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Data-driven prediction of failure loads in damaged FRP composites under four-point flexure
No full textThis study investigates the use of machine learning (ML) as a tool to make predictions of the criticality of delamination damage in fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites subjected to four-point flexural loading. An extensive experimental campaign was conducted on polyester-glass FRP specimens. Most specimens were manufactured with a polytetrafluoroethylene film inserted at one interlaminar location to simulate delamination damage. Damage size, damage location through the laminate thickness, and the number of plies in the laminate, were each varied in the test matrix. The strength of damaged specimens was normalized against the strengths of corresponding pristine reference specimens to obtain a measure of damage criticality. Data augmentation techniques were subsequently utilized on the experimental data to synthetically generate a larger dataset for training, validating and testing the ML model. Output predictions of specific strength from the ML model proved very accurate for both the training dataset and the test dataset, meaning the ML model can accurately and near instantaneously predict the specific four-point flexure strength of new delamination damage cases. The method presented could be expanded to include new specimen characteristics and loading scenarios, or be combined with non-destructive testing techniques to enable data-backed, rapid decision making when delamination damage is detected in asset maintenance programs. The results highlight the effectiveness of data-driven methods for predicting the failure loads and apparent static strengths of damaged FRP composites and provide information on the most influential delamination features affecting the strength of FRP under flexure loads
Bridging cultural sensitivity and ethical practice:Expert narratives on child and adolescent mental health in Kuwait
Get PDFAimsThis study examines the influence of cultural factors on mental health perceptions and practices in Kuwait, with a specific focus on mental health professionals working with children and adolescents. Employing the ETHICA-4P toolkit, the study aims to evaluate and promote ethical and culturally sensitive approaches in research and clinical interventions.MethodsA qualitative research design was used, involving semi-structured interviews with mental health professionals to explore their experiences and approaches to culturally sensitive practice.ResultsFindings indicate that cultural factors, such as family dynamics, religious beliefs, and societal stigma, strongly influence help-seeking behaviours and therapeutic outcomes. Despite available mental health services, cultural stigma and fear of social repercussions remain significant barriers in Kuwait, including concerns about family reputation, judgment from the community, and potential impacts on marriage prospects or social standing.ConclusionETHICA-4P can act as a model to integrate cultural competence into clinical practice and improve mental health outcomes for children and youth. Findings also highlight the urgent need for education campaigns directed at therapists, parents, educators, and the general public to reduce stigma and increase mental health awareness
Reporting and measuring English school qualifications:A case study of General Certificate of Secondary Education results in survey and linked administrative data in the UK Millennium Cohort Study
Get PDFData on educational qualifications is essential in many research domains. The UK Millennium Cohort Study collected self-reported General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) data in sweep 7 (cohort members aged 17). GCSE data from the National Pupil Database (NPD) has been linked to the MCS. This study investigates the consistency of these two sources of GCSE data using detailed statistical analyses and provides a concise sensitivity analysis to compare results obtained using the alternative data sources and measures. The authors observe marked inconsistencies between MCS self-reported GCSE results and the GCSE results in the NPD. Their central recommendation is that researchers should use the administrative GCSE records from the NPD whenever it is practicable. An open and transparent resource containing research code to process GCSE data from the MCS and from the NPD has been made available alongside this article
Children’s belief in Santa Claus and moral behavior:A two-wave longitudinal study of children’s prosocial behavior during Christmas
Get PDFChildren are told that Santa Claus is a real agent who can observe them, judge them, and reward them. Famously, He's making a list, he's checking it twice; He's going to find out who's naughty or nice. Our goal was to determine which factors, if any, influence whether belief in Santa or other traditions associated with the Christmas Festival influence a child’s moral behavior. We conducted a pilot in 2019, then replicated and extended our findings in 2021 and 2022. Overall, we collected analyzable data from 440 UK-based parents who reported on their child’s (ages 4 to 9) behavior at two timepoints: During mid/late November, and the week preceding Christmas Day (December 25). We constructed and refined a tool for parental report of everyday behaviors of children that broadly covers positive/prosocial behavior and negative/antisocial behaviors. We find that a child’s belief alone is insufficient to predict positive behaviors, but that the presence and intensity of Christmas rituals influence positive behavior, and specifically influence unprompted behaviors. Further, a parent’s intention to model Christmas relevant behaviors indirectly affects the child’s behavior. Other potential predictors of behavioral improvements were ruled out, including parents’ mood, whether parents’ explicitly reminded their children of Santa, the amount of free-time and family-time a child had during the Christmas period, and various aspects of religiosity (though our sample was highly secular). We report, for the first time, that a child’s behavior actually improves as Christmas Day approaches, and though the effect is small, it is primarily attributable to participation and exposure to Christmas rituals. These results have practical and theoretical implications for the evolution of moralizing religions in our species
A comparison of methods to compute the rate of horizontal geomagnetic field variation
