Common Elements Research Articles

Food as an ingredient of well-being: from food and well-being to food well-being (FWB): a comparative study

Purpose The purpose of this study is threefold: firstly, to compare Pakistani and French consumers’ perceptions of well-being; secondly, to investigate how consumers in both countries relate to food; and thirdly, to assess whether they associate food with well-being. Design/methodology/approach Thirty participants (15 French and 15 Pakistani) between the ages of 24 and 35 were interviewed, using convenience and snow bowling sampling. Data triangulation was performed by combining three qualitative techniques, word association, photo-elicitation-based interviewing and open-ended questions to explore consumer perceptions of well-being, food and food well-being. Findings The study’s findings suggest that well-being is a broad concept in which food is an ingredient. Food and well-being share common elements, and food well-being can be defined as an individual’s psychological, physical, social and societal relationship with food ascribed by affordability and food literacy. Originality/value Pleasure, sharing and respect emerged as dimensions of food well-being that can be applied to transfigure consumer behaviour and reduce over-consumption, food waste and hunger. The dimensions of well-being and food were explored for both countries to understand their cultural nuances and determine the influence of food on well-being. This comparative analysis will help researchers understand consumers’ preferences for food in various aspects from two regions. This study can potentially contribute to scale development in food and well-being, which can help researchers measure the effects of food and well-being in different sectors of the economy, particularly in health care. The most aspiring aspect of the current research is the insights unveiled during interactions with research participants, which will help develop consumer baseline feelings.

Developing an Algorithm to Better Identify Pregnant Women with Inherited Bleeding Disorders within Electronic Health Records

Background: When using electronic health records (EHRs) to conduct population-based studies on inherited bleeding disorders (IBDs), multiple studies demonstrated that using diagnoses codes alone result in a high number of false positive identifications (J Blood Med. 2017 Aug 30;8:131-139). To improve data integrity, in-depth chart reviews are often required which typically can only be done from a local institutional level. This limits the potential to use national research infrastructure such as the National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network (PCORnet) which draws its data from millions of EHRs across healthcare institutions in the United States. Objective: The objective of this study was to test the diagnostic accuracy of an algorithm that utilized common data definitions and multiple data elements in EHR to identify pregnant women with IBDs. Methods: We used data for pregnant women with IBDs who delivered at our institution from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020 to test the accuracy of the algorithm. Women with IBD included those with the following diagnoses: hemophilia and hemophilia carriers, von Willebrand disease and rarer bleeding disorders including factor II, V, VII, X, XI and XIII deficiencies. We did not include the following diagnoses: Platelet function disorder, fibrinogen disorder or hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. We used EHR data elements from EPIC Clarity data model that conformed to those from the PCORnet Common Data Model (CDM). The PCORnet CDM can help ensure consistent data definitions and formats across multiple sites to facilitate large-scale patient-centered research. The original version of our algorithm included the following: (i) ICD-9/10 codes for an inherited bleeding disorder (Table 1) based on discharge diagnosis of any patient encounter visit types including inpatient, outpatient and emergency visits (criterion 1); (ii) Medications used for management of IBD (criterion 2); and (iii) Coagulation factor test and results (criterion 3). A validated diagnosis of IBD required fulfilling either criteria (1) and (2) or criteria (1) and (3). To develop our algorithm in an iterative fashion, we ran sequential queries (queries 1.0-1.1) with revisions to our initial criteria. The results of our retrospective queries were confirmed to have an IBD (true positive) using our local registry and by manual chart review. The local registry is a clinical database that is housed with EPIC and includes accurate demographic, phenotypic, and laboratory data of all persons with a confirmed diagnosis of IBD seen at our federally-funded adult hemophilia treatment center. Sensitivity and the positive predictive value of the algorithm to identify pregnant women with IBDs were calculated. Results: Using our original algorithm (query 1.0), there were 301 pregnant women who fulfilled criterion 1 and had at least one live birth or fetal death (>20 weeks gestation) at our institution during the study period. Of these, only 25 fulfilled criteria 2 and/or criteria 3. For the 276 cases that did not fulfill criteria 2 or 3, we verified the diagnosis through our local registry or through a manual review of the charts. We found that the following ICD-diagnosis codes for IBD - Z14.8; 286.9/D68.8/D68.9; 286.3/D68.2 - resulted in contamination and could not be used to diagnose carriers of IBD or the rarer bleeding disorders. These diagnoses codes were removed and we added a fourth criteria in our revised algorithm (Table 2). For cases that did not fulfill criteria 2 or 3, a case was considered as having a diagnosis of IBD if they had at least two identical ICD diagnosis code for an IBD in at least 2 separate patient encounter visit types (criterion 4). The revised algorithm (query 1.1) identified 35 pregnant women with IBD, of which 32 were confirmed to be true positive. The 3 women incorrectly identified (false positive) by our revised algorithm had seen a hematologist for work-up for a possible IBD which was eventually ruled out. From the original cohort of 301 pregnant women who had an ICD diagnosis code of an IBD, one patient who was a carrier for hemophilia A was missed (false negative) by our revised algorithm. The sensitivity of the revised algorithm was 97.0% and the PPV was 91.4% Conclusion: This study demonstrates the feasibility of an algorithm to accurately identify pregnant women with specific types of IBD within an EHR.

