Experimental Research Articles

Group Counseling Education Program for Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Effect on Parents' Psychological Resilience, Life Satisfaction, and Family Functioning.

To investigate the effects of a group counseling education program (GCEP) provided to parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on parents' psychological resilience, life satisfaction, and family functioning. This experimental study was conducted with 30 parents of children with ASD. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Adult Psychological Resilience Scale, Satisfaction With Life Scale, and Family Assessment Device. The GCEP, comprising 10 sessions, was provided to the intervention group once per week. The GCEP significantly increased psychological resilience levels in the intervention group compared to the control group. Although there were no significant differences between groups regarding Family Assessment Device subscale scores before the GCEP, after the program, mean scores on the subscales of problem solving, communication, roles, and behavioral control of the intervention group were significantly lower than those of the control group. No significant differences were observed in life satisfaction between groups. The GCEP was effective in improving psychological resilience and family functioning. Family counseling programs for raising awareness and provision of psychosocial support may be developed and applicable in relation to in-family relationships, care and responsibilities for the child, and problem solving for parents of children with ASD. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(xx), xx-xx.].

Experimental and numerical studies on the hydraulics of stepped spillways with baffle walls and blocks

ABSTRACT The present experimental study investigates the effect of baffle walls and baffle blocks with different heights on the hydraulics and energy dissipation of stepped spillways. Image processing technique was employed to detect internal flow motion, and experiments were simulated to extract detailed information to examine the effect of baffles on flow motion and energy dissipation. The results indicated that placing baffle blocks initiated transverse flows in the spillway, leading to an increase in energy dissipation rate. It was found that the energy dissipation rate increased with increasing the baffle block’s height and reducing the baffle’s width. The optimum baffle’s geometry was achieved when the baffle’s width was 5% of the spillway width and the baffle’s height was 76% of the step height. At the maximum discharge, the optimum baffle geometry was able to dissipate 39% more energy than that of a spillway without baffles. Three zones of Redirected Flow (RF), Mixing Zone (MZ), and Recirculation Zone (RZ) were identified under the pseudo-bottom line, and the size of defined zones plays an important role in energy dissipation rate. Furthermore, the results showed the formation of four complete cycles with approximately 25% of the spillway’s width on each step of the spillway.

Prediction of cutting performance in slot milling process of AISI 316 considering energy efficiency using experimental and machine learning methods

PurposeThe aim of the study is to optimize the cutting parameters (cutting tool diameter, cutting speed and feed) to minimize energy consumption and surface roughness in the slot milling process of AISI 316 stainless steel on CNC milling machine.Design/methodology/approachGrowing environmental concerns and cost reduction efforts around the world have made energy efficiency in manufacturing processes a priority goal. Improving energy efficiency in the machining sector is one of the biggest challenges in this area, and slot milling is a critical manufacturing process that directly affects energy consumption. Cutting power, cutting force and surface roughness values were measured during the experimental process. In addition, energy performance of the process was evaluated by calculating specific energy consumption (SEC) and specific cutting energy consumption (SCEC). Experimental data were modeled using machine learning methods of regression analysis and artificial neural networks (ANN).FindingsAs a result, the lowest SEC and SCEC values, that is the highest energy efficiency, were obtained at 12 mm tool diameter, 75 m/min cutting speed and 0.25 mm/tooth feed. In addition, the optimum cutting parameters for different machining scenarios (roughing and finishing) were determined taking into account the purposes of the machining process (max. or min of energy efficiency, machining time, surface quality, etc.). The optimum cutting parameters for general purpose slot milling and acceptable machining purposes were found to be 12 mm tool diameter, 150 m/min cutting speed and 0.15 mm/tooth feed.Originality/valueThis study emphasizes the critical importance of energy efficiency and the correct selection of machining parameters for sustainable manufacturing practices.HighlightsSlot milling cutting performance of AISI 316Measurement of cutting power, cutting force and surface roughnessPrediction with Regression and ANN methods

Endorsing voice behavior can be as devastating as rejecting it when the endorsement is laced with a hint of anger

