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Microplastics in cardiopulmonary bypass: quantification and characterisation of particles across systems
No full textObjectives: This study determines the microplastic (MP) levels, dimension, shape, and chemical composition generated from conventional cardiopulmonary bypass and minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC) circuits.Methods: In vitro conventional and MiECC circuits, mimicking realistic setups with 2L of Hartmann’s solution were run for 90 minutes (n=3 circuit runs each), filtered, and analysed using micro-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy alongside procedural blanks (n=5).Results: Conventional circuits produced 60.4 ± 7.6 MPs L-1h-1 (77.0% of the total particles). MiECC circuits produced 48.4 ± 31.3 MPs L-1h-1 (45.3% of total particles). MP levels in each circuit type were significantly elevated compared with procedural blank (n=5) samples (5.6 ± 10.4 MPs L-1h-1) but did not differ with respect to the other. Twenty different MP polymer types were detected whereby polydimethylsiloxane, polydecylmethacrylate, and poly N-butylmethacrylate represented the most MPs within conventional circuits. For MiECC, the most abundant were polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyamide. Average MP lengths differed significantly: 93.5 ± 98.6 mm (conventional) versus 62.0 ± 54.4 mm (MiECC) (pConclusions: Significant levels of MP particles were produced across the two systems. Future studies can determine the time points at which they are produced in machine use, to mitigate their production, as well as inform cell/tissue culture investigations into the clinical significance of their introduction into patients undergoing cardiac surgery.</p
Modeling and modification of fin-ray effect grippers to improve their load capacity and grasp stability
No full text Fin-ray effect (FRE) grippers are very popular because they can passively adapt to different shapes and therefore grasp a variety of objects. To optimize them for different purposes, in-depth analysis of their deformations and internal forces is required, which necessitates accurate mathematical models. This paper presents a modeling framework that improves upon existing approaches by representing all structural components of the FRE finger as Cosserat rods, capturing their continuum behavior. The static forward kinematics problem for these fingers is formulated as the solution to multiple Cosserat rod models with coupled boundary conditions, and the experimental investigations verified the accuracy of the proposed modeling method. Then, simulations were performed to investigate the effects of different design parameters on the grasp forces and conforming to the shape of objects. By defining new boundary conditions, the FRE fingers in simulation could apply more grasp forces and better envelop the objects. Thus, a new mounting adaptor was designed based on the proposed boundary conditions, and the experimental investigations revealed that the modified design could improve the load capacity by up to 150% and provide more stable grasps for delicate objects in a wide range of shapes and sizes. </p
Off-label GLP-1 weight-loss medicine use among online bodybuilders: Folk pharmacology, risk and harm reduction
No full text GLP-1 medicines (e.g. Semaglutide; Tirzepatide) are diabetes medicines that have recently been approved for weight loss purposes. These drugs are increasingly common, with many users accessing these medicines for off-label lifestyle-oriented purposes. While recent research has explored increased interest in these drugs, to date no studies have explored their use in bodybuilding cultures. With bodybuilders often at the forefront of experimental drug use, and diffusing knowledge of drugs to other populations, this research examines bodybuilders’ understandings of use and risk of GLP-1 medicines, and community approaches to harm reduction. </p
Psychometric properties of the Comprehensive Assessment of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy processes (CompACT) scale: Extending validity research to a French population
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ABSTRACT
Context:
Prior research has identified that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) may notably improve psychological flexibility. Despite its recognized effectiveness, French therapists and clinical researchers still lack the appropriate instruments to assess important parameters of ACT. For example, a previous standard in French, the AAQ-II, omits crucial variables that would fully represent ACT processes. In contrast, the CompACT scale, which encompasses the ensemble of ACT processes through three dyadic processes (Openness to Experience, Behavioral Awareness, Valuation of Action), exhibits better suitability but lacks an empirically validated adaptation in French.
Therefore, this study aimed to translate, adapt, and validate the CompACT scale in French, focusing on both the general population and benzodiazepine users. The latter’s long-term use illustrates experiential avoidance, making them a highly relevant, alternative population for studying ACT processes. Statistical comparisons of these populations may be used to bring valuable insights and assess the scale’s construct validity.
Method:
The CompACT scale was translated and counter-translated by experts. An intermediate version was pre-tested by 34 participants, leading to the final version for psychometric validation with 423 French speakers (269 benzodiazepine users, 154 general population). The study evaluated structure, reliability, and various validities.
Results:
The French CompACT showed strong psychometric properties.