The Longitudinal Implementation Strategy Tracking System (LISTS): feasibility, usability, and pilot testing of a novel method

BackgroundSystematic approaches are needed to accurately characterize the dynamic use of implementation strategies and how they change over time. We describe the development and preliminary evaluation of the Longitudinal Implementation Strategy Tracking System (LISTS), a novel methodology to document and characterize implementation strategies use over time.MethodsThe development and initial evaluation of the LISTS method was conducted within the Improving the Management of SymPtoms during And following Cancer Treatment (IMPACT) Research Consortium (supported by funding provided through the NCI Cancer MoonshotSM). The IMPACT Consortium includes a coordinating center and three hybrid effectiveness-implementation studies testing routine symptom surveillance and integration of symptom management interventions in ambulatory oncology care settings. LISTS was created to increase the precision and reliability of dynamic changes in implementation strategy use over time. It includes three components: (1) a strategy assessment, (2) a data capture platform, and (3) a User’s Guide. An iterative process between implementation researchers and practitioners was used to develop, pilot test, and refine the LISTS method prior to evaluating its use in three stepped-wedge trials within the IMPACT Consortium. The LISTS method was used with research and practice teams for approximately 12 months and subsequently we evaluated its feasibility, acceptability, and usability using established instruments and novel questions developed specifically for this study.ResultsInitial evaluation of LISTS indicates that it is a feasible and acceptable method, with content validity, for characterizing and tracking the use of implementation strategies over time. Users of LISTS highlighted several opportunities for improving the method for use in future and more diverse implementation studies.ConclusionsThe LISTS method was developed collaboratively between researchers and practitioners to fill a research gap in systematically tracking implementation strategy use and modifications in research studies and other implementation efforts. Preliminary feedback from LISTS users indicate it is feasible and usable. Potential future developments include additional features, fewer data elements, and interoperability with alternative data entry platforms. LISTS offers a systematic method that encourages the use of common data elements to support data analysis across sites and synthesis across studies. Future research is needed to further adapt, refine, and evaluate the LISTS method in studies with employ diverse study designs and address varying delivery settings, health conditions, and intervention types.

Variations in Complete Blood Count Reference Limits Among Hospitals in the US and Their Clinical Significance

