusses user participation in social services for older people as another valuable strategy and presents the values and core beliefs for promoting user participation in social services for older people.

Theoretical advances

It proposes a ladder of user participation to provide social workers with clear guidelines for creating suitable channels for involving older people in meaningful and greater participation. The proposed ladder comprises seven levels including (1) being consulted and giving feedback; (2) increasing opportunities for service users to make choices; (3) involvement in daily service management and implementation; (4) assisting in running programs and activities; (5) assuming an active role in groups and projects; (6) working in partnership and sharing power; and (7) involvement in decision-making and control over services.

Applications

It provides examples of effective ways of promoting the ladder of user participation in centers for older people at each level and discusses principles of practice in implementation.
Is embodied interaction beneficial? A study on navigating network visualizations
Authors: Huang Helen H , Pfister Hanspeter , Yang Yalong
Published: March 2023

Network visualizations are commonly used to analyze relationships in various contexts, such as social, biological, and geographical interactions. To efficiently explore a network visualization, the user needs to quickly navigate to different parts of the network and analyze local details. Recent advancements in display and interaction technologies inspire new visions for improved visualization and interaction design. Past research into network design has identified some key benefits to visualizing networks in 3D versus 2D. However, little work has been done to study the impact of varying levels of embodied interaction on network analysis. We present a controlled user study that compared four network visualization environments featuring conditions and hardware that leveraged different amounts of embodiment and visual perception ranging from a 2D visualization desktop environment with a standard mouse to a 3D visualization virtual reality environment. We measured the accuracy, speed, perceived workload, and preferences of 20 participants as they completed three network analytic tasks, each of which required unique navigation and substantial effort to complete. For the task that required participants to iterate over the entire visualization rather than focus on a specific area, we found that participants were more accurate using a VR HMD and a trackball mouse than conventional desktop settings. From a workload perspective, VR was generally considered the least mentally demanding and least frustrating to use in two of our three tasks. It was also preferred and ranked as the most effective and visually appealing condition overall. However, using VR to compare two side-by-side networks was difficult, and it was similar to or slower than other conditions in two of the three tasks. Overall, the accuracy and workload advantages of conditions with greater embodiment in specific tasks suggest promising opportunities to create more effective environments in which to analyze network visualizations.
Synthesis and Properties of Block Copolymers of Poly(ether sulphone)s with Liquid Crystalline Polyester Units
Authors: Shibata Mitsuhiro , Yosomiya Ryutoku , Wang Junzuo , Chen Chunhai , Bai Guohong , Wu Zhongwen , Wang Shanger , Mo Zhishen
Published: March 2023

Block copolymers of poly(ethersulphone) (PES) oligomers with liquid crystalline polyester units were synthesized by the reaction of dihydroxy-terminated poly(ether sulphone) oligomers (number-average molecular weights: 704, 1,158 and 2570) and terephthaloyl bis(4-oxybenzoyl chloride), and their properties were investigated. The results indicated that the copolymer with PES segments of molecular weight of 704 possessed birefringent features when annealed at 360°C, while the copolymer with PES segments of molecular weight of 2,570 became isotropic. Also, the block copolymers had a better chemical resistance and high-temperature stability than PES.
The Influence of Crimp Measurements on the Development and Appraisal of 3D Fully Integrated Woven Structures
Authors: Hill B.J. , McIlhagger R. , Soden J.A. , Hanna J.R.P. , Gillespie E.S.
Published: March 2023

There is a need for an analytical assessment of the properties of 3D woven structures. In this paper a sophisticated method of predicting the proportions of fibre in three mutually perpendicular axes, X (warp), Y (weft) and Z (through-the-thickness), of 3D fully integrated complex woven structures is described. Unlike previous models, this system takes into account in-layer crimp in both the warp and weft directions. The system has been validated against woven fabric structures and regression analysis has predicted a high level of confidence in the results. The method has also been compared with previous methods and has been shown to provide superior results.
Damage Monitoring in Metallic Structures Using Piezoelectric Thin Film Sensors
Authors: Chiu W.K.
Published: March 2023