Conclusion:
Validating the French CompACT provides a reliable ACT process measure. This is crucial as psychological inflexibility contributes to numerous psychopathologies, making CompACT valuable for therapists.</p
Football, women and place: the UK landscape
No full textWomen are not new to football. In fact, there is a long history between women and football in terms of access, acceptance, and places to play. Contemporary popularity in women’s football, relating to participation, spectatorship and sponsorship has grown alongside advances in professionalism. This viewpoint examines whether the current, United Kingdom (UK) football landscape is now more accommodating of women (players and fans). The relationship between material/con/structured places and the socially enacted/inhabited football space will be analysed. Discussions have shown that place-based issues relating to playing surface, stadia and match day experiences contribute to the perception of women’s football as marginal, despite significant improvements. Gendered valuations of women’s place in football continues to trouble the spaces that permeate the built football environment. A call-to-action is made to scholars and governing bodies alike to tackle this spatial injustice.</p
Anabolic steroid coaching certification in India: The role of capital in digital fitness spaces
No full textAbstractBackgroundAnabolic androgenic steroid coaches (ASCs) provide tailored drug-related advice to clients for a fee. While ASCs operate worldwide, the scant and emerging research available has largely focused on ASCs within a Western context, overlooking the Global South. This exploratory study aimed to investigate ASCs further, specifically in India, where anecdotal evidence suggests an ASC “boom.”MethodA digital ethnography was conducted over a 12-month period. To analyse, convey and situate key findings, we draw upon Bourdieu’s seminal work on sociocultural capital.ResultsA dominance of companies and individuals in India were willing to certify ASCs, with certification primarily aimed towards bodybuilding competition preparation. To promote ASC certification, various marketing strategies were used to attract potential ASCs, including the promotion of ASC accreditation through well-known Indian bodybuilders, who shared courses on their Instagram accounts, drawing upon their sociocultural and body capital to attract potential customers. A form of institutional capital underpinned the accreditation process, reaffirming ASC accreditation legitimacy within the community. Finally, ASC accreditation contributed to chemical capital.ConclusionDrawing on various aspects of capital, ASC potentially shape anabolic androgenic steroids use in India. Future research should review the course material offered in ASC accreditation to ensure they are reliable.</p
Energy-Saving Work Practices During an Energy Crisis: A Case Study of Khalid IT
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Mr. Khalid is the chief executive officer of Khalid IT, which is one of the most renowned digital marketing information technology (IT) agencies in Bangladesh. The firm works for foreign clients, providing various services including digital marketing campaigns, web development, graphic design, and administrative support. There are 15–16 employees working in this organization. However, the recent energy crisis and frequent load-shedding have tremendously affected this organization, especially its operations and employees. This case illustrates the challenges faced by Khalid IT due to the energy crisis and frequent load-shedding during the summer season in Bangladesh. Load-shedding is an interruption of an electricity supply to avoid excessive load on the generating plant. The case also highlights the influences of the energy crisis and frequent load-shedding on employees’ performance, attendance, and work–life balance. The case study also articulates the processes by which Mr. Khalid introduced early-morning work starts so that employees could work without interruptions and leave the organization by 2 p.m. Students will get an idea of some challenges that have been faced in this change to working practices at Khalid IT and how these challenges were overcome. The students will also be able to learn how transactional leadership styles can be effective in managing employees during crisis periods.
This case was prepared for inclusion in Sage Business Cases primarily as a basis for classroom discussion or self-study, and is not meant to illustrate either effective or ineffective management styles. Nothing herein shall be deemed to be an endorsement of any kind. This case is for scholarly, educational, or personal use only within your university, and cannot be forwarded outside the university or used for other commercial purposes.</p
Introduction
No full textThis is the introduction chapter of an edited collection titled 'Insights on Journalism and Human Rights'. It introduces the main ideas and theoretical debates explaining the connection between human rights and journalism. </p
Aquawatch Trademark Registration (UK00004127602)
No full textThis record contains the official certificate of trademark registration for AQUAWATCH, granted by the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO). The mark covers both digital technologies (Class 9) and aquaculture-related consultancy and services (Class 44). The registration took effect on 21 November 2024 and was formally entered in the register on 21 February 2025. </p
Animal Housing for MM-RAS
No full textRegistered Design for Animal housing, with a nominal volume of 15 litres, for use in a Micro-Modular Recirculating Aquaculture System (MM-RAS), designed to house aquatic species in a scalable and modular system. With integrated weir and floor.</p