Get PDFThe rate of change of the horizontal external magnetic field is often used as a proxy for space weather activity and in particular for estimating geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) in high voltage power grids. This paper compares two commonly adopted methods for computing this rate of change: (1) the difference between consecutive measurements in the magnitude of the horizontal magnetic field, H′, and (2) the combined difference in the magnitude in the northward and eastward directions, usually denoted R. We find that there can be an absolute difference in the calculations between the two methodologies exceeding 100 nT min−1 during storm times for observatories in the sub-auroral zone, demonstrating that the choice between R and H′ can make a significant difference to any GIC estimate. We also note an observable difference between the two methodologies during quiet times when the measurements are made close to the agonic line, though this difference does not have a significant impact on the efficacy of either of the two methodologies for GIC studies. Future studies should consider carefully the choice of geomagnetic indicators for estimation of GICs
Conspicuity of the azygos vein on thoracic radiographs and association with right heart disease in dogs
Get PDFIntroduction The azygos vein (AV) has not been described as a visible structure on normal canine survey thoracic radiographs. However, the authors noticed a small vascular structure occasionally superimposed on the aortic arch on lateral radiographs(double vessel sign, DVS). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether this structure is the AV and whether AV conspicuity is associated with right heart disease in dogs. MethodsA single-centre, retrospective, descriptive, case-control study with institutional ethical approval was performed using canine lateral thoracic radiographs. . The control group included dogs without thoracic disease but with thoracic radiography and CT. Radiographs were assessed for DVS. The AV at level of the aortic arch was identified on CT. A sagittal maximum-intensity-projection CT image including the AV and aorta, mimicking a radiograph, was assessed for DVS. The case group included dogs with echocardiographically confirmed right heart disease and thoracic radiographs. CT/echocardiography were performed within 15 days of radiography. A Chi-square test was performed to compare the radiographic conspicuity of the DVS between the two groups. ResultsThirty-two case and forty-six control dogs met the inclusion criteria. Nineteen control dogs had radiographic DVS, all of which had a DVS and corresponding AV on CT. No statistical difference was found in radiographic AV conspicuity between the case and control groups P=0.46). ConclusionsA small vascular structure superimposed on the aortic arch seen on canine lateral radiographs represents the AV. In dogs, the DVS is a normal radiographic anatomic feature and does not indicate right- sided heart disease
Demographics of Lipoprotein(a) and Stroke: The UK Biobank
Get PDFIntroductionLipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is associated with ischemic stroke, but the strength of association based on demographic differences remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between Lp(a)>125 nmol/L and stroke by age, sex, and racial/ethnic subgroups.MethodsUsing data from the UK Biobank, we included 353,309 participants with an Lp(a) measurement without a history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Stroke was defined as ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke (with subtypes subarachnoid hemorrhage and intracerebral hemorrhage). Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association between elevated Lp(a) and stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic), adjusted for ASCVD risk factors, race/ethnicity, lipid lowering therapy, antiplatelet and anticoagulation medications. Outcomes were defined using ICD-10 codes.ResultsThe study population consisted of 55.7 % women and 94 % White individuals with average age of 56 years. The median Lp(a) level was 20.9 [IQR 9.5, 61.4] nmol/L and prevalence of Lp(a) >125 nmol/L was 11.1 % (n = 39,067). Over a median follow-up of 13.8 [13.1, 14.5] years, there were 5002 (1.4 %) ischemic strokes and 1462 (0.4 %) hemorrhagic strokes. Lp(a) > 125 nmol/L was associated with increased risk for ischemic stroke (HR 1.12, 95 % CI 1.02–1.22, P = 0.019), but not hemorrhagic stroke (HR 0.95, 95 % CI 0.79–1.13, P = 0.545). The association between Lp(a)>125 nmol/L and ischemic stroke did not vary by age (p-interaction=0.691) or race/ethnicity (p-interaction 0.526) but did vary by sex (p-interaction=0.041) with an association among men (HR 1.20, 95 % CI 1.07–1.36) but not among women.ConclusionLp(a) is independently associated with ischemic stroke, with variation by sex but not age or race/ethnicity. Lp(a) was not significantly associated with hemorrhagic stroke.<br/
Feasibility and acceptability of a contextualized brief psychological intervention for people with bipolar disorder in rural Ethiopia
Get PDFVariations in Innate Immune Cell Subtypes Correlate with Epigenetic Clocks, Inflammaging and Health Outcomes
Get PDFEpigenetic clocks in blood have shown promise as tools to quantify biological age, displaying robust associations with morbidity and all-cause mortality. Whilst the effect of cell-type heterogeneity on epigenetic clock estimates has been explored, such studies have been limited to studying heterogeneity within the adaptive immune system. Much less is known about whether heterogeneity within the innate immune system can impact epigenetic clock estimates and their associations with health outcomes. Here, we apply a high-resolution DNAm reference panel of 19 immune cell-types, including young and adult monocyte, natural killer, and neutrophil subsets, demonstrating how shifts within these innate subtypes display associations with epigenetic clock acceleration, inflammaging, and all-cause mortality. The associations of monocyte heterogeneity with inflammation are further validated using transcriptomic and metabolomic data. Additionally, a non-negligible fraction of nucleated red blood cell-like cells in circulation is found to associate with inflammaging, markers of dysfunctional erythropoiesis, and is a major risk factor for all-cause mortality. These results extend findings obtained within the adaptive immune system to innate immune and erythrocyte-like cells, demonstrating how heterogeneity within these other blood cell compartments is also associated with inflammaging, epigenetic clocks, and health outcomes.<br/
Scholarship on alternative food networks:From mid-life crisis to life begins at 40?
Get PDFThis paper critically assesses the literature on Alternative Food Networks (AFNs), based on a systematic literature review, encompassing work from both the rural studies and marketing disciplines. It reflects on the gaps between the contributions from both disciplines, and how they could be addressed in future research. A typology of AFNs helps understand the varied challenges faced. Too many AFN studies depend solely on producer and loyal customer perspectives, leading to overly optimistic assessments of their consumer appeal. Moreover, a tendency to downplay or overlook marketing management considerations, reduces the literature’s relevance for practitioners. Addressing the latter, and more critical assessments of how different types of AFNs can address social and planetary imperatives, are vital for reinvigorating the AFN literature to overcome its mid-life crisis
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