The increasing emphasis on intelligent material systems and structures has resulted in a significant research effort in the areas of embedded and bonded sensors and actuators. Piezoelectric thin film sensors are one of the many sensing materials available. The piezoelectric sensor output is proportional to changes in surface displacement and can be used to interpret variations in structural and material properties, e.g., the compliance of the material. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the potential of using piezoelectric thin film sensors for structural integrity monitoring and assessment. To illustrate this potential, piezoelectric film sensors will be used for monitoring crack growth in an aluminium alloy specimen. Structural integrity assessment traditionally requires a detailed knowledge of the stress field in the critical region. In this respect, a numerical/analytical scheme will also be presented to show that data from an array of piezoelectric thin film sensors can be used to predict the stress field in a given region.
Electrical Properties of Polypyrrole-Poly(ether urethane) Composite Films
Authors: Seki Miharu , Shibata Mitsuhiro , Kobayashi Takayuki , Yosomiya Ryutoku
Published: March 2023

Polypyrrole (PPy)-poly(ether urethane) (PEU) composite films were prepared via the chemical polymerisation of pyrrole in a tetrahydrofuran solution of PEU containing copper(II) chloride and lithium perchlorate, and subsequent casting. The electrical conductivity of the composite film (weight ratio of pyrrole to PEU 1:1, [CuCl2] 0.1 mol/mol pyrrole, [LiClO4] 1.0 mmol/g PEU) in the direction parallel to the film surface was 0.16 S/cm, which was considerably higher than the conductivity in the direction perpendicular to the film surface (8.0 x 10'7 S/cm). The low conductivity in the perpendicular direction is attributed to the ionic conduction of the PEU-lithium perchlorate component, with little contribution from the electronic conduction of the PPy component. From the SEM micrographs of the composite film, it appeared that the PPy layer was formed at the air side of the film.
Some Durability Aspects of Thermoplastics for Oilfield Flexible Pipes
Authors: Campion Robert , Morgan Glyn , Samulak Michael
Published: March 2023

Some initial mechanical property, fatigue, high pressure (HP) methane permeation and explosive decompression data are reported for plasticized PVDF thermoplastics before and after various exposures in two fluids. The exposures were for different times and elevated temperatures, and were usually performed at 5000psi (345 bar). The fluids were a 97/3 methane/carbon-dioxide mixture saturated with water vapour, and 100% methanol, both of which induce some physical or physico-chemical changes in the material, but negligible chemical change. Thus measurements were made using reasonable simulations of fluids which could be met in oil production flexible pipe service.

Effects of ‘extra’ plasticisation by absorbed gas, deplasticisation of actual plasticizer, and ageing, are shown for some combinations. Arrhenius-type plots for HP methane permeation, allowing predictions of rates at other temperatures, and showing hydrostatic compaction effects, have been obtained: HP methane permeation rate is reduced by prior exposure to the methane/carbon-dioxide gas, but is increased in the presence of methanol.
Mechanical Properties of Matrix-Modified Carbon/Carbon Composites
Authors: Kang Tae Jin , Jeong Yi Woon
Published: March 2023

A phenolic carbon matrix precursor was modified by adding pitch and graphite powders. The carbon yield from thermogravimetric analysis and normal carbonization experiments increased as the powder content increased. The carbon yield from real carbonization experiments was higher than that measured from TGA analysis because of the slower heating rate. The bulk density of carbon-carbon composites made with the different modified matrix systems was in the range of 1.35 x 103 -1.41 x 103 kg/m3. From the 3-point bending test, the effect of matrix modification was confirmed by the changes in the mechanical properties of the greenbody. As the powder content increased, the mechanical properties of the greenbody decreased. After carbonization, the mechanical properties of the carbon-carbon composite showed higher values than those of the carbon-carbon composites made with unmodified matrix precursors.
The Properties of Crosslinked Foams Produced from Metallocene Polyolefins
Authors: Eaves David
Published: March 2023

A unique foaming process is briefly described and the properties of polyolefin foams produced by this process are reviewed. The influence of parameters such as foam density, crosslink level and cell structure are discussed, and in particular the effect of polymer type is examined. Foam grades based on metallocene polyolefins have recently been introduced, and the properties of these materials are compared with those of foams based on other polymers.
Nucleation of Impact Modified Filled Polypropylene
Authors: Shanks Robert A.
Published: March 2023

Nucleation of polypropylene is important in determining its mechanical properties. Nucleation in polypropylene is nearly always found to be heterogeneous. Control is best achieved by addition of a nucleant. Addition of a filler can provide nucleation, as well as enhancing stiffness.