Voice endorsement—managers’ approval of employees’ voiced suggestions—has largely been regarded as positive, yet little research examines how managers’ emotional expressions during endorsement affect employees. Drawing on the Emotions as Social Information (EASI) model, we propose that not all instances of voice endorsements are necessarily positive events for employees. Specifically, we propose that managers’ anger while endorsing voice, negatively impact employees’ perceptions of psychological safety and their future voice behavior. Across two experimental studies, we find that participants who faced an angry manager endorsing their voice reported both lower psychological safety and future voice behavior than those whose voice was endorsed by a happy or neutral looking manager. Study 2 further found that employees experiencing voice endorsement with anger felt as psychologically unsafe as those whose voice was outright rejected, suggesting that anger-laden endorsements are just as detrimental as voice rejections. Our findings contribute to the literature by challenging the notion that all voice endorsements are inherently positive, emphasizing the role of managers’ emotions on managerial reactions to voice.

Internet of Things and Smart Technologies in Oral Health: Trends, Impacts, and Challenges

Objective: This study aims to discover the most current trends, impacts, and challenges of using IoT devices and smart technologies in oral health. Method: A modified systematic mapping method was used to generate and answer five research questions. Twelve databases were queried to identify published literature from 2017 to 2023. Abstract screening and full-text review were conducted to identify studies meeting inclusion criteria. The Pandas library in Python Version 3.9.19 and a Fibonacci series were used to identify keyword trends in abstracts. Full-text analysis was conducted to synthesize findings relevant to the impacts and challenges of IoDT. Results: A total of 958 unduplicated articles were identified from the literature databases. After review, 33 articles were included. Publications related to IoDT are rapidly increasing over the last 7 years and keywords relating to toothbrushing were the most common. The most common research strategy was design and creation, followed by experimental methods. Design and creation of smart technologies in oral health are in a phase of measurement optimization using IoT which is being used for prevention, early detection, monitoring, and treatment of dental disease as well as silent communication devices. Challenges in IoDT continue to include measurement accuracy and user acceptability. Conclusions: Research in IoDT is predicted to continue to advance rapidly. Dental providers and public health agencies can look to this research to develop best practices. However, more research on how IoDT can facilitate desirable outcomes in a cost-effective and user-friendly way is needed.

Expectancy Effects, Failure of Blinding Integrity, and Placebo Response in Trials of Treatments for Psychiatric Disorders: A Narrative Review.

Expectancy effects are significant confounding factors in psychiatric randomized clinical trials (RCTs), potentially affecting the interpretation of study results. This narrative review is the first, to our knowledge, to explore the relationship between expectancy effects, compromised blinding integrity, and the effects of active treatment/placebo in psychiatric RCTs. Additionally, we present statistical and experimental approaches that may help mitigate the confounding impact of expectancy effects. The review concludes with recommendations to enhance the reliability of RCTs in psychiatry. The placebo response comprises both specific and nonspecific elements, with expectation being a key specific component. Evidence from experimental and clinical studies suggests that expectancy can influence treatment responses in RCTs. Blinding integrity may be compromised by perceived treatment efficacy and adverse effects, introducing bias into outcome assessments. Treatment expectations can lead to unblinding during RCTs, and meta-analytic data from studies in the fields of psychedelics and anxiety disorders indicate that this can influence effect sizes. Therefore, controlling for expectancy effects is essential when interpreting RCT results. Novel statistical methods, though still in need of further validation, offer strategies to address this issue. Another approach may involve experimental medicine models, which aim to develop objective improvement markers (readouts) less affected by expectancy effects. Expectancy effects represent a significant confound in psychiatric RCTs. We recommend collecting data on treatment expectations alongside monitoring blinding integrity to more accurately interpret study results. Additionally, developing objective readouts that are less confounded by expectancy effects offers another promising avenue for mitigating these confounding influences in psychiatric RCTs.

Spectroscopic Manifestation of a Weak van der Waals Interaction Between trans-Stilbene and Hexagonal Boron Nitride Surface.

