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Flexural behaviour of steel beams with double corrugated webs: Experimental and analytical investigations
Get PDFCorrugated web steel beams (CWSBs) have been widely used in engineering structures due to the benefits of light weight and superior bearing capacity. Normally, traditional CWSBs where prefabricated floor slabs are installed on the top flange of the steel beams, resulting in the reduction of ceiling height, and increasing waste of available space and material. In view of this, an innovative steel beam with double corrugated webs (SBDCW) which can be applied in ordinary frame and heavy-duty frame structures, was developed to solve the above typical limitations for conventional CWSB structures. To investigate the effect of thin-walled corrugated steel webs (TCSWs) on the flexural of SBDCWs, flexural tests of seven specimens while varying the critical parameters were conducted to reveal the failure modes of SBDCWs and collaborative work mechanism between TCSWs and flanges. The test results showed that there was a shear lag effect in steel flanges, and the accordion effect of TCSWs was observed based on the strain analysis of web. Subsequently, a finite element model was developed and a parameter study was also conducted to further evaluate the influences of web thickness, web angle and beam height on the flexural behavior of SBDCWs. Furthermore, an analytical method for predicting the ultimate flexural capacity of SBDCWs was proposed fully taking into account the shear lag effect of flanges, contribution and accordion effect of TCSWs. The calculated results were in good agreement with the test and FEA values, indicating that the proposed methods can accurately predict ultimate flexural capacity of SBDCWs. In summary, this research can provide references and foundations for the design, investigation and application of thin-walled CWSBs in ordinary and heavy-duty frame structures
Use of a spot-check protocol to measure ventricular response rate in dogs with atrial fibrillation: Ventricular rate spot-check protocol in dogs with atrial fibrillation
Get PDFIntroduction: Fast ventricular response rates (VRR) have negative prognostic value in atrial fibrillation (AF). Therapeutic recommendations for canine AF rely on measurements of VRR from ambulatory electrocardiograms (aECG). Materials methods: Data from aECG of dogs with AF were prospectively acquired alongside VRR measurements obtained at home using a smartphone-based ECG device between 7:00 and 23:00. From these data, three protocols were outlined: (A) five predetermined spot-checks, (B) three six-hourly spot-checks, and (C) three eight-hourly spot-checks. The performance of the protocols was compared with aECG using mesor, mean and median VRR. The presence of circadian variation was explored using cosinor analysis.Results: Eighteen aECG were analysed, and 14 were used to test the spot-check protocols. The protocols showed moderate to strong correlation with aECG, with protocol B performing best (mean, r=0.84, P=<0.0001, bias -22.96, limits of agreement (LOA) 24.4; median, r=0.90, P=<0.0001, bias -24.48, LOA 22.04). Using a mean VRR < 125 beats per minute (bpm) as cut-off, 10/14 dogs (71.4%) hadinadequate VRR control. All protocols correctly identified these dogs, with protocol A performing best for mean VRR > 140 bpm. Circadian variation in VRR was identified in 17/18 dogs (94%).Limitations: Small population, high prevalence of inadequate VRR, non-standardised treatment, potential measurement artefact, lack of outcome data and precise temporal alignment with aECG recordings.Conclusions: Spot-check protocols offer a practical, affordable alternative to aECG for VRR assessment in dogs with AF. We have established that mean VRR > 140 bpm in the protocol predicts inadequate rate control on aECG
A relation between the Dirichlet and the Regularity problem for Parabolic equations
No full textWe study the relationship between the Dirichlet and Regularity problem for parabolic operators of the form L=div(A∇⋅)−∂ t on cylindrical domains Ω=O×R, where the base O⊂R n is a uniform domain with n−1 Ahlfors regular boundary (and for one result a Lipschitz domain) in the spatial variables. In the paper we answer the question when the solvability of the L p Regularity problem for L (denoted by (RL) p) can be deduced from the solvability of the L p ′ Dirichlet problem for the adjoint operator L ⁎ (denoted (DL⁎) p ′ ). We show that this holds if for at least one q∈(1,∞) the problem (RL) q is solvable. That is, we establish a duality/dichotomy result: Dirichlet solvability implies Regularity solvability in the dual L p range, or the Regularity problem is not solvable in any L p. Results like these were only known in the elliptic settings (Kenig-Pipher (1993) and Shen (2006)) but are new for parabolic PDEs. Our result is one of the key components needed for the recent advancement of Dindoš, Li and Pipher in understanding solvability of the Regularity problem for operators whose coefficients satisfy certain natural Carleson condition (called also DKP-condition in the elliptic case).</p
Sibling sexual abuse:What do we know about professional responses? Stage 2 analysis of a 2-stage scoping review
