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Evaluation of microFLOQ™ Direct Swab for Touch DNA Recovery
Get PDFThis study evaluates the efficacy of the microFLOQ™ Direct Swab for touch DNA recovery from various surfaces within an office environment. Samples were collected using the swab and subjected to direct amplification with the GlobalFiler™ PCR Kit. Results revealed a success rate of 73% within three hours post-sample collection, with profiles ranging from full single to partial mixture. Despite observed artifacts, such as split and shoulder peaks, the swab demonstrated potential for efficient touch DNA recovery. However, further research is needed to assess its performance across diverse surfaces and to address challenges associated with artifact generation. Overall, the microFLOQ™ Direct Swab shows promise as a valuable tool for forensic touch DNA analysis, offering streamlined sample processing and potential advancements in forensic casework
An Appetite to Win: Disordered Eating Behaviours amongst Competitive Cyclists
Get PDFCompetitive cyclists may be vulnerable to disordered eating (DE) and eating disorders (ED) due to perceived body composition optimization and external influences within cycling culture and from stakeholders. Therefore, this study aimed to assess DE and ED risk in competitive cyclists using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), explore differences in responses based on sex, discipline, and level of competition, and to gain insights into contributing factors towards DE via open-ended survey questions. In total, 203 participants completed a mixed-method questionnaire. Eating disorders were reported by 5.7% (n = 11) of participants, with three being historic cases. The median (inter-quartile range) EAT-26 score was 8 (12) of a total possible score of 78. Disordered eating risk was observed in 16.7% of participants due to an EAT-26 score ≥20. Female participants had significantly higher scores than male participants (12.5 ± 17.5 vs. 6.5 ± 10.0; p = 0.004). There was no significant difference between road cyclists and off-road cyclists (7.0 ± 13.25 vs. 8.0 ± 10.5; p = 0.683). There was a significant difference in scores between novice/club/regional and national/elite/professional cyclists (6.0 ± 11.25 vs. 10.5 ± 12.0; p = 0.007). Thematic analysis of open-text responses found that the social environment of competitive cycling contributed towards DE behaviours and body image issues. These findings indicate competitive cyclists do appear to be an ‘at risk’ population for DE/ED. Therefore, there is need for stakeholders to enhance nutritional services, nutrition education, and create supportive athlete environments
Resolving the Centipede’s Dilemma: external focus distance and expertise in applied, continuous skills
Get PDFResearch has reliably demonstrated that an external focus of attention during skill production enhances performance, retention, and transfer relative to an internal focus on movement mechanics. The optimisation of external focus points, across a range of contexts and performers, is important for effective skill production. Two studies were conducted evaluating the impact of external focus distance in an applied, continuous sports skill (kayak sprinting) with participants of two different expertise levels. In Study 1, using a within-participants design, recreational kayakers (n = 20) were timed sprinting 75 m in a surf ski under proximal external focus, distal external focus, and control conditions. The distal focus (on the finish) (29.75 s) was significantly faster than both other trials (ps < 0.001). The control condition (30.95 s) was significantly faster than the proximal focus (on the boat) (32.37 s) (p = 0.003). The effect size was large (ηp2 = 0.55). In Study 2, specifically trained racers in sprint kayaks (K1s) (n = 16) were timed in a 100 m K1 sprint under the same three conditions as in Study 1. The control condition (28.96 s) was significantly faster than the proximal focus trial (29.83 s) (p = 0.02). The effect size was large (ηp2 = 0.23). There was no significant difference between the distal focus trial (29.03 s) and the other conditions. These findings suggest that focus distance can play a pivotal role in continuous skills. Whilst recreational performers may benefit immediately from a distal focus, this might not be the case for specifically trained athletes. Further, a proximal focus on fitted, passive equipment may be detrimental to performance
A search for intermediate-mass black holes in compact stellar systems through optical emissions from tidal disruption events
Get PDFIntermediate-mass black holes (IMBH) are expected to exist in globular clusters (GCs) and compact stellar systems (CSS) in general, but none have been conclusively detected. Tidal disruption events (TDEs), where a star is tidally disrupted by the gravitational field of a black hole, have been observed to occur around the supermassive black holes (SMBH) found at the centres of galaxies, and should also arise around IMBHs, especially in the dense stellar cores of CSS’s. However, to date none have been observed in such environments. Using data from the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) we search for TDEs associated with CSS, but none are found. This non-detection allows us to set an upper limit on the TDE rate in CSS of nTDE, Total⪅10−7 CSS^−1 yr^−1 which is two dex. below the observed TDE rate involving SMBH interacting with 1 M⊙ main sequence stars in the nuclei of massive galaxies. We also consider ultra compact dwarfs (UCDs) formed through a tidal stripping process in the surveyed volume. On the assumption these CSS contain SMBH and TDE rates are comparable to current observed optical rates in galactic nuclei (≈3.2 × 10^−5 gal^−1 yr^−1), we determine an upper limit for the number of UCDs formed through a tidal stripping process in the surveyed volume to be NGC, Strip 10^M⊙
