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Relationship between shear band dilation and stress-corrected relative density under constant normal stiffness (CNS) conditions
No full textThere is an increased interest in the use of drilled and grouted micropiles as a foundation for floating offshore wind farms in deep water. Unlike onshore projects, conducting proof load tests for micropiles in offshore settings is challenging, if not impossible, necessitating improved capacity prediction methods. The objective of this study is to assess whether constant normal stiffness (CNS) testing in the laboratory can more accurately model the axial capacity of small-diameter grouted micropiles. This was accomplished by performing a series of monotonic CNS tests on samples of Monterey sand at different values of relative density, soil spring stiffness, and initial normal effective stress. The results suggest that there is a unique relationship between the amount of shear band dilation and stress-corrected relative density and that an increase in soil spring stiffness suppresses dilation. Most importantly, a conceptual framework is presented that may improve our understanding of the static capacity of drilled piles, especially micropiles that includes non-linear normal stiffness changes around the pile. Field testing including pile load testing can be used to better verify this framework
Digital texts and diversity-sensitive foreign language teaching
No full textDigital reading differs significantly from reading on paper, posing several challenges, especially for students learning a second or third foreign language. The complexity of engaging with authentic digital sources is further intensified by the diversity within learner groups. First, the objectives for developing digital reading proficiency in a foreign language are explored, identifying the skills necessary for competent digital readers. Building on these objectives, the paper then addresses the diverse needs of learners, taking into account neurodiverse students in diversity-sensitive teaching environments. The focus lies on the field-specific dynamics of digital reading, particularly those impacting learners with ADHD, dyslexia, and autism spectrum conditions, who are increasingly attending regular schools in German-speaking countries. Finally, teaching implications for digital reading are discussed, including considerations for text selection, strategic reading practices, and the integration of assistive technologies. These elements aim to promote effective digital reading within foreign language education while supporting an inclusive educational framework
Transcranial Focal Stimulation modifies genetic expression in the cerebral cortex of naive rats
No full textTranscranial Focal Stimulation (TFS) is an alternating-current Transcranial Electrical Stimulation technique with significant therapeutic potential. Nevertheless, the biological mechanisms responsible for the effects of TFS remain unknown. Using microarray technology, we evaluated the cerebral cortex transcriptome of rats receiving a short course (5 min) of TFS. After differential gene expression and enrichment analyses, we selected candidate genes of interest for further validation. Cerebral and hippocampal tissue of rats submitted to the same therapy were used for Western blot and immunohistochemistry to detect chosen proteins. Sham-stimulated rats were used as a reference. No differential gene expression was identified when analyzing hippocampal data. In the cerebral cortex samples, we found a total of 284 differentially expressed genes. We observed an increase in Sema4G proteins in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus (p \u3c 0.001), and an increased expression of ZEB2 only in the hippocampus. Transcranial Focal Stimulation also increased c-Fos expression in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, basolateral amygdala, and ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (p \u3c 0.001). Conclusion: A short course of TFS modifies the brain´s gene and protein expression profiles. The effects were more pronounced in the cerebral cortex than in the hippocampus. TFS also produces an increase in brain activity in cortical and subcortical regions. Additional research is necessary to validate our findings and evaluate the long-term effects of TFS
Self-Assembled Cysteamine Reporter Ligands for SERS Nitrate Detection in Continuous Flow
No full textElevated nitrate concentrations in aquatic environments can contribute to the formation of harmful algal blooms, which lead to eutrophication. In this work, cysteamine self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on two-dimensional gold nanostructured substrates were investigated for the capture and detection of nitrate anions by surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) under continuous fluid flow. An indirect detection strategy is demonstrated where cysteamine Raman activity and SAM reconfiguration change due to nitrate adsorption. Nitrate adsorption, as well as SAM reconfiguration based on the gauche to trans conformation ratio, were dependent upon the cysteamine protonation state. The terminating amine of cysteamine was Raman active when protonated near the expected SAM pKa and the gold-thiol bond was increasingly Raman active above the expected pKa. Highly charged SAMs (pH 3) were not responsive to nitrate, suggesting that nitrate detection is reliant upon the dynamic interplay between protonation, charge state, and nitrate adsorption. Cysteamine SAMs responded to nitrate concentrations spanning 101 to 103 nanomolar (100 to 102 parts per billion), which are considerably lower than those previously reported for direct detection of nitrate using cationic SAMs. This work demonstrates the potential for indirect SERS detection of anionic pollutants using rationally selected capture + reporter ligands
Ethics, Social Responsibility, Sustainable Developmental Goals, Economic Development Strategies: Need is Stronger Than Ever
No full textEngaging Stakeholders to Build, Sustain, and Grow Responsible Business: Some Frameworks
No full textThis is a follow-up Dialogue commentary to the MGDR publication:
Raghunathan, Meena and Liu, Kara Li (2024) Moving from ‘Managing Stakeholders’ to ‘Managing for Stakeholders’: The Imperative for Responsible Business, Markets, Globalization & Development Review: Vol. 9: No. 3, Article 4.DOI: 10.23860/MGDR-2024-09-03-04Available at: https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/mgdr/vol9/iss3/4.
In this commentary, the concepts of stakeholder approach to management is expanded and deepened
Exploring the Motivations for Bidi Smoking and Barriers to Quitting among India’s Day Laborers
Full text linkPoster presentation given at the 2025 URI Graduate Conference
A systematic review of transmedia literacy: Implications for lifelong learning
Full text linkOne of the main objectives of international agendas is the promotion of lifelong learning opportunities. Transmedia literacy, usually acquired informally, offers many of the key skills, competences and strategies to ensure learning in a world where technology has a predominant role. However, no analyses reporting the impact of their use are systematically identified in the literature. Therefore, a systematic review of the literature on transmedia literacy and its practices is proposed, searching 4 databases and analysing a total of 42 articles. The results show experiences with plural thematic, extension and educational context, mainly located in the formal educational system, and with a development of transmedia skills focused on the use of social networks and production skills of students. On the contrary, a weak use of narrative expansion; ideology and ethics; and risk prevention is observed. The need to analyse the media context and incorporate scaffolding dynamics prior to the implementation of the experiences is discussed, as well as the need to develop transmedia literacy within the educational context, and not only integrate the skills acquired outside the classroom, seeking to develop their transmedia literacy with greater intentionality