No full textBackground: When responding to concerns of sibling sexual abuse, collaborative, whole-family, trauma-informed, and multi-disciplinary approaches are essential. Yet professional responses and offers of support remain varied and inconsistent. Objective: This scoping review asked the question: Of the 104 empirical papers identified in Stage 1 analysis of a 2-stage scoping review (P. Yates et al., 2024) what is known about professional responses and interventions available to professionals when working with sibling sexual abuse cases. Method: Using the guidelines of Arksey and O'Malley (2005) and 11 academic databases, 3 grey literature databases, journal hand search and Google, identified 91 empirical papers for review. An updated search identified a further 13 papers thus, a sub-sample of 32 papers were identified for this review. Results: Using the PAGER framework (Bradbury-Jones et al., 2022), we identify fragmented professional responses to sibling sexual abuse, shaped by inconsistent training, taboo beliefs, limited resources, and conflicting attitudes. These factors hinder appropriate language use and decision-making. Holistic, family-oriented approaches are recommended but are difficult to implement amid cultural differences and family complexities. Rigid victim–perpetrator models overlook children with dual experiences and non-abused siblings, leading to inconsistent and inadequate support. Conclusion: Despite growing recognition of the complexity of sibling sexual abuse, professional responses remain inconsistent and under-supported. To improve outcomes for all those affected, there is an urgent need for coherent guidance, cross-sector training, and the adoption of consistent, trauma-informed, whole-family approaches that reflect the nuanced realities of these cases.</p
Parallel journeys:Exploring the lived experience of pregnant women with alcohol/substance use problems in Scotland
Get PDFBackgroundThe impact of prenatal alcohol and/or substance use on fetal development is well established. While past research has sought to better understand the experiences of individuals affected by such fetal exposures, less is known about the experiences of pregnant women themselves. The current study therefore aimed to examine their lived experiences of accessing services, perceptions of risk, stigma, and how women make sense of this journey as they transition into motherhood.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with six pregnant women, engaged with a specialist substance misuse midwifery service in Scotland. Data were analyzed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), finding three super-ordinate themes and associated subthemes.ResultsParticipants discussed complex life histories, including trauma, domestic violence, and mental health challenges. Cultural norms surrounding alcohol and substance use were highlighted as complicating recovery and, for some, exacerbated prenatal substance use. Pregnancy was however considered a turning point; a circumstance that enabled sustained engagement with services and provided motivation for initiating recovery. For those continuing to use, their experiences were often characterised by feelings of guilt, worry, and disappointment. All participants described experiencing stigma and judgement, which in turn increased mistrust and created barriers to recovery, accessing care, and recovery.ConclusionFindings underpin the importance of non-judgmental and trusting relationships with professionals in promoting service engagement. Recommendations include integrating care models and improving access to recovery resources tailored for the pregnancy period. Addressing societal stigma remains critical to improve the outcomes for pregnant women with substance use dependencies
Advances in MoS2 composites for electrocatalytic energy conversion: Synthesis, applications, and future perspectives in hydrogen, oxygen, nitorgen, and CO2 reactions
Get PDFThe significant increase in energy demand and environmental challenges requires sustainable technologies to preserve the climate and minimize CO2 emissions. Electrocatalysis for energy conversion applications, such as hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), and CO2 reduction reactions (CCR), are essential in renewable energy technologies. State-of-the-art catalysts are highly needed to enhance energy conversion efficiencies. Recently, Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) with its distinguished physiochemical properties has been verified as a potential energy conversion material for catalyzing electrochemical reactions, ensuring excellent performance.Aside from graphene, which is unsuitable in some fields due to its zero-energy bandgap, alternative 2D materials like MoS2 have been developed and investigated. MoS2 nanostructures, with a relatively brief history, are emerging as suitable candidates in several applications, especially in electrocatalysis. Enhancing charge transfer and combining MoS2 with other materials can improve energy and environmental application performance.The excellent electrocatalytic progress of MoS2-based composites has been reported alongside enhanced and tunable properties like rich active edges, high density of structural defects, excellent conductivity, well-defined size dispersion, good electrode contact, favorable exposed crystal facets, and maximized phases. These properties, critical in electrocatalysis, are reviewed herein.We describe different methodologies for preparing MoS2 composite materials, illustrating their advantages and limitations for catalysis applications. We discuss the figure of merit of MoS2 composite nanostructures in electrocatalysis and present the challenges and outlooks for this new material class based on recent developments and potential applications in energy and the environment, suggesting promising research directions for the future
Which Trees Matter Most? The Role of Private Garden Trees and Woodland Cover for 3-30-300 Success in Seven English Cities