The interaction between organic molecules and nanomaterials leads to complexation or the functionalization of later and modification of their properties, which are promising for electronics, terahertz technology, photonics, medical imaging, drug delivery, and other applications. Based on theoretical and experimental (THz, Raman, and fluorescence spectroscopy) studies, we analyzed the main spectroscopic characteristics of a weakly bound van der Waals complex of trans-stilbene (TS) molecule and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). Raman scattering was demonstrated to be the most effective tool to confirm complex formation, exhibiting blue-shifted TS fingerprint lines in the TS + hBN Raman spectrum with respect to the spectra of pure TS or BN. These trends were also confirmed by density functional theory calculations. Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy was applied to check the complex structure. The THz absorption spectra demonstrated additional weak bands that can be assigned to the TS librations relative to the hBN surface, thus confirming the formation of the complex. The presence of hBN at the interface of the TS crystals also results in a relative enhancement of the 364 nm TS vibronic band in the TS + hBN fluorescence spectrum as well as faster FL decay kinetics. Based on the calculations performed in two different approaches, we also concluded that dispersion forces are critical for the adsorption of the TS molecules on the hBN surface.

Arene and Heteroarene Functionalization Enabled by Organic Photoredox Catalysis.

ConspectusAromatic functionalization reactions are some of the most fundamental transformations in organic chemistry and have been a mainstay of chemical synthesis for over a century. Reactions such as electrophilic and nucleophilic aromatic substitution (EAS and SNAr, respectively) represent the two most fundamental reaction classes for arene elaboration and still today typify the most utilized methods for aromatic functionalization. Despite the reliable reactivity accessed by these venerable transformations, the chemical space that can be accessed by EAS and SNAr reactions is inherently limited due to the electronic requirements of the substrate. In the case of EAS, highly active electrophiles are paired with electron-neutral to electron-rich (hetero)arenes. For SNAr, highly electron-deficient (hetero)arenes that possess appropriate nucleofuges (halides, -NO2, etc.) are required for reactivity. The inherent limitations on (hetero)arene reactivity presented an opportunity to develop alternative reactivity to access increased chemical space to expand the arsenal of reactions available to synthetic chemists.For the past decade, our research has concentrated on developing novel methods for arene functionalization, with a particular focus on electron-neutral and electron-rich arenes and applying these methods to late-stage functionalization. Specifically, electron-rich arenes undergo single electron oxidation by a photoredox catalyst under irradiation, forming arene cation radicals. These cation radicals act as key intermediates in various transformations. While electron-rich arenes are typically unreactive toward nucleophiles, arene cation radicals are highly reactive and capable of engaging with common nucleophiles.This Account details the dichotomy of reactivity accessed via arene cation radicals: C-H functionalization by nucleophiles under aerobic conditions or cation radical accelerated nucleophilic aromatic substitution (CRA-SNAr) in anaerobic settings. Based on experimental and computational studies, we propose that reversible nucleophilic addition to arene cation radicals can occur at the ipso-, para-, or ortho-positions relative to the most electron-releasing group. Under aerobic conditions, intermediates formed by para- or ortho-addition typically undergo an additional irreversible oxidation step, resulting in C-H functionalization as the major outcome. Conversely, in the absence of an external oxidant, C-H functionalization is not observed, and ipso-addition predominates, releasing an alcohol or HF nucleofuge, leading to SNAr products. Building on the success of these arene functionalization transformations, we also explored their applications to positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer development. Both C-H functionalization and SNAr with 18F- and 11CN- have been applied to radiofluorination and radiocyanation of arenes, respectively. Applications of the radiotracers synthesized by these methods have been demonstrated in preclinical and clinical models.

INVESTIGATING MACHINABILITY PROPERTIES OF CU AND B4C-REINFORCED 6061 ALUMINUM ALLOYS BASED ON ENERGY CONSUMPTION

Aluminum alloys are widely employed in design and material selection in the industry due to their superior ergonomic properties and low cost. Therefore, aluminum has been strengthened with various elements and powder metal reinforcements in recent studies. In this study, the 6061 aluminum alloy, which is used widely in production, was reinforced with B4C powder metal and copper elements in a hybrid form. The mechanical, metallurgical, and machinability properties of all reinforced 6061 aluminum materials were examined and characterized. In particular, this study examined the machinability of the materials produced differently from the literature by using equations of energy power conversion and the Taguchi Method, which is one of the experimental design methods, and compared the results of the machining process for different materials. Furthermore, the effects of feed rate, cutting speed, and amount of passes on machinability properties were investigated by conducting the ANOVA analysis on the experimental design parameters and levels. Consequently, while Cu and B4C reinforcement improved the hardness and mechanical properties, positive results were also obtained on machinability.