Background Complete blood count (CBC) is the most common hematology test performed. Reference limits, aka normal values, are known to vary from one hospital to another. However, little is known about the values of the upper (UL) and lower (LL) limits of common elements reported in the CBC and how they differ among facilities. The objectives of our study were to report the UL and LL of CBC elements from various hospitals in the US, analyze the variances, and describe their clinical significance. Methods This study was approved by the Mayo Clinic institutional review board. We obtained the reference limits of CBCs from various hospitals using the Epic electronic medical records Care Everywhere health information exchange. CBCs from 2020-2023 were included. We included the following CBC elements: hemoglobin (Hgb; male and female), mean cell volume (MCV), white blood cell count (WBC), and platelet count (PLT). We performed descriptive statistics and calculated the coefficients of variation (COVs). In addition, we analyzed the data for clinical context using: A) World Health Organization (WHO) major criterion for polycythemia vera of Hgb >16.5 g/dL and >16.0 g/dL for males and females, respectively; B) WHO major criterion for essential thrombocytosis of PLT >450 x109/L; and C) common textbook reference limits for MCV (80-100 fL) and WBC (5-10 x109/L). Results We collected CBC reference limits from 143 hospitals across 43 states and 99 cities. Most (54.5%) hospitals were community-based, while the rest (45.5%) were academic. The statistics are shown in the Table. In general, there was minimal variance in the UL and LL of CBC elements, with COVs mostly under 8.0%. The one exception was WBC LL, in which the COV was 10.5%. There was no significant difference in the CBC reference limits between academic and community hospitals. The median Hgb UL and LL for males were 17.5 (range, 16.3-18.1) and 13.5 (range, 12.0-14.3), respectively. Similarly, the median Hgb UL and LL for females were 15.7 g/dL (range, 14.6-16.3) and 12.0 g/dL (range, 11.0-12.5), respectively. Majority (93.5%) of the hospitals' male Hgb UL exceeded 16.5 g/dL. In contrast, only few (3.6%) of the hospitals' female Hgb UL exceeded 16.0 g/dL (Figure A). The median MCV UL and LL were 99.0 fL (range, 92.2-103.0) and 80.0 fL (range, 77.0-88.0), respectively. A substantial minority (19.6%) of the hospitals' MCV UL exceeded 100 fL (Figure B). The median WBC UL and LL were 10.8 x109/L (range, 8.9-13.0) and 4.0 x109/L (range, 3.1-5.4), respectively. Most (80.4%) hospitals' WBC UL exceeded 10 x109/L (Figure C). The median PLT UL and LL were 400 x109/L (range, 317-500) and 150 x109/L (range, 125-172), respectively. Over a quarter (27.5%) of the hospitals' PLT UL were at or exceeded 450 x109/L (Figure D). Conclusions: There was minimal variance in CBC reference limits across hospitals in the US with WBC LL having the highest COV. Most MCV UL and WBC UL exceeded common textbook reference limits. Almost all male Hgb UL and over a quarter of PLT UL exceed the WHO major criteria of polycythemia vera and essential thrombocytosis, respectively. Since our findings suggest that there could be a risk of underdiagnosing these myeloproliferative neoplasms due to the commonly used reference limits, clinical context must be used when interpreting normal CBC results, especially when there is a suspicion of polycythemia vera or essential thrombocytosis.

Implementation and Impact of Health Care Gardens: A Systematic Scoping Review.

Background: In community and school settings, gardens and garden interventions have been shown to confer several psychosocial, physiological, and nutritional benefits. However, little is known about the implementation and impact of health care gardens on patients, visitors, and staff health and well-being. The primary aim of this review is to identify and describe the types of gardens and common design elements implemented in health care settings and the impact these gardens have on the health and well-being of patients, visitors, and staff. A secondary aim is to assess the quality of available evidence. Methods: PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PsycINFO were systematically searched on October 28, 2022. Primary qualitative and quantitative studies (excluding case reports and studies) were eligible for inclusion if they described the types of gardens and common design elements implemented in health care settings (hospitals, aged care, rehabilitation facilities, and medical centers) and/or assessed the impact of garden interventions on the health and well-being of patients, visitors, and staff. Review, selection, and data extraction were conducted by two independent researchers, with findings synthesized and presented in narrative form. Articles were critically appraised using the mixed methods appraisal tool (MMAT). Results: Eighteen articles were included. Eight studies provided detailed descriptions of the types of gardens implemented in health care settings (healing [n = 3], therapeutic [n = 2], sensory [n = 2], children's fairy gardens [n = 1], and enriched [n = 1] gardens). Studies examining the psychosocial impacts of gardens were most frequently reported (n = 16), followed by physical (n = 4) and nutritional (n = 2). A wide range of positive outcomes, predominantly relating to patients (n = 12), were reported, including improvements in stress, quality of life (QOL), cognitive function, physical activity, and fruit and vegetable intake. The evidence was heterogeneous and low-medium quality. Conclusions: The findings suggest that implementing gardens and garden interventions in health care settings may positively impact the health and well-being of patients, visitors, and staff. Most studies related to the impact of gardens on patients' mental health and QOL, indicating the need for further research to explore physical and nutritional outcomes, as well as health outcomes of staff and visitors. Findings also suggest the need for high-quality study designs (e.g., cluster control trials) and standardized measurement tools.