Formation of blends with other polymers can change nucleation depending on the partition of the nucleant between polypropylene and the other polymer, and the nucleant activity of the interface with the other polymer. Other crystalline forms can be obtained, depending on the crystallisation conditions and additives. For instance alpha and beta forms, and transcrystallinity occur. This paper reviews the interplay of these variables on polypropylene morphology and properties.
New Electrically Conducting Polymeric Fillers
Authors: Bandara A.J. , Curley J.
Published: March 2023

Conducting polymers have been known since the early 1940s. They have been made by incorporating a randomly dispersed conducting filler into a polymer matrix to form conducting composites. The traditional fillers are carbon black, graphite, and metal powders etc.

Over the past two decades, a multitude of intrinsically conducting polymers have been developed, such as poly(p-phenylene vinylene), poly(p-phenylene sulfide), polypyrrole, polythiophene, and polyquinoline (ladder polymers). The structural features which endow conductivity also cause processing problems which make the direct use of these polymers difficult. It is essential to overcome these problems and one solution is to use the conducting polymers as particulate fillers for otherwise insulating plastics.

A variety of novel intrinsically conducting polymers have been synthesised and this paper reports the electrical conductivity of the filled systems. Another method of producing conducting composites has been investigated, involving immersing polymer films containing monomers such as pyrrole or aniline into various aqueous oxidant solutions. One advantage of this method is that highly transparent conducting films can be prepared.
High Performance Environments: The Case for Polymeric Flexible Hoses*
Authors: Simmons David
Published: March 2023

The connecting elements, particularly hoses, in fluid power systems often endure most stress. The demands on hoses are increasing, requiring improved performance in difficult operating environments.

The various factors in high performance environments are examined: pressure, temperature, aggressive fluids, abrasion resistance, service lifetime, small installation and operating space and offshore conditions.

Following an analysis of the various elements in thermoplastic hose construction, the ability of thermoplastic hoses to fulfil the demanding factors in high performance environments is discussed.

It is concluded that thermoplastic hoses provide the optimum solutions to many application problems.
Effect of Compatibilizer on the Crystallization Kinetics of Blends of Poly(butylene terephthalate) with a Liquid Crystalline Polyester
Authors: Zhu Xiaochuan , Shibata Mitsuhiro , Yosomiya Ryutoku
Published: March 2023

The effects of addition of 4,4′-dihydroxy-3,3',5,5′-tetramethyldiphenyl ether (TM-BPL) on the isothermal crystallization kinetics, mechanical properties, and morphologies for the blends of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) with a liquid crystalline copolymer based on p-hydroxybenzoate and ethylene terephthalate, known as Novaccurate E310 (E310), were studied. The flexural strength and modulus of the PBT/E310 blend increased approximately in accordance with the upper-bound composite equation. When TM-BPL (2 phr) was added to the PBT/E310 (80/20) blend as a reactive compatibilizer, the flexural strength and modulus somewhat increased. The crystallization rate of PBT from the melt blend decreased with increasing E310 content and was further depressed by the presence of TM-BPL. The Avrami exponent (n) was evaluated to be approximately 3 in both the binaryl and the ternary blends. The slight improvement in the mechanical properties and the depression of the crystallization of PBT by the addition of TM-BPL are thought to be caused by the chemical reaction of TM-BPL with PBT and/or E310.
A Review of the Role of Basic Iron(III) Oxide Acting as a Char Forming/Smoke Suppressing/Flame Retarding Additive in Halogenated Polymers and Halogenated Polymer Blends
Authors: Carty Peter , White Stewart
Published: March 2023

The char forming/smoke suppressing action of an inorganic iron(III) compound in halogenated polymers is reviewed. Basic iron(III) oxide is known to enhance the formation of carbonaceous char via a series of cross-linking reactions catalysed by the insitu formation of reactive iron(III) Lewis acids, which results in a substantial reduction in the amount of smoke produced when these polymers are forced to burn in air. The effects of this iron(III) compound acting as a flame retardant are also discussed, although it is less clear how the compound functions as an active flame retardant in these chlorinated polymers.
Photoluminescent Organometallic Complexes as Spectroscopic Probes of Aromatic Cyanate Ester Polymerization
Authors: Grant Jewel T. , Dunwoody Nicholas , Jakúbek Vladimír , Lees Alistair J.
Published: March 2023