An Eu Coordination Polymer: Its Single-Crystal Transformation Synthesis, Fluorescence Detection of Melamine, and Proton Conductivity.

In this work, an Eu coordination polymer (1a) was synthesized by a single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation based upon complex 1 under the stimulation of water molecules ({[Eu(bpdc)1.5(H2O)5]·4H2O}n (1a), {[Eu2(bpdc)3(H2O)2]·5H2O}n (1), and H2bpdc = 2,2'-bipyridine-3,3'-dicarboxylic acid ligand). Complex 1a exhibited considerable pH fluorescence stability in an aqueous solution. Notably, the experiment showed that complex 1a achieved high selectivity and sensitivity for the detection of the notorious food additive melamine (MEL) through a significant fluorescence enhancement response; and yet complex 1 had no fluorescent response with MEL. Furthermore, the recognition mechanism of complex 1a on MEL was explored in detail through the combination of experimental studies and DFT calculations. It was worth pointing out that the proton conductivity of complex 1a had significantly improved compared with that of complex 1 due to the increase in hydrogen-bonding interactions in the framework.

Numerical and experimental study of the effect of an edge crack on the vibration characteristics of UD and quasi-isotropic GFRP cantilever composite beam

Numerical and experimental study of the effect of an edge crack on the vibration characteristics of UD and quasi-isotropic GFRP cantilever composite beam

Experimental study of Dumitrescu–Taylor bubble wall shear stress in stagnant and counter-current vertical flow

Experimental study of Dumitrescu–Taylor bubble wall shear stress in stagnant and counter-current vertical flow

Construction of Accuracy Speed Agility and Quickness Training Program to Improve Fencing Performance in Young Fencers

Background and Aims: Fencing is a complex sport that highly depends on technique and physical fitness, mainly through the interaction of abilities such as precision, speed, agility, and quick reaction, which significantly impact competitive performance. However, current training methods and approaches for youth fencers still face limitations, including insufficient emphasis on physical training, incomplete understanding of athletes' physical and mental development patterns, and a lack of innovative training methods. These limitations may adversely affect the long-term development of athletes. Therefore, this study aims to develop an ASAQ training program that integrates precision with speed, agility, and quick reaction (SAQ) training to enhance youth fencers' technical skills and physical fitness, thereby improving their competitive performance. Specific objectives include) To conduct an experimental study on the developed program and compare the effectiveness between the experimental group and the control group in terms of physical fitness and fencing skills.2) To compare the effectiveness of the ASAQ training program in improving specific performance aspects of athletes through data analysis, particularly in enhancing lunge accuracy, speed, and reaction times. Methodology: The study sample consisted of 62 young athletes from the Guangzhou Fencing Team, including 35 males (56.45%) and 27 females (43.55%); based on the scores from basic fencing techniques and physical fitness tests, athletes were sequentially numbered from 1 to 62 in descending order of their scores. They were then divided into two groups using systematic sampling: then drawn into the experimental group (n=31) and the control group (n=31). Research tools consisted of the training program, validated at.95 (.60-1.00), an interview form, a physical fitness test, a fencing skill test, and a program evaluation questionnaire. The experiment was operated thrice a week, two hours a day, for eight weeks. The training was conducted thrice weekly, two hours per session, over eight weeks. Data were collected at the pre-test, mid-test, and post-test for fencing skills and at the pre-test and post-test for physical fitness. The experimental and control group’s fencing of skill data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc with LSD. Comparisons of physical fitness between the experimental and control groups at pre-test and post-test were made using independent t-tests. Results： ASAQ training significantly improves the basic skills of young fencers, particularly in precise target attack techniques, footwork speed, lunges, and quick responses during offense and defense. The experimental group outperformed the control group in three physical performance metrics: 15 meters Obstacle Sprint, Jump Ropes in One Minute, and Standing long jump. This showed that the ASAQ training improved speed, agility, coordination, balance, and lower body explosiveness, enhancing fencers' short-distance movement, quick directional changes, and explosive attacks during training and competitions. Conclusion: The findings were as follows: 1) ASAQ could significantly improve the accuracy of target-hitting attack techniques, fencing footwork speed, lunges, and quick reactions during offense and defense of young fencers. It also showed significant improvements in physical qualities such as speed, agility, coordination balance, quick reactions, and lower limb explosive power. 2) The experimental group's post-test was significantly higher than the control group's at.05 on physical fitness and fencing skills. 3) The final interview of experts unanimously affirmed the ASAQ training method's effectiveness in enhancing young fencers' competitive performance. It recognized the practical value of the ASAQ training method. Future studies could integrate objective data such as physiological and biochemical indicators and athletic performance, utilizing scientific tools and equipment like GPS sports tracking systems and other wearable devices for training monitoring to enhance the accuracy of the results.