Thermochemical valorization of greenhouse cucumber, tomato and pepper as biofuel

Agricultural residues adequate managing contributes to reduce CO2 emissions and easy the circular economy. In this paper, cucumber, tomato and pepper greenhouse crop residues were characterized both chemically and energetically to potential of waste as a biofuel. When compared to other herbaceous and woody biomass, the data show higher moisture, ash and chlorine contents. The gross calorific values of these residues are in the same range as the herbaceous biomass (14.92 MJ/kg), with net values of 13.71, 14.58 and 15.73 MJ/kg for cucumber, tomato and pepper, respectively. The study also included other not common elements, finding the highest values for calcium (13–25 mg/kg) and potassium (23–30 mg/kg). To date, empirical correlations have been defined to predict the CV as a function of total C content (expressed as % in dry weight) for these residues individually. The empirical correlations obtained had maximum absolute errors (MAE) of 0.11, 0.32 and 0.58 % for cucumber, tomato and pepper whereas the marginal mean bias errors (MBE) were 0.016, 0.002 and 0.004 %, respectively, which confirms the value of using this method to determinate the gross calorific value of these residues. The correlations shown provide a useful tool for developing energy production processes based on crop residues, that would appear to be an interesting source of renewable energy to produce heat.

Successful harmonization in EpiBioS4Rx biomarker study on post-traumatic epilepsy paves the way towards powered preclinical multicenter studies

ObjectiveProject 1 of the Preclinical Multicenter Epilepsy Bioinformatics Study for Antiepileptogenic Therapy (EpiBioS4Rx) consortium aims to identify preclinical biomarkers for antiepileptogenic therapies following traumatic brain injury (TBI). The international participating centers in Finland, Australia, and the United States have made a concerted effort to ensure protocol harmonization. Here, we evaluate the success of harmonization process by assessing the timing, coverage, and performance between the study sites. MethodWe collected data on animal housing conditions, lateral fluid-percussion injury model production, postoperative care, mortality, post-TBI physiological monitoring, timing of blood sampling and quality, MR imaging timing and protocols, and duration of video-electroencephalography (EEG) follow-up using common data elements. Learning effect in harmonization was assessed by comparing procedural accuracy between the early and late stages of the project. ResultsThe animal housing conditions were comparable between the study sites but the postoperative care procedures varied. Impact pressure, duration of apnea, righting reflex, and acute mortality differed between the study sites (p < 0.001). The severity of TBI on D2 post TBI assessed using the composite neuroscore test was similar between the sites, but recovery of acute somato-motor deficits varied (p < 0.001). A total of 99% of rats included in the final cohort in UEF, 100% in Monash, and 79% in UCLA had blood samples taken at all time points. The timing of sampling differed on day (D)2 (p < 0.05) but not D9 (p > 0.05). Plasma quality was poor in 4% of the samples in UEF, 1% in Monash and 14% in UCLA. More than 97% of the final cohort were MR imaged at all timepoints in all study sites. The timing of imaging did not differ on D2 and D9 (p > 0.05), but varied at D30, 5 months, and ex vivo timepoints (p < 0.001). The percentage of rats that completed the monthly high-density video-EEG follow-up and the duration of video-EEG recording on the 7th post-injury month used for seizure detection for diagnosis of post-traumatic epilepsy differed between the sites (p < 0.001), yet the prevalence of PTE (UEF 21%, Monash 22%, UCLA 23%) was comparable between the sites (p > 0.05). A decrease in acute mortality and increase in plasma quality across time reflected a learning effect in the TBI production and blood sampling protocols. SignificanceOur study is the first demonstration of the feasibility of protocol harmonization for performing powered preclinical multi-center trials for biomarker and therapy discovery of post-traumatic epilepsy.

The Role of Trace Elements in Cardiovascular Diseases.