The organometallic complex, fac-ClRe(CO)3(4,7-Ph2-phen), where 4,7-Ph2-phen is 4,7 diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline, has been found to be luminescent and act as a spectroscopic probe in the polymerization of the aromatic cyanate ester monomer AroCy® L-10 and the related prepolymer AroCy® B-30. The photoluminescence arises from a low-lying metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excited state in the metal complex, and this emission band is centred at 580 nm in methylene chloride solution at 298 K. When the complex is incorporated in the cyanate ester resin its emission band appears as a weak feature at 580 nm. Following thermal cure of the cyanate ester film the emission band of the complex becomes greatly intensified and it is shifted to 565 nm. The chemical and spectroscopic features of this rhenium complex facilitate its use as a luminescent probe in the visible region for monitoring the polymerization of cyanate ester materials.
Reactivity of Silane Coupling Agent with Surface of Silica Particles
Authors: Yamaguchi Miho , Nakamura Yoshinobu , Iida Takeo
Published: March 2023

The surface treatment of silica particles with silane coupling agents was carried out by a dry treatment method in which the silane coupling agent was added to the particles and mixed using a mixer, and the reactivity with the particle surface was investigated. Both irregular-shaped and spherical amorphous silica particles were employed. γ-glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane and γ-aminopropyl triethoxysilane were used as silane coupling agents. The bonding to the particle surface was determined by a carbon analysis of unwashed and methanol-washed particles. This result shows that the amount of silane coupling agent added, the standing time after mixing, the heat treatment, the kind of the functional group of silane coupling agent, and the preparation method of silica particles all exerted an effect on the degree of bonding.
Yarn Compaction and Migration in Woven Composites
Authors: Dunn Matthew W. , Pastore Christopher M. , Saeys Ania
Published: March 2023

The geometry of a woven fabric is predicted accounting for process information. The processing information includes basic weave configurations as well as applied transverse compressive displacement during liquid moulding operations and yarn-yarn interaction within the fabric. The compaction and migration of individual yarns within the woven structure are modelled. To consider the usefulness of the developed model, the predicted geometries are used as input to a stiffness prediction model and the results are compared with experimental data on a range of woven composites - plain weave, orthogonally woven, and angle-interlock.
Synthesis of Poly(Vinyl Acetate) - Chitin Graft Copolymers as a Base for Chitosan-Polyf(Vinyl Alcohol) Ion Exchangers
Authors: Abdel-Mohdy F.A. , Waly A. , Ibrahim M.S. , Hebeish A.
Published: March 2023

Graft polymerization of vinyl acetate with chitin was effected using either the ferrous ion/hydrogen peroxide redox system or gamma radiation for initiation. The polymerization reaction was studied with respect to graft yield, homopolymer yield and total conversion. Results imply that the redox initiation is superior to irradiation, since it gives a much higher graft yield. Conversion of chitin-g-poly (vinyl acetate) to chitosan-g-poly (vinyl alcohol) was expedited using 48% sodium hydroxide at 130°C for 3 h. The use of chitosan-g-poly (vinyl alcohol) as an ion-exchanger was examined. The capacity of this ion exchanger to adsorb heavy metal ions such as cupric and dichromate, as well as some dyestuffs was also studied. The results indicate that the copolymer under investigation is a potentially powerful ion exchanger that can be employed for heavy metals and dyestuff removal from wastewater effluents.
Influence of Composition on the Properties of BMI Neat Resins and BMI/T300 Composites
Authors: Zhang Baoyan , Li Ping , Chen Xiangbao
Published: March 2023

A typical bismaleimide (BMI) two-component system based on 4,4′-bismaleimidodiphenyl methane (MBMI)/O.O′-diallylbisphenol A (DABPA) was modified with bismaleimidodiphenyl ether of bisphenyl A (MEBMI), allyl-phenolic epoxy (AE) and thermoplastic modified polyetherketone(PEK-C). The influence of various modifying components on the properties of BMI neat resin and BMI/T300 composites were investigated. Results indicate that two BMI neat resin systems modified with AE and PEK-C and MEBMI, AE and PEK-C had outstanding impact strength (>18KJ/m2) and excellent heat resistance. BMI/T300 composites corresponding to the above modified BMI neat resin systems showed excellent toughness (CAI > 210MPa), outstanding mechanical properties, good processability and relatively high glass transition temperature (Tg). These novel toughened BMI resin systems are expected to find use in advanced composite materials.
Deep Drawing of Fabric Reinforced Thermoplastics: Maximum Drawing Depth and Mechanism of Wrinkle Formation
Authors: Nowacki J. , Fujiwara J. , Mitschang P. , Neitzel M.
Published: March 2023

