Statistical effects in X-ray diffraction lattice strain measurements of ferritic steel using crystal plasticity

The influence of statistics on calculated lattice strains has been studied by comparing crystal plasticity finite element (CPFE) calculations with strains measured experimentally. Experimentally, when Bragg's law is obeyed, a plane normal must lie within a narrow orientation range (∼ 0.02° for synchrotron diffraction), or Bragg tolerance. However, CPFE models consider only a small number of grains compared to experiments, necessitating a justification of the statistically representative volume. It also becomes necessary to assess the threshold of Bragg tolerance allowable for the determined statistically representative volume. In this study, an 8 × 8 × 8 model was deemed as statistically representative such that only small benefits are obtained in terms of lattice strain calculations by adopting larger models such as 10 × 10 × 10. Based on the selected model, an allowable Bragg tolerance of approximately 5° was calculated. Also highlighted was the coupling between lattice strain, texture, hardening and applied boundary condition which are discriminators that will affect the choice of model size and Bragg tolerance threshold

Assessment of X-ray diffraction and crystal plasticity lattice strain evolutions under biaxial loading

A methodology to simulate X-ray diffraction lattice strains using crystal plasticity, replicating in-situ synchrotron experimental measurements during the deformation of a low-carbon steel, has been developed. Uniquely, the model calculated lattice strains for full Debye-Scherrer diffraction rings, providing the in-plane lattice strain distributions determined from crystal plasticity. Thus, a direct method of comparison between experimental and crystal plasticity results becomes possible. The model considered two forms of hardening whilst subjecting the material to two dissimilar proportional strain-paths; uniaxial and balanced biaxial deformation. Both deformation paths showed influence on resulting lattice strain distributions which were also found to depend upon texture. Biaxial straining led to a stronger dependence on the material’s hardening behaviour and this was attributed to the higher rate of work hardening seen under biaxial compared to uniaxial straining. However, biaxial deformation showed quite isotropic lattice strains distribution, irrespective of initial texture or hardening. Quantitatively, good agreement between the computed and experimentally determined lattice strain distributions was obtained for each strain path. This success demonstrates the possibility of calibrating crystal plasticity model parameters using such methodologies, or simply to provide insight into the governing mechanisms in polycrystal deformation

Male Responsibility in Reproductive Health in Nigeria: An Eclectic Methodological Approach

An eclectic methodological approach to the study of men within the framework of reproductive health and related issues was experimented in this study. Literary discourse has focused on the study of male involvement in reproduction from the narrow perspective of what more men need to do to increase women\'s acceptance of contraception and utilization of relevant services. But few studies employed a diffuse approach to providing answers to the seemingly intractable issue of maleness as it impacts the whole gamut of reproductive health issues and human development. The present research derived from a growing recognition of situating male behavior within the socio-cultural context using ethnomethodology as an invaluable method of analyzing maleness from the evolutionary construct. Analysis of literary criticism and evaluation of discourse relevant to the evolutionary pattern of gender construction, manhood, masculinity, sexuality, family and social relationship were adopted using anthropological and sociological methods. The advantage of this process is the use of eclectic and iterative approaches of articulating the evolutionary trend of manhood and gender, their implications for sexuality culminating in family and other stable relationships. The potential benefits and limitations of the research design are discussed. The study proposes the use of more diffuse approaches in the study of male involvement in reproduction and human development. African Journal for the Psychological Study of Social Issues Vol.7(2) 2004: 167-19

Development and Implementation of the National Cancer Institute’s Food Attitudes and Behaviors Survey to Assess Correlates of Fruit and Vegetable Intake in Adults

Low fruit and vegetable (FV) intake is a leading risk factor for chronic disease globally as well as in the United States. Much of the population does not consume the recommended servings of FV daily. This paper describes the development of psychosocial measures of FV intake for inclusion in the U.S. National Cancer Institute's 2007 Food Attitudes and Behaviors Survey.This was a cross-sectional study among 3,397 adults from the United States. Scales included conventional constructs shown to be correlated with fruit and vegetable intake (FVI) in prior studies (e.g., self-efficacy, social support), and novel constructs that have been measured in few- to- no studies (e.g., views on vegetarianism, neophobia). FVI was assessed with an eight-item screener. Exploratory factor analysis, Cronbach's alpha, and regression analyses were conducted.Psychosocial scales with Cronbach's alpha ≥0.68 were self-efficacy, social support, perceived barriers and benefits of eating FVs, views on vegetarianism, autonomous and controlled motivation, and preference for FVs. Conventional scales that were associated (p<0.05) with FVI were self-efficacy, social support, and perceived barriers to eating FVs. Novel scales that were associated (p<0.05) with FVI were autonomous motivation, and preference for vegetables. Other single items that were associated (p<0.05) with FVI included knowledge of FV recommendations, FVI "while growing up", and daily water consumption.These findings may inform future behavioral interventions as well as further exploration of other potential factors to promote and support FVI