Essential trace elements play an important role in human physiology and are associated with various functions regulating cellular metabolism. Non-essential trace elements, on the other hand, often have well-documented toxicities that are dangerous for the initiation and development of diseases due to their widespread occurrence in the environment and their accumulation in living organisms. Non-essential trace elements are therefore regarded as serious environmental hazards that are harmful to health even in low concentrations. Many representatives of these elements are present as pollutants in our environment, and many people may be exposed to significant amounts of these substances over the course of their lives. Among the most common non-essential trace elements are heavy metals, which are also associated with acute poisoning in humans. When these elements accumulate in the body over years of chronic exposure, they often cause severe health damage in a variety of tissues and organs. In this review article, the role of selected essential and non-essential trace elements and their role in the development of exemplary pathophysiological processes in the cardiovascular system will be examined in more detail.

Methods for Estimating Hydrogen Fuel Tank Characteristics

Abstract The pressure vessels needed to store hydrogen for next-generation hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are expected to be a substantial portion of the total system mass, volume, and cost. Gravimetric capacity, volumetric capacity, and cost per kilogram of usable hydrogen are key performance metrics that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) uses to determine the viability of hydrogen fuel cell systems. Research and development related to hydrogen storage systems covers a wide range of potential operating conditions, from cryogenic temperatures to high temperatures (above ambient) and low pressure to high pressure. Researchers at PNNL have developed methods for estimating these key pressure vessel characteristics to support on-board hydrogen storage system design and performance evaluation and to support decision-making about DOE hydrogen storage system research investments. This article describes the pressure tank estimation methodology that has been used as a stand-alone calculation and has been incorporated into larger system evaluation tools. The methodology estimates the geometry, mass, and material cost of type I, type III, and type IV pressure vessels based on operating pressure and material strength at the system's operating temperature, using classical thin-wall and thick-wall pressure vessel stress calculations. The geometry, mass, and material cost requirements of the pressure vessel have significant impacts on the total system performance. For example, hydrogen storage materials that can separately achieve a very high hydrogen density can be deemed impractical for use in fuel cell vehicle hydrogen storage systems because the pressure tank containing them is too large, heavy, or expensive. This article describes the design philosophy and analytical process of the tank characteristic estimation methodology, which has been implemented in spreadsheet calculation tools and system-level analysis tools used by DOE researchers. Each of the three tank types (type I, type III, and type IV) uses a different analysis methodology with some common elements. This article also provides examples of implementing the methodology to perform parametric studies of all three pressure vessel types. The goal of this article is to present the methodology in sufficient detail so it can be implemented in other hydrogen fuel cell vehicle design and analysis tools.

Environmental racism and environmental injustice: Decolonial inflections and new agendas in Latin America and Brasil

The idea of environmental racism has been gradually gaining visibility in the Brazilian environmental agenda after its emergence in the United States. It is present in academic narratives and environmental activism, generally associated with the concept of environmental injustice and based on political ecology, which has been occupying a prominent position in Latin America. We propose to discuss this concept without pretending to be exhaustive, considering its origin, trajectory, uses, controversies, and limits. We make a parallel between the U.S. and Latin America, underlining some common elements but also the differences in terms of posture, especially in the face of colonialism and capitalism. Then our attention is drawn to the Brazilian case, analyzing some peculiarities of the justice-injustice-environmental racism interface. Finally, we underscore the alternative horizons opened by this issue, based on local life models, ontologies, and cosmologies that increasingly find a prominent place on the environmental agenda, notably discussing the issue of human rights, the rights of nature and territories. In this article, the central ideas presented are guided by a critical and decolonial-inspired analysis of environmental issues.

Spaces for Work

The horse-human pairing is thousands of years old and the choice of this animal as a companion for work and life is no coincidence. This animal stands out for its intelligence and sensitivity as well as its strength and agility, despite its large size. This research takes this binomial as the protagonist and proposes the creation of an equestrian centre in which both riding and the way of life with horses would be taught. The San Isidro sugar factory, located on the border between the Vega and the city of Granada, was chosen as the site. An architectural complex, an Asset of Cultural Interest, with an interior surface area of more than 4,000 m2 distributed in different sets of warehouses. The strategy of action and rehabilitation consists of introducing light elements that house the necessary uses and that are not in contact with the existing architecture. In addition, on an aesthetic level, a range of shapes and colours are sought that are differentiated from the original construction and, therefore, there is no room for false historical elements. The concept behind the work is the dynamics of the horse’s movement. The animal’s body geometry is characterised by curves. In addition, its movements, the way it moves its ears, turns, jumps or the layout of a jumping route all have curves as a common element. This is used to design five curved structures, from which all the necessary spaces are generated for the development of the activity. This results in improved animal welfare and cleanliness. In short, Dinámico focuses on animal welfare and creates safe spaces that go beyond what is currently conceived for an equestrian centre.