Sheet forming technologies have recently evolved for continuous fibre reinforced thermoplastic materials. Stamp forming is gaining in importance. Because of very low cycle times this method is very suitable for the production of simple parts. Although the advantages of stamp forming are obvious, the main characteristics have not been investigated sufficiently yet. In this report a deep drawing tool is described, which enables a standardized investigation of the maximum drawing depth of any chosen material. The deep drawing of fabric reinforced thermoplastic sheets has been examined using various geometrical moulds, punch radii and drawing depths. The results of these investigations, and of others concerned with wrinkle formation, are presented in this paper.
An Experimental Study of Polymer Blend Mixing in Twin-Screw Extruders
Authors: Papathanasiou T.D. , Higgins J.S. , Soontaranum W.
Published: March 2023

The performance of a laboratory-scale, fully-intermeshing twin-screw extruder for the production of well-mixed (PSAN/PMMA) (polystyrene-acrylonitrile/polymethyl-methacrylate) blends from commercial grade PSAN and PMMA pellets was investigated. We were interested in determining whether the composition of the extruded material reflected the composition of the mixture fed into the extruder as well as whether any polymer degradation occurred under the chosen operating conditions. This is of interest since twin-screw mixing is a popular and convenient technique for the production of blend samples for rheological analysis. Blends of PSAN and PMMA are of particular interest since, being partially miscible, they are useful in the study of the effect of flow on polymer blend thermodynamics. The uniformity of the extruded material was analyzed using infra-red spectrophotometry on samples taken at various locations along a strand extruded from a cylindrical die. We observed small fluctuations of local concentration around an average; this average coincides with the composition of the material fed to the extruder. The possibility of degradation was investigated through gel permeation chromatography, carried out on the same samples. The results indicated that under the chosen operating conditions no degradation was observed.
High Fibre Volume Fraction Injection Moulding of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) in Order to Raise Mechanical Properties
Authors: Semadeni M. , Zerlik H. , Rossini P. , Meyer J. , Wintermantel E.
Published: March 2023

Injection moulded test specimens of short carbon fibre reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) were processed, varying fibre weight fraction and fibre type. This investigation was aimed at the enhancement of mechanical properties, e.g. tensile and flexural strength and modulus, respectively. The structure-property-relations in injection moulded granules and specimens were characterized with regard to fibre length and fibre orientation. Tensile and flexural properties revealed a pronounced dependency on the fibre content up to a critical value of 50 w/w%. Above this value, structural inhomogeneity caused strength reduction while modulus was further increased. Comparing the influence of fibre properties, differences in strength were detected.
Cure Characteristics and Vulcanizate Properties of Blends of a Rubber Compound and its Recycled DE-VULC
Authors: Ishiaku U.S. , Chong C.S. , Ismail H.
Published: March 2023

This investigation is part of an attempt to recycle the rubber powder generated as a waste during sand-polishing of rubber balls and artificial eggs. The rubber powder was devulcanized with a novel chemical mixture called De-Link R to yield DE-VULC. Subsequently, varying concentrations of the product were blended with the original rubber compound and the effects on the cure characteristics and vulcanizate properties of the blends were investigated. Contrary to expectation, the scorch time (t2) and the cure time (t90) fell drastically at lower concentrations but the values rose with increasing concentration in blends that were predominantly DE-VULC. The very large reduction in t2 and t90 with the addition of small quantities indicates that DE-VULC catalyses the crosslinking reaction of the control compound. The increasing values of t2 and t90 in the DE-VULC rich blends have been attributed to delayed action due to the decreased curatives concentration. An identical pattern shown by torque maximum and modulus with increasing concentration suggested that crosslink density increases with increasing DE-VULC content until it peaks at 50%. However, the opposite trend of continuously decreasing mechanical properties prompted the inference that two types of crosslinks may be involved: those inherited from the previous vulcanization, which act as fillers, and those resulting from the current vulcanization. The trend of the mechanical properties indicates that the concentration of the latter decreased continuously. However, with 30 - 50% addition, the physical and mechanical properties range from good to excellent, depending on the property of interest.
Reinforcement of CFRP Structures by Tailored Fibre Placement
Authors: Breuer U.P.
Published: March 2023

