A review of impact drop testing of composite laminate plates

Today, composite materials are widely used in many industrial applications due to their advanced properties such as a higher strength-to-weight ratio. However, low-velocity impact failure in composites poses maintenance issues since it may result in unseen damage. This work provides a detailed overview of impact drop testing of composite laminate plates. The principal objective of this work is to comprehend the impact damage behaviour and failure mechanism in composite laminates. The paper also provides examining new techniques for making composite laminates and how these techniques might affect the impact performance of composite materials

The integration and implications of artificial intelligence in forensic science

This commentary explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in forensic science and its potential implications. The applications of AI in forensic disciplines such as medicine, forensic anthropology, digital forensics, and taphonomy have enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of identification processes and the analysis of digital evidence. However, this rapid advancement prompts critical considerations in privacy, data protection, bias and fairness, and the accuracy and reliability of AI systems. The inherent challenges of the “black box” nature of AI algorithms call for transparency and accountability to maintain trust and uphold the integrity of forensic investigations. Ethical use, legal compliance, interdisciplinary collaboration, education, data integrity, standardization, human oversight, and societal impact, along with sustainability are identified as pivotal areas requiring urgent attention. The discussion underscores the need for rigorous scrutiny, standardized operating procedures, and proactive dialogue to ensure the responsible advancement of AI in forensic science

A review of topology optimisation software for additive manufacturing: capability comparison

The topology optimisation method has gained significant attention in recent decades due to the extensive development and implementation of additive manufacturing, an advanced technology applied to fabricate complex geometries and structures. By following the topology optimisation methodology, the existing geometry can be effectively optimised by minimising or maximising objective functions, such as stiffness, volume, or weight reduction. This paper provides an overview of the topology optimisation algorithm and compares the capabilities of computer-aided software designed to conduct topology optimisation procedures. Four different software are analysed using case studies from various industries. The case study models are categorised based on important parameters for the topology optimisation and evaluated in terms of availability, optimisation method, objective function, and other factors

Impact of cod skin peptide-ι-carrageenan conjugates prepared via the Maillard reaction on the physical and oxidative stability of Antarctic krill oil emulsions

This research aimed to construct an emulsifier by the Maillard reaction at various times using cod fish skin collagen peptide (CSCP) and ι-carrageenan (ι-car) to stabilize an Antarctic krill oil (AKO) emulsion. This emulsion was then investigated for physicochemical stability, oxidative stability, and gastrointestinal digestibility. The emulsion stability index and emulsifying activity index of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) were increased by 36.32 % and 66.30 %, respectively, at the appropriate graft degree (25.58 %) compared with the mixture of ι-car and CSCP. In vitro digestibility suggested the higher release of free fatty acids (FFAs) of 10d-MRPs-AKO-emulsion, and the highest bioavailability of AST in 10d-MRPs-AKO was found to be 28.48 %. The findings of this study showed the potential of MRPs to improve peptide function, serve as delivery vehicles for bioactive chemicals, and possibly serve as a valuable emulsifier to be used in the food industry

Transcobalamin receptor gene polymorphisms and mutation in an elderly population

Background & aims: Cellular uptake of the essential nutrient vitamin B12 (cobalamin) occurs via the transcobalamin receptor (TCblR/CD320), a ubiquitous membrane receptor. Polymorphisms in the receptor exist, though the effect of such variants across patient populations is unknown. Methods: We determined CD320 genotype in 377 randomly selected elderly individuals. Results: Three polymorphisms and a codon deletion were identified in the exon 2 region. Haplotype variants had significantly higher holotranscobalamin (holo-TC) values and a higher holo-TC/total cobalamin ratio. TCblR haplotype explained 46% of the variability in holo-TC values. Conclusions: This has significant implications for the clinical utility of the 'combined indicator' of B12 status since it is based on a standard rate of intracellular flux via the TC-Cbl receptor. Modification of the model may be required to account for CD320 haplotype

Expected and actual responses to minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol of people drinking at harmful levels in Scotland