Brain dynamics of mental workload in a multitasking context: Evidence from dynamic causal modeling

Multitasking is a common element in complex human-computer interactions and is known to impose deleterious mental workload demands. High mental workload is known to involve bilateral hemisphere activation, but the patterns of effective connectivity (directed causal influence or communication) among brain regions in such a context remain unclear. This study investigated the effect of mental workload on the causal influence brain regions exert over each other under a multitasking scenario. The Dynamic Causal Modeling (DCM) method was implemented to infer the flow of information and allocation of attentional resources. Thirty participants performed four subtasks with varying levels of workload on a computer-based multitasking program, simulating a pilot cockpit. Using eight brain regions commonly identified to be activated in multitasking conditions, nine candidate models were developed. Bayesian model averaging was then used to quantify the connectivity strengths among the brain regions. Linear regression was conducted to study the relationships between connection strengths and subtask performances. The results showed that the causal connections shifted from the left to both sides of the brain with increased workload. Linear regression analysis showed that the subtask performance could be predicted by connectivity strengths. Thus, by studying the brain dynamics of mental workload, we may be able to develop a predictor that supplements subjective self-report measures.

Approche historique des épreuves projectives par le jeu au décours du XXe siècle

ObjectiveThe objective of this article consists in presenting the historical and epistemological analysis of the various psychological currents at the origin of the creation of the various play-based projective tests during the 20th century in Europe. The historical and conceptual sources of these proofs being fragmentary, an analysis of the archives proved necessary in order to grasp the nature of their differences and their common elements. The psychodynamic analysis of the child's motives for playing, along with their traces in the adolescent and in the adult, make it possible to think about the different modes of apprehension of the analysis of play according to the tests’ creators. The different objectives of these creators are analyzed in order to perceive the theoretical background that motivated their creations. MethodThe presentation of the Scenotest to autistic children and the various interpretative possibilities led me to return to the historical sources of the different contexts of the creation of play-based tests: The World Test, The Village Test, The Imaginary Village Test, The Scenotest. The quest for expression through play is constantly questioned according to different concepts in order to access humans’ modes of psychic and perceptual functioning. However, we can observe common elements in the approach to the investment of space and time, which we propose to analyze. The updating of the links between the various creators and researchers leads to an examination of a shared foundation for the various play-based projective tests under discussion, differences in treatment of the material, as well as their implementation. The contribution for each version of the play tests is recorded in the analysis of the diversification of methods. ResultsThe results attest to a common goal centered on the spatial treatment of constructions and what they reveal of the unconscious of each one as well as their links to the collective. Admittedly, research projects take on different colors depending on the creators. There is no shared method: each creator deploys his personal method of analyzing the creation of individual and collective living spaces, circulation spaces. However, we have grouped together several common elements: - None of the test creators make a link with Freudian infantile sexuality. - The focus is on the action of the game, which is used to decipher the qualities of constructions, even strategies to distribute the constructions. - The observation and analysis of the modes of projection of spatial representations are common. However, the motor expression of affect is not noted as an index of psychic economy. The qualities of the affects present in the modes of assembly of the constructions, from the child to the adult, are not analyzed. - The superposition of the diagnostic and therapeutic approach is one of the common elements; the same tools are used in different settings. - No creator mentions the quality of the environment and the major traumatic upheavals, as well as their traces, to which the population was subjected during this period of the 20th century. Jung's works are frequently quoted and taken up as a basis for reflections in these two frameworks; the influence of Jungian theories appears relatively extensive at this time. DiscussionThe memory traces left by the traumas linked to the two World Wars are little taken into account among populations who were exposed to their damage, although the games reveal traces of it. Current research on autism and old age reflects ongoing in-depth studies. A reflection comes up several times in the writings of G. von Staabs that also crosses the two fields concerned by the Scenotest, that of psychotherapy and diagnostic investigation. The reference to construction is interesting to remember, in this period of destruction of the environment; on the contrary, the game and the analysis of its free associativity in children are left in the shadows. The work of Monika Boekholt concerning the Scenotest has made it possible to present a new method of interpreting acting processes by favoring the analysis of the different modes of representation of the body in thought, from perceptual sensory traces to the work of primary and secondary identifications. During our research with children and adolescents with autism using the Scenotest, we were surprised by the attention paid by the patients to the elements to be built which, are immediately invested in building a double bottom and/or reinforcing the edges of the playing area. ConclusionThis historical study sheds light on the new fields of epistemological and therapeutic research, which could be useful in designing relevant diagnostic and therapeutic devices.