The Effect of Ethanol Fuel-Diluted Lubricants on the Friction of Oil Control Ring Conjunction: A Combined Analytical and Experimental Investigation
Get PDFThis paper presents an investigation of the frictional behaviour of three-piece piston oil control rings. A bespoke tribometer replicates the kinematics of the contact between a full oil control ring and the cylinder liner. The three-piece oil control ring is composed of two segments, separated by a waveform-type expander. The experimental results indicate the dominance of a mixed regime of lubrication throughout the stroke. This is particularly the case when the experiments are conducted at 80 °C, a typical engine sump temperature, when compared with those at 20 °C (a typical engine start-up temperature in the UK in the summer). A mixed hydrodynamic analytical model of the oil control ring–cylinder liner tribological interface is employed to apportion frictional contributions with their physical underlying mechanisms. Therefore, combined numerical and experimental investigations are extended to lubricant contamination/dilution by ethanol-based fuels. This study shows that the transition from E10 to E85 would have an insignificant effect on the friction generated in the oil control ring conjunction. This holistic approach, using a detailed predictive l mixed regime of lubrication model and a representative bespoke tribometry, has not hitherto been reported in the open literature
Elastic and Elastoplastic Contact Mechanics of Concentrated Coated Contacts
Get PDFMachines operate under increasingly harsher contact conditions, causing significant wear and contact fatigue. Sub-surface stresses are responsible for the premature contact fatigue of rolling element bearings, meshing gears, and cam–follower pairs. Surface protection measures include hard, wear-resistant coatings. Traditionally, contact integrity has been predicted using classical Hertzian contact mechanics. However, the theory is only applicable when the contact between a pair of ellipsoidal solids of revolution may be considered as a rigid indenter penetrating a semi-infinite elastic half-space. Many coatings act as thin bonded elastic layers that undergo considerably higher pressures than those predicted by the classical theory. Furthermore, inelastic deformation of bonded solids can cause plastic flow, work-hardening, and elastoplastic behaviour. This paper presents a comprehensive, integrated contact mechanics analysis that includes induced sub-surface stresses in concentrated counterformal finite line contacts for all the aforementioned cases. Generated pressures and deformation are predicted for hard coated surfaces, for which there is a dearth of relevant analysis. The contact characteristics, which are of particular practical significance, of many hard, wear-resistant advanced coatings are also studied. The paper clearly demonstrates the importance of using efficient semi-analytical, detailed holistic contact mechanics rather than the classical idealised methods or empirical numerical ones such as FEA. The novel approach presented for the finite line contact of thin-layered bonded solids has not hitherto been reported in the open literature
Column setting and text justification influence return-sweep eye movement behavior during Chinese multi-line reading
Get PDFPeople regularly read multi-line texts in different formats and publishers, internationally, must decide how to present text to make reading most effective and efficient. Relatively few studies have examined multi-line reading, and fewer still Chinese multi-line reading. Here, we examined whether texts presented in single or double columns, and either left justified or fully justified affect Chinese reading. Text format had minimal influence on overall reading time, however, it significantly impacted return-sweeps (large saccades moving the eyes from the end of one line of text to the beginning of the next). Return-sweeps were launched and landed further away from margins, and involved more corrective saccades in single- than double-column format. For left- compared to fully-justified format, return-sweeps were launched and landed closer to margins. More corrective saccades also occurred. Our results showed more efficient return-sweep behavior for fully- than left justified text. Moreover, there were clear trade-off effects such that formats requiring increased numbers of shorter return-sweeps produced more accurate targeting and reduced numbers of corrective fixations, whereas formats requiring reduced numbers of longer return-sweeps caused less accurate targeting and an increased rate of corrective fixations. Overall, our results demonstrate that text formats substantially affect return-sweep eye movement behavior during Chinese reading without affecting efficiency and effectiveness, that is, the overall time it takes to read and understand the text
Risk and protective factors in risk assessment: Predicting inpatient aggression in adult males detained in a forensic mental health setting
Get PDFBackground: Structured clinical risk assessments represent a preferred means of assessing levels of aggression risk at different times and in different individuals. Increasing attention has been given to capturing protective factors, with sound risk assessment critical to high-secure forensic mental health care.
