The Importance of Rubber Compounding Approach in Damage Evolution and Fatigue Performance of Carbon Nanotubes Doped Natural Rubber

This study was aimed to investigate the fatigue life of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) filled natural rubbers (NR) prepared by two different compounding techniques, including wet and dry methods. This was done to correlate the presence of defects to fatigue performance and to identify the optimum dispersion approach for CNTs/NR. The wet approach possessed a higher number of large defects compared to the dry approach, whereas the latter manifested better CNT dispersion. The presence of a higher number of large defects accounted for a significant reduction in the fatigue life in the wet batch with respect to dry samples. The formation of multiple tiny cracks and their further developments via crack shielding and crack coalescence were considered for damage evolution at the macroscale, while the presence of wrenching and river-like patterns was notable at the microscale. Ultimately, the dry approach could be a better compounding technique for CNT dispersion considering its high quasi-static and fatigue properties

Auditory dysfunction in dementia and cognitive decline

The first sections cover the basic anatomy of the auditory system. This is followed by information on how auditory function is measured and what kinds of dysfunction can occur in this system. The general impact of auditory function upon a wide range of everyday functions is then discussed. This is followed by sections on living with hearing loss, dementia and cognitive impairment (with specific sections on several aetiologies of dementia)

Síntesis y revisión crítica del uso de bio-registradores para aves marinas en Sudamérica, Synthesis and Critical Review of the Use of Bio-loggers for Seabirds in South America

The development and use of complex electronic recorders of animal movement and behavior, with multiple sensors that record data at more than 50 Hz, produced outstanding advances in the knowledge of the ecology of many seabird species. However, in South America, most studies focus primarily on spatial usage, representing only a preliminary level of knowledge. The highest level of technological development and data analysis has been applied to only a few species and study sites. Although the combination of the use of sophisticated sensors (i.e., accelerometers and magnetometers) and the development of innovative programs for data analysis and visualization based on novel metrics have opened new scenarios for fine-scale research on movements and behaviors, these tools are still underutilized. This paper provides a synthesis of the variety of technological tools, their scope and the metrics available for the study of animal movement ecology. At the same time, it presents a critical review of the use of bio-recorders in seabirds and reflects on the need to deepen the knowledge of the ecology of this group in the region

Does high-intensity running to fatigue influence lower limb injury risk?

Objectives: The aim of this study was to quantify changes in peak bending moments at the distal tibia, peak patellofemoral joint contact forces and peak Achilles tendon forces during a high-intensity run to fatigue at middle-distance speed. Design: Observational study. Methods: 16 high-level runners (7 female) ran on a treadmill at the final speed achieved during a preceding maximum oxygen uptake test until failure (~ 3 min). Three-dimensional kinetics and kinematics were used to derive and compare tibial bending moments, patellofemoral joint contact forces and Achilles tendon forces at the start, 33 %, 67 % and the end of the run. Results: Average running speed was 5.7 (0.4) m·s−1. There was a decrease in peak tibial bending moments (− 6.8 %, p = 0.004) from the start to the end of the run, driven by a decrease in peak bending moments due to muscular forces (− 6.5 %, p = 0.001), whilst there was no difference in peak bending moments due to joint reaction forces. There was an increase in peak patellofemoral joint forces (+ 8.9 %, p = 0.026) from the start to the end of the run, but a decrease in peak Achilles tendon forces (− 9.1 %, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Running at a fixed, high-intensity speed to failure led to reduced tibial bending moments and Achilles tendon forces, and increased patellofemoral joint forces. Thus, the altered neuromechanics of high-intensity running to fatigue may increase patellofemoral joint injury risk, but may not be a mechanism for tibial or Achilles tendon overuse injury development

The Resilient Workforce of Oklahoma’s Archivists

This thesis is a mixed methodological study of Oklahoma’s archival workforce that is particularly attentive to job transitions, technological advances, generational change, and economic pressures. The overarching argument is that Oklahoma archivists demonstrate their resilience through their contributions to state-level organising at the grassroots of the profession. This organising, I show, seeks to bolster resources for the repositories and their communities, ensuring the long term survival of the archive. The key challenges, discussed in depth in this thesis, are Oklahoma’s economic pressures and the archival workforce’s generational changes. There exists a gap in the literature and data within the United States on archival employees, specifically within Oklahoma’s libraries, archives, and museums (LAMs). This research bridges that gap by providing data and qualitative perspectives collected via interviews from Oklahoma’s archivists. Most of the participants interviewed were retired or late-career; this allows readers to understand better the lasting impact of their work within the state. The use of oral history employs an insider/outsider research perspective to adhere to standards and practices with the LAM communities. Implications for the state of Oklahoma include the need for diversity of personnel within the profession, a need to make visible the invisible labour performed during employees’ day-to-day activities, and the loss of historical information due to lack of staffing and funding within repositories

Barriers to Culturally Sensitive Care for Muslim Families: Healthcare Providers' and Social Work Perspectives on the Role of Islamic Faith in Parental End-of-Life Decision-Making for Children

In this study, the impact of Islamic culture and religious teaching on parents is studied with regard to their ability to care for children who are living with life-threatening illnesses, receiving palliative care, and approaching the end of their lives. Health care providers, prequalified social work students, and Muslim community leaders are also interviewed about their engagement and the support and care they provide Muslims with children suffering from terminal illness and facing imminent death. This study also examines some of the strategies and guidelines used in England and Wales to help shape palliative care services and end-of-life care for children. Specifically, the policy analysis was intended to critically examine health policies concerning children who are at the end of their lives, especially in regard to their culture and religion. Methodology: In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals, a mosque leader, and prequalified students. As for the parent participating in the study, a narrative interview was conducted to allow her to talk freely (Fox, 2009). Findings and conclusion: Although both culture and religion have an impact on families' experiences at the end of a child's life, some cultural values can help families cope with the difficult process of caring for a dying child. The study concluded that culturally sensitive care requires diversity in the workforce, trusting and knowledgeable community members, and interactions between Muslim communities and healthcare organizations

Social Media Use as an Impulsive ‘Escape From Freedom’

It has been suggested that avoiding choice represents an anxiety-avoidance strategy, which has not been investigated in the context of social media. To this end, the current study explored the relationship between social media dependency and a preference for ‘forced’ choice, along with its association with anxiety, intolerance of uncertainty, and experiential avoidance. The sample comprised 151 volunteer participants (18–32 years) who completed a psychometric test battery, including: the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale; Spielberger Trait Anxiety Inventory; Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale; and Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire. They also undertook a behavioural assessment based on a paradigm developed for pigeons, in which they selected either a situation with a free choice of alternatives, and one with a forced choice. Intolerance of uncertainty mediated the relationship between social media dependency and anxiety. In addition, those with lower social media dependency preferred being able to choose the contingency they worked on, while those with higher scores exhibited no such preference. This partly confirmed that social media dependency is associated with a reduced preference for freedom, but does not suggest social media dependency actively produced a preference for a lack of freedom. The speed of decision making was also faster in those with high social media dependency scores, in line with previous findings that they show higher levels of impulsive behaviours. The results suggest that anxiety and social media dependency are related, and fear of uncertainty and is linked with digital experiential avoidance