How Memorable Are Agrifood Travel Experiences?

Destinations seek to increase their competitiveness by offering memorable experiences that can stimulate repeat visitation and positive word of mouth. Travel experiences centered on agrifood systems (i.e., agrifood tourism) encompass a set of attributes (e.g., authenticity and interaction with locals) that tend to be memorable. However, the extent to which these attributes contribute to memorability warrants further investigation. Thus, this study identified common and distinct elements of memorability across agritourism, culinary tourism, and craft-beverage tourism compared to beach tourism (control group). We surveyed a panel (n = 1019) in 2023 using a hypothetical travel scenario with four experience options. A multivariate analysis of variance showed high levels of memorability across various attributes of the agrifood experiences (e.g., learning opportunities and hands-on participation), with few differences across them, as compared to beach tourism. This study advances the scholarly construct of agrifood tourism by incorporating memorability within its complex dynamics. The study results also provide insights that marketers and managers of destinations with a mix of agrifood experiences can use to improve destination competitiveness and memorability (e.g., increasing educational offerings and adding more participative activities).

Spherical dome: design, digital twin manufacturing, and testing of a glubam structure

ABSTRACT Domes are common architectural elements in real life, with spherical or sphere-like shapes being the most common. Nonetheless, there has been limited research on incorporating modern design and manufacturing technologies into spherical domes, especially those made of bio-based materials. This paper presents a comprehensive study of the design pipeline for spherical domes. In terms of spherical tessellation for dome design, a set of innovative algorithms and programs is made available as open-source resources, comprising both manual and numerical approaches, where the numerical approaches are validated by existing results while also expanding these results, and new manual approaches are proposed and benchmarked as alternatives to conventional methods with similar or better performance, condition-wise. A proof-of-concept prototype is constructed according to the proposed pipeline to demonstrate its feasibility for later experiments. A preliminary loading test was conducted, validating its satisfactory mechanical behavior. In summary, a comprehensive design pipeline for spherical domes is proposed and validated through a prototype project, during which various innovations are made, from spherical tessellation to parametrical design, analysis, and digital twin manufacturing.

Nickel‐based alloy corrosion in CANDU steam generators: E–pH diagrams of the Ni–NH3–H2O and Ni–CH3COO−–H2O ternary systems

AbstractNuclear power plant steam generator (SG) tubes contain nickel as the main alloying element and there is concern about their corrosion. We optimized models for calculating the high‐temperature and high‐pressure thermodynamic properties of common nuclear alloy elements. Subsequently, we calculated the E–pH diagrams for nickel in different concentrations of ammonia or acetate ion at temperatures ranging from 100°C to 260°C and a pressure of 4.7 MPa. This information is used to predict the corrosion behavior of nickel in the secondary circuit conditions of Canadian Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) SGs. Increasing the ammonia or acetate ion concentration resulted in the predominance of Ni(NH3)n2+ or Ni(Ac)n(2−n) at the expense of Ni2+ and NiO, indicating a higher risk of nickel corrosion. Calculations showed that under normal operating conditions with [NH3]tot = 5 × 10−5 and [CH3COO−]tot = 10−8 m at 260°C and 4.7 MPa, nickel will be passivated as NiO, preventing the rapid degradation of nickel‐based alloys. However, in the presence of a crevice that allows the acetate ion to concentrate, nickel would dissolve in the form of the Ni2+ ion, endangering safe operation of CANDU SGs.