By Tailored Fibre Placement (TFP), a new process based on embroidery technology, it becomes possible to reinforce composite parts very efficiently by stitching additional fibres with defined alignments to a given textile preform locally at highly loaded areas. The attachment of large CFRP aircraft structures is often achieved by shear pin couplings, applying bolt bearing pressure to the composite around the loaded hole. In this study, the potential of TFP to improve material strength of CFRP couplings was investigated by conducting pin loaded bearing tests with samples made of multi-axial warp knitted fabric (MWF) impregnated with Hexcel-RTM6 resin. Samples stitched with different fibre patterns to reinforce the loaded hole were compared to samples with a simple planar thickening in this critical area by additional layers of fabric. TFP was efficient (comparing the additional strength to additional structural mass) regarding bearing strength. However, the best results for the improvement of ultimate bearing strength (failure load) were achieved by increasing the part thickness locally with fabric patches.
Parental Involvement in Programs to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse: A Systematic Review of Four Decades of Research
Authors: Rudolph Julia I. , van Berkel Sheila R. , Zimmer-Gembeck Melanie J. , Walsh Kerryann , Straker Drew , Campbell Tia
Published: March 2023

This systematic review is the first to synthesize knowledge of parental involvement in child sexual abuse (CSA) prevention programs. Guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria, 24 intervention evaluations met the inclusion criteria of aiming to change parental knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, behavioral intentions, self-efficacy, response-efficacy, or capabilities for prevention of CSA. Included papers were identified via a combination of electronic database searches (PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, World Health Organization’s International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, google.com.au, open.grey.eu, Global ETD, Open Access Theses & Dissertations, EThOS, and Trove) and direct communication with researchers. Improvement post intervention was found most commonly for parental behavioral intentions and response-efficacy, closely followed by parental behaviors, then capabilities, self-efficacy, knowledge, and lastly, parental attitudes. Improvements in behaviors, intentions, and response-efficacy occurred in 88 to 100% of the studies in which they were addressed, improvements in self-efficacy and capabilities occurred in 67 to 75%, and improvements in knowledge and attitudes occurred in only 50 to 56%. Many of the included evaluation studies suffered from methodological and reporting flaws, such as high participant attrition, lack of control group, lack of statistical tests, missed testing time points, and a lack of (or short) follow-up. Future parent-focused CSA prevention evaluations must address these concerns by conducting rigorous empirical research with sound methodologies and comprehensive reporting. Furthermore, study designs should consider measuring the real-world impact of increases in assessed parent variables, including their ability to prevent sexual victimization of children.
Exploring Food and Nutrition Programming for People Living With HIV/AIDS: Interviews With Service Providers in Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Clarke Abigail , Tesfatsion Winta , Mannette Jessica , Hamilton-Hinch Barbara-Ann , Williams Patricia , Grant Shannan , Joy Phillip
Published: March 2023

There is a lack of nutritional programming and resources available for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Nova Scotia, Canada. This is problematic for several reasons, including that adequate food and nutrition knowledge is integrated to effective medical therapy and wellness for PLWHA. The aim of this research was to explore and describe the beliefs, values, and experiences of HIV-service providers involved programming for PLWHA in Nova Scotia. Using a post-structuralist lens, semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine service providers. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts identified four main themes: (1) recognizing the social determinants of health, (2) acknowledging and disrupting layered stigma, (3) understanding the commensality, and (4) navigating and utilizing networks of care. These findings suggest that those developing, delivering, and evaluating food and nutrition-related programming must engage in community-inclusive approaches that recognize the varied social determinants of health that shape the lived of PLWHA, leverage existing networks and resources, and actively disrupt layered stigma. Also, in agreement with existing evidence, participants stressed the value of communicating and supporting the practice of eating together (commensality) and cultivating networks of care.
Duo-ethnographic Methods: A Feminist Take on Collaborative Research
Authors: Hardin Jessica , Saldaña-Tejeda Abril , Gálvez Alyshia , Yates-Doerr Emily , Garth Hanna , Dickinson Maggie , Carney Megan , Valdez Natali
Published: March 2023