Aim: To assess the predictive value of the HCR-20v3 for aggression risk and the long-term care version of the SAPROF (the SAPROF-LC-pilot) in a high-secure forensic mental health inpatient population. To determine the incremental value of protective over risk factors.
Method: Participants were adult males detained in a high secure forensic mental health service,
with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia and/or personality disorder. The focus was on examining hospital based aggression (self- and other-directed) at two time points; up to six months (T1) and between seven and 12 months (T2).
Results: The HCR-20V3 and SAPROF-LC-pilot demonstrated good predictive validity but with variability across subscales and aggression types/periods. Historical factors of the HCR-20V3 and External factors of the SAPROF-LC-pilot failed to predict, aside from a medium effect at T1 for verbal aggression and self-harm, for Historical factors. There was evidence for protective factors adding to prediction over risk factors alone, with the integration of protective and risk factors into a risk judgement particularly helpful in improving prediction accuracy.
Conclusions: Protective factors contribute to risk estimates and particularly if integrated with risk factors. Combining risk and protective factors has clear predictive advantages, ensuring that protective factors are not supplementary but important to the aggression assessment process
Assessment of halal blockchain in the Indonesian food industry
Get PDFPurpose
The demand for halal food products is increasing globally. However, fraudulent activities in halal products and certification are also rising. One strategy to ensure halal integrity in the food supply chain is applying halal blockchain technology. However, to date, a few studies have assessed the factors and variables that facilitate or hinder the adoption of this technology. Thus, this study aims to assess the significant factors and variables affecting the adoption of halal blockchain technology.
Design/methodology/approach
A Delphi-based approach, using semi-structured interviews, was conducted with three food companies (chicken slaughterhouses, milk processing plants and frozen food companies). The cognitive best–worst method determines the significant factors and variables to prioritise halal blockchain adoption decisions.
Findings
The results showed that the most significant factors were coercive pressure and halal strategy. Nineteen variables were identified to establish a valid hierarchical structure for halal blockchain adoption in the Indonesian food industry. The five significant variables assessed through the best–worst method were demand, regulator, supply side, sustainability of the company’s existence and main customers.
Practical implications
The proposed halal blockchain decision structure can assist food companies in deciding whether to adopt the technology.
Originality/value
This study proposes 19 variables that establish a valid hierarchical structure of halal blockchain adoption for the Indonesian food industry
The Effect of Different Electric Toothbrush Technologies on Interdental Plaque Removal. A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Get PDFThe removal of dental plaque from the gingival margins of teeth is essential to maintain periodontal health. Whilst it has been established that the electric toothbrush demonstrates a greater ability to remove plaque, no systematic review has specifically investigated which technology is better for removing plaque from the interdental tooth surfaces, where plaque control may be more difficult. Three databases were searched up to October 2023: MEDLINE, DOSSS via EBSCO host and Embase. Data extraction was carried out on studies which met the inclusion criteria, and a risk of bias assessment was completed. The study findings were combined via a narrative synthesis and a meta-analysis where appropriate. Seventy-seven studies were found, out of which 14 were selected and included for the analysis. The mean difference in interproximal plaque reduction, measured using the Rustogi Modified Naval Plaque Index (RMNPI) at 8 weeks was 0.09 (p<0.00001) in favor of the oscillating-rotating toothbrush. At 6 and 12 weeks, the mean difference in plaque reduction
(RMNPI) was 0.05 (p=0.0008) and 0.04 (p=0.0001) in favor of the oscillating-rotating toothbrush, respectively. The studies show a tendency for oscillating-rotating toothbrushes to remove more interproximal plaque than oscillating toothbrushes especially in a short time (8 weeks)