Kinetic Energy Measured by 4D Flow Cardiac MRI in Evaluating Intraventricular Hemodynamics: A Systematic Review.

retrospective. This review includes studies that utilized 4D Flow cardiac MRI in human subjects, focusing on the changes in KE parameters. Field Strength: 1.5T or 3T. A systematic review was conducted to assess the literature on the intracardiac clinical applications of 4D Flow cardiac MRI. In September 2024, searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, SCIENCEDIRECT, and Springer Link databases using the keywords "4D Flow cardiac MRI," "ventricular kinetic energy," and "intraventricular hemodynamics," covering a period of 10 years. The inclusion criteria for the literature were: (1) clinical trials with human subjects; (2) studies that addressed the value of 4D Flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance and its derived blood flow KE parameters in quantifying ventricular blood flow. The exclusion criteria were: (1) animal experimental studies; (2) non-English core journal articles. Out of the 195 articles screened, 62 studies met the criteria for the systematic review. The included literature comprised 26 (41.9%) studies on 4D Flow cardiac MRI technology and blood flow parameter research, and 36 (58.1%) clinical application studies. KE measurement using 4D Flow cardiac MRI is a promising tool for evaluating ventricular hemodynamics. It provides clinicians with deeper insights into the physiological and pathological dynamics of ventricular blood flow, from healthy states to disease.

Effect of heating temperature on pore structure of briquette coal using SEM, NMR, N2/CH4 adsorption-desorption analyses

The development of briquettes capable of effectively replacing raw coal samples in physical simulation experiments is crucial for coal mine gas disaster prevention. We invented a new method for preparing briquette coal (BC), and studied how the heating temperature changed its pore structures using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), the low temperature liquid nitrogen adsorption test (LTNAT), and the CH4 adsorption-desorption test. We found that with an increase in heating temperature, SEM analysis showed that the surface roughness of the coal body increased, and the pores gradually changed from non-developed to large pores. NMR analysis showed that the content of briquette micropores decreased, and that of the macropores increased. Furthermore, at 300 °C, the cumulative total porosity of the BC was less than that of other coal samples. In the LNLDT test, all coal samples had inverted “S” type and IV type isothermal adsorption curves, with the minimization of peak values of pore volume and specific surface area occurring at 600 °C; D1 gradually decreased, and D2 gradually increased. The CH4 adsorption-desorption test showed that a higher preparation temperature during the adsorption process resulted in a greater adsorption capacity of briquette to CH4. A Langmuir model was used to fit the adsorption data, where the adsorption constant “a” of coal increased and “b” decreased. Our results provide a reference for studying similar materials and can be used in physical simulation experiments for the prevention and control of coal and gas outbursts.