CYRIL AND METHODIUS AS PRECURSORS OF THE ‘RUS’ WORLD’: THE IMAGE OF THE SOLUN BROTHERS AND RUSSIAN IMPERIALISM

This article analyses the recent Russian Orthodox discourse on the Solun Brothers. This analysis shows, on the one hand, that the politicised interpretation of the mission of Cyril and Methodius is not a recent ideological innovation, but appeals to the same motives that made their cult popular in 19th-century Russian Orthodoxy. On the other hand, the reinterpretation of the meaning of their mission that is currently taking place is acquiring additional political objectives harmonised with those of Russian state ideology, as well as cultural and foreign policy, especially in relation to the post-Soviet area. At the same time, however, the religious significance of Cyril and Methodius is almost disappearing from church discourse and theological reflection. A common element of Russian discourse on the Solun Brothers, in both the 19th and 21st centuries, is ahistoricity, understood as a complete disconnection from the actual historical context in which Cyril and Methodius lived and worked .

Analysis of the relationship between students’ argumentation and chemical representational ability: a case study of hybrid learning oriented in the environmental chemistry course

Abstract Engaging students in collaborative learning fosters the expression of ideas, deepens understanding, and hones argumentation skills. Argumentation is pivotal, and instructors should facilitate opportunities for its practice. In the study on an environmental chemistry course, class conversations were recorded to analyze students’ contributions to online learning. Participants shared opinions, raised objections, and built on others’ answers. The instructor played a crucial role in harmonizing collaboration and guiding comprehensive argumentation. The study found claims and data as the most basic and common elements of argumentation. However, more complex components like rebuttal and backing warrants often need instructor intervention. While claims and data typically relied on one form of representation, such as macroscopic or symbolic, warrants demanded multiple dimensions, predominantly symbolic and submicroscopic. Toulmin’s arguments and Mahaffy’s tetrahedral ability of chemical representation were used for analysis. The findings highlighted that argumentation skills and chemical representation are intertwined, with certain argumentative components calling for specific representational dimensions. Collaborative online learning, thus, can enhance student participation and multifaceted skill development.

Applying the A-Kano Model to assess the impact of common area elements on customers’ perceptions of subdivision housing projects in metropolitan Bangkok

In the field of residential real estate development, understanding customer perception contributes to project success. This quantitative research studied customer perception towards common area elements in housing projects by applying the Analytical Kano (A-Kano) Model. Information was collected from a questionnaire survey of 150 buyers of detached and semi-detached houses in housing projects situated in metropolitan Bangkok who purchased their properties within five years. The quota sampling method was used, and the data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and the A-Kano Model. The research results identify important characteristics of three groups of residential development common area elements: (1) must-have elements, (2) one-dimensional elements, and (3) attractive elements. Buyers agree that most public utility elements are essential (a “must-have”), while landscape features are one-dimensional or related to satisfaction. The research results can offer guidelines to help developers determine and choose the right elements to include in common areas to stimulate buying decision by customers.

Triplinerved cinnamon from the Siwalik (middle Miocene) of eastern Himalaya: Systematics, epifoliar fossil fungi, palaeoecology and biogeography

Cinnamomum Schaeffer (avocado, family Lauraceae), commonly known as cinnamon tree, is a highly diverse, economically important evergreen element of tropical and subtropical regions of the world. In the present work, several compressed leaf remains similar to modern leaves of Cinnamomum are recovered from the lower part of the Siwalik strata (middle Miocene) of Darjeeling foothills, eastern Himalaya. The fossil specimens are characterized by an elliptic to ovate lamina, acute to short acuminate apex, round to acute base, basal as well as suprabasal acrodromous type of primary venation, and anomocytic type of stomata. Based on leaf architecture (macro- and micromorphological features) and using leaf epidermal anatomy, these Siwalik fossil leaves are confidently assigned to the genus Cinnamomum and are recognized as a new species: C. miocenicum Mahato, Hazra et Khan. The evidence of current Siwalik specimens and earlier-reported fossil species similar to thermophilic Cinnamomum in appreciable numbers from other Siwalik localities (Darjeeling, Uttarakhand, and Nepal) suggests that Cinnamomum was a common Siwalik element, pointing toward the existence of tropical, warm and humid climate conditions during the Siwalik sedimentation time. This conclusion is also supported by epifoliar fungal remains recovered from cuticular fragments of this lauraceous taxon. This finding also represents an essential source of data for understanding Cinnamomum’s evolution and deep time diversification. We review in detail the biogeographic history and suggest possible migratory routes of the genus from an Asian perspective.