Get PDFThe 3–30–300 rule is a tool to evaluate access to trees and greenspaces and is gaining popularity in Europe but not yet in the UK. We calculate a 3–30–300 score per building to measure success at the rule in the local authority areas of seven English cities, examining how overall canopy cover and where the canopy is situated (e.g. woodland, street, private garden) influence performance. We find that a maximum of 2.1 % of buildings in the locations studied meet all three rules. Land use analysis indicates that increasing the density of trees in private gardens and increasing woodland cover are the most important factors for improving performance at the 3-tree and 30 % components in UK neighbourhoods. These recommendations should be applied to UK urban areas to improve overall performance at the 3–30–300 rule and increase access to trees and their benefits. We also explore how sensitive the results of the 3–30–300 analysis are to methodological choices by comparing results of network and line-of-sight analyses to simple buffers for the 3-tree and 300 m components of the rule, finding that more simple methods result in higher 3–30–300 scores and therefore suggest better 3–30–300 performance
Transcriptome profiles for defining avian primordial germ cell development
Get PDFAvian biology has contributed to many research areas, such as sustainable protein production, endocrinology, developmental biology, neurosciences, and immunology. Primordial germ cells, lineage-restricted stem cells, are key for the conservation of genetic diversity of bird species, as well as for studying germ cell development and producing genetic models to study avian biology. Here, we review the current knowledge of developmental and fate decision processes in avian primordial germ cells focusing on insights revealed by gene expression profiling. We summarized the characteristics and fundamental pathways required for chicken primordial cell growth. In addition, we discuss the common and disparate features of PGCs from chicken compared to other avian species. These insights are valuable for researchers in germ cell biology, reproductive biotechnology, and avian genetic conservation and indicate a need for the analysis of further bird species.</p
Human DNA recovery in the context of wildlife crime: Comparison of trace DNA collection methods from wildlife specimens
Get PDFForensic DNA analysis, used for the purposes of species, sex, individual, and, geographic determination of wildlife is one of the most applied forensic techniques in, wildlife crime investigations. However, in most other criminal investigations forensic, DNA analysis refers to human DNA profiling for the purposes of identifying victims, and/or perpetrators. The ability to recover human DNA profiles from the surfaces of, wildlife specimens, such as ivory or fur, opens up opportunities for identification of, individuals involved in wildlife crimes in the absence of other evidence types. This, study aimed to compare the effectiveness of four different human touch DNA recovery, methods, cotton swabs, flocked swabs, foam swabs, and minitapes, from the surfaces, of a range of wildlife derivatives. Groups of four participants handled ivory, elephant, skin, snake skin, conch shell, antler, and antelope fur. DNA was subsequently, collected extracted, quantified, and profiled. Foam swabs, a non-traditional method of, touch DNA recovery, recovered the highest average DNA concentrations and number, of alleles across all specimen types acting as an effective cross-substrate recovery, method. Flocked swabs performed as the second-best recovery method for all, specimens except when sampling from antelope fur. Minitapes and cotton swabs, showed comparatively poor performance during this study despite being the two most,common DNA recovery techniques currently employed by law enforcement. Ivory, yielded the highest average human DNA concentrations but paradoxically produced a, significantly lower number of donor alleles. Our results indicate fresh touch DNA, deposits are recoverable from multiple wildlife specimens and recommend that, attempted recovery of touch DNA should be a routine consideration by forensic, practitioners during wildlife crime investigations.</p
Robust airline scheduling with turnaround under uncertainty:Towards collaborative airline scheduling
No full textRobust airline scheduling fosters operational resilience in aviation by producing plans that remain feasible despite ensuing disruptions. This paper analyses the airline scheduling process, including flight scheduling, fleet assignment, aircraft routing, and crew pairing. It examines how previous studies optimise these decisions and deal with the influence of the aircraft ground handling (turnaround) process, an important aspect of airport operations that is known to often create havoc in flight timetables. The analysis of the literature focuses on how to harness turnaround resilience to improve airline schedule robustness and applies a framework of variables (characteristics) to support data collection and synthesis. The variables include levels of integration of multiple planning stages, uncertainty modelling, turnaround consideration, type of robustness sought, and type of optimisation method employed. Based on our review, we propose a comprehensive airline scheduling process that incorporates turnaround planning to enhance the estimation of aircraft turn time, crew sit time, and passenger connecting time under uncertainty. More precise estimates will enable models to produce robust schedules at a lower cost (shorter buffer times). Since third-party organisations typically operate turnarounds, this planning approach needs to involve multiple autonomous decision-makers. Therefore, we encourage a collaborative robust scheduling framework to be built on existing operations research theories and industry protocols.</p
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