Design and evaluation of a cloud-oriented procedure based on SAR and Multispectral data to detect burnt areas

This article presents the design and an experimental evaluation study of a novel procedure based on the synergistic use of SAR and Multispectral data to detect burnt area over vegetated natural surfaces. The procedure is designed to take advantages of open satellite datasets and cloud computing services. The underpinning data processing workflow exploits the variation of the backscattering coefficients and the spectral signature of surfaces affected by fire damages by applying a threshold-based technique optimized for different land cover classes. The presented experimental study focuses on three large wildfires occurred over Europe during the last four years. By comparing the burnt areas detected by the procedure with data from the European Forest Fire Information Service, we obtained an overall accuracy higher than 0.88 for all the considered test cases. The presented data also include various metrics that allow to compare the results achievable by using in synergy SAR and Multispectral data with respect to the individual use of them. Overall, the results of our study show that the presented procedure, and more in general the exploited design approach, can be of interest for researchers and practitioners for the development of efficient automated solutions for the detection of burnt areas.

Effect of low-concentration CuO and RGO hybrid nanofluids on thermal performance of automotive radiator: an experimental study and correlations development

Effect of low-concentration CuO and RGO hybrid nanofluids on thermal performance of automotive radiator: an experimental study and correlations development

Intolerance of uncertainty causally affects indecisiveness.

Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is characterized by a pervasive negative reaction to uncertainty. It is a transdiagnostic risk factor for various mental disorders. Since decisions often need to be made in the face of uncertainty, IU is associated with indecisiveness, a dispositional difficulty in making decisions. Indecisiveness is also linked to a range of mental disorders. While IU is seen as a causal factor in indecisiveness, experimental studies on this assumption are lacking. In this pre-registered, adequately powered study (N = 301), IU was experimentally increased or decreased compared to a control group, and the effect on indecisiveness was observed. Indecisiveness was assessed in a situational context, focusing on two decisions that were personally relevant to participants. The manipulation successfully affected IU. As predicted, increased IU led to more indecisiveness across both decisions compared to decreased IU. Exploratory analyses found that situational IU mediated the effect of the experimental manipulation on indecisiveness. The results are the first to demonstrate a causal effect of IU on indecisiveness, thus contributing to the explanation of indecisiveness and the role that uncertainty management plays in it. Moreover, they have implications for treating various mental disorders by highlighting the role of IU in the transdiagnostic phenomenon of indecisiveness.

Experimental study on the efficiency of calcium lignosulfonate-modified red clay for radon mitigation

Experimental study on the efficiency of calcium lignosulfonate-modified red clay for radon mitigation

Green-Engineered Montmorillonite Clays for the Adsorption, Detoxification, and Mitigation of Aflatoxin B1 Toxicity

Dietary and environmental exposure to aflatoxins via contaminated food items can pose major health challenges to both humans and animals. Studies have reported the coexistence of aflatoxins and other environmental toxins. This emphasizes the urgent need for efficient and effective mitigation strategies for aflatoxins. Previous reports from our laboratory have demonstrated the potency of the green-engineered clays (GECs) on ochratoxin and other toxic chemicals. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the binding and detoxification potential of chlorophyll (CMCH and SMCH) and chlorophyllin (CMCHin and SMCHin)-amended montmorillonite clays for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). In addition to analyzing binding metrics including affinity, capacity, free energy, and enthalpy, the sorption mechanisms of AFB1 onto the surfaces of engineered clays were also investigated. Computational and experimental studies were performed to validate the efficacy and safety of the clays. CMCH showed the highest binding capacity (Qmax) of 0.43 mol/kg compared to the parent clays CM (0.34 mol/kg) and SM (0.32 mol/kg). Interestingly, there were no significant changes in the binding capacity of the clays at pH2 and pH6, suggesting that the clays can bind to AFB1 throughout the gastrointestinal track. In silico investigations employing molecular dynamics simulations also demonstrated that CMCH enhanced AFB1 binding as compared to parent clay and predicted hydrophobic interactions as the main mode of interaction between the AFB1 and CMCH. This was corroborated by the kinetic results which indicated that the interaction was best defined by chemosorption with favorable thermodynamics and Gibbs free energy (∆G) being negative. In vitro experiments in Hep G2 cells showed that clay treatment mitigated AFB1-induced cytotoxicity, with the exception of 0.5% (w/v) SMCH. Finally, the in vivo results validated the protection of all the clays against AFB1-induced toxicities in Hydra vulgaris. This study showed that these clays significantly detoxified AFB1 (86% to 100%) and provided complete protection at levels as low as 0.1%, suggesting that they may be used as AFB1 binders in feed and food.