Background This paper considers the extent to which people drinking at harmful levels responded to minimum unit pricing (MUP) in Scotland in the way they, family members and those providing services anticipated they would. It examines data taken from a larger evaluation of the impact of MUP on people who are drinking at harmful levels. Methods Qualitative interview data, (utilizing interviews and focus groups, with individuals, treatment services, and family members) was generated prior to the implementation of MUP in Scotland to provide insights into anticipated responses and comparable data generated across an extended 19-month period post-implementation and provided insights into actual responses. Results Overall, the data showed consistency between anticipated and actual responses, with fewer differences observed. In line with anticipated responses, many drinkers switched from cheap, strong ciders to other alcohol products, notably vodka. They consistently responded to the decrease in alcohol affordability by utilizing existing behavior such as managing finances and prioritizing spends on alcohol, including borrowing money, foregoing essentials, and using savings. There was less evidence of anticipated harmful consequences of MUP occurring, such as increased crime, switching to other drugs, or examples of acute withdrawal. Conclusions Drinkers and those living and working with them, have a good command of how alcohol affordability is maintained or impacts on expenditure and other choices, and how they respond to any decrease in affordability including the introduction of minimum price policies

Place-making in the Mersey Dee before and after Brexit and COVID-19 disruption: A typology of companies and their engagement with their localities and key actors

The purpose of this paper is to develop a typology of firms operating in a peripheral economy. A three-way typology is presented which builds on previous studies, distinguishing between the ‘pure agglomeration’,” ‘industrial complex’ and ‘social network’ models. This typology is refined and applied to the Mersey Dee area, a cross-border region within the UK with a dispersed, segmented economy. Two case studies of firms located in the Mersey Dee are explored to test the typology and examine how these firms related to their places and to other firms and institutions, in the context of rapidly changing market conditions due to COVID-19 and Brexit. The findings confirm the typology and establish a clear contrast between firm types operating in a peripheral economy such as the Mersey Dee, providing relevant insights into the contributions they can make and how balanced regional development policies could support the heterogeneity and richness of their place-based economies. These approaches will differ from the traditional agglomeration or cluster model, typically advocated to build sustainable economic centres. Further research is recommended through comparator case studies of similar regions internationally, within the typology presented

Views on minimum unit pricing for alcohol before its introduction among people with alcohol dependence in Scotland: A qualitative interview study

Introduction: Scotland implemented a minimum price per unit of alcohol (MUP) of £0.50 in May 2018 (1 UK unit = 10ml/8g ethanol). Some stakeholders expressed concerns about the policy having potential negative consequences for people with alcohol dependence. This study aimed to investigate anticipated impacts of MUP on people presenting to alcohol treatment services in Scotland before policy implementation. Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 21 people with alcohol dependence accessing alcohol treatment services in Scotland between November 2017 and April 2018. Interviews examined respondents’ current and anticipated patterns of drinking and spending, effects on their personal life, and their views on potential policy impact. Interview data were thematically analysed using a constant comparison method. Results: Three key themes were identified: 1) Strategies used to manage the cost of alcohol and anticipated responses to MUP; 2) Broader effects of MUP and 3) Awareness and preparedness for MUP. Respondents expected to be impacted by MUP, particularly those on low incomes and those with more severe dependence symptoms. They anticipated using familiar strategies including borrowing and reprioritising spending to keep alcohol affordable. Some respondents anticipated negative consequences. Respondents were sceptical about the short-term benefits of MUP for current drinkers but felt it might prevent harm for future generations. Respondents had concerns about the capacity of treatment services to meet support needs. Discussion and Conclusions: People with alcohol dependence identified immediate concerns alongside potential long-term benefits of MUP before its introduction. They also had concerns over the preparedness of service providers

Unveiling decomposition dynamics: leveraging 3D models for advanced forensic analysis

Forensic taphonomy, the study of post-mortem processes, is pivotal in modern forensic science. This short communication illuminates limitations in traditional 2D imaging, specifically digital photographs, within forensic taphonomy, and highlights the vast potential of 3D modeling techniques. Drawing from a recent study in Hawaii’s tropical savanna, we unveil disparities between real-time observations and 2D photographs when assessing decomposition, emphasizing the importance of scoring method selection and the need to scrutinize 2D imaging’s accuracy in forensic taphonomy. Conversely, 3D modeling techniques, an emerging powerhouse in forensic science, offer multidimensional data, including volume, surface area, and spatial relationships, allowing for comprehensive and precise representation of decomposition dynamics. Despite concerns about texture quality, 3D models yield objective data amenable to analysis by multiple experts, thus minimizing subjectivity and augmenting the reliability of forensic assessments. The potential for 3D modeling to bridge the gap between 2D imaging and real-time decomposition requires tailored methodologies. Future research should focus on standardizing protocols and fostering collaboration among forensic experts, technologists, and researchers to unleash 3D technology’s full potential in advancing forensic taphonomy. This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access

24-month Review of the Introduction of Minimum Pricing for Alcohol in Wales: Appendices

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