Duo-ethnography is a collaborative methodology in which participants juxtapose their experiences around a topic to parse multiple perspectives. It explicitly positions ethnographers as sources of information, not data collectors. This method has been used to explore racial identities, class dynamics, decolonizing pedagogies, and gender in academic life. Building on previous work, we consider our contribution to be articulating duo-ethnography as an explicitly feminist methodology that allows for mutual exploration of difference as well as reciprocal care and support. As part of a larger collaboration, we used duo-ethnography to create explicit dialog spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic to talk about differences in our experiences related to sexuality, race, class, tenure position, and seniority. Duo-ethnography is one method we used to challenge junior/senior relations and transform how we related to one another.
Can the microcystic, elongated and fragmented pattern of invasion influence the evaluation of the depth of myometrial invasion in low-grade endometrioid endometrial cancer using imaging techniques?
Authors: Cubo-Abert Montserrat , Rodríguez-Mías Nuria-Laia , Bradbury Melissa , Pérez-Hoyos Santiago , Vera Marta , García-Jiménez Ángel , Gómez-Cabeza Juan-José , Capell-Morell Montserrat , Pérez-Benavente Maria-Assumpció , Díaz-Feijoo Berta , Gil-Moreno Antonio
Published: March 2023

Objectives:

The microcystic, elongated and fragmented pattern of invasion can be associated with an underestimation of the depth of myometrial invasion by imaging techniques. We aimed to evaluate the influence of microcystic, elongated and fragmented pattern of invasion in the diagnostic performance of transvaginal ultrasound scan and magnetic resonance imaging for the prediction of the depth of myometrial invasion in low-grade endometrioid endometrial carcinomas.

Methods:

Prospective and consecutive study including all low-grade (G1-G2) endometrioid endometrial carcinomas diagnosed between October 2013 and July 2018 in a tertiary hospital. Preoperative staging was performed with transvaginal ultrasound scan and/or magnetic resonance imaging followed by surgical staging. Final histology was considered as the reference standard. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy for the prediction of depth of myometrial invasion was calculated for both imaging techniques. The STARD 2015 guidelines were used.

Results:

A total of 136 patients were consecutively included. Transvaginal ultrasound scan was performed in 132 patients and magnetic resonance imaging in 119 patients. The diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound scan for the prediction of depth of myometrial invasion in the microcystic, elongated and fragmented negative group (82% (95% confidence interval = 73–88)) was higher compared to the microcystic, elongated and fragmented positive group (61% (95% confidence interval = 36–83)). The diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging was also higher in the microcystic, elongated and fragmented negative group (80% (95% confidence interval = 71–87)) compared to the microcystic, elongated and fragmented positive (47% (95% confidence interval = 21–73)).

Conclusions:

In low-grade endometrioid endometrial carcinomas with a positive microcystic, elongated and fragmented pattern of invasion, the evaluation of the depth of myometrial invasion using transvaginal ultrasound scan and magnetic resonance imaging may be underestimated.
Toward Parsimony in Bias Research: A Proposed Common Framework of Belief-Consistent Information Processing for a Set of Biases
Authors: Oeberst Aileen , Imhoff Roland
Published: March 2023

One of the essential insights from psychological research is that people’s information processing is often biased. By now, a number of different biases have been identified and empirically demonstrated. Unfortunately, however, these biases have often been examined in separate lines of research, thereby precluding the recognition of shared principles. Here we argue that several—so far mostly unrelated—biases (e.g., bias blind spot, hostile media bias, egocentric/ethnocentric bias, outcome bias) can be traced back to the combination of a fundamental prior belief and humans’ tendency toward belief-consistent information processing. What varies between different biases is essentially the specific belief that guides information processing. More importantly, we propose that different biases even share the same underlying belief and differ only in the specific outcome of information processing that is assessed (i.e., the dependent variable), thus tapping into different manifestations of the same latent information processing. In other words, we propose for discussion a model that suffices to explain several different biases. We thereby suggest a more parsimonious approach compared with current theoretical explanations of these biases. We also generate novel hypotheses that follow directly from the integrative nature of our perspective.