Initial Impact Research Articles

Experimental study on impact toughness of multi-combination hybrid fiber-reinforced magnesium phosphate cement-based materials

In order to improve the brittleness of magnesium phosphate cement-based materials (MPC) and overcome the limitations of single fiber-reinforced cement-based materials, this study investigated the mechanical properties of hybrid fiber-reinforced magnesium phosphate cement-based composite materials (HFRMPC) by incorporating four types of fibers: hooked-end steel fiber (HSF), micro steel fiber (MSF), polyvinyl alcohol fiber (PVAF), and basalt fiber (BF). Cylindrical specimens were prepared by single and double hybridization of the fibers and subjected to drop hammer impact tests to analyze the effects of different fiber hybridization methods on the impact resistance of these materials. The two-parameter Weibull distribution was used to analyze the test results to predict failure probabilities and to investigate the fiber reinforcement and toughening mechanisms in MPC through microscopic structural analysis. The results showed that the impact resistance of the fiber hybridization group was much better than that of the single fiber group, and the impact resistance increased continuously with increasing fiber content. The fibers' impact resistance enhancement effects were in the following order: MSF > PVAF > BF. The fiber combination methods were ranked as follows from best to worst: HSF + PVAF > HSF + BF > HSF + MSF > PVAF + BF. The 1.5% HSF+0.6% PVAF hybridization had the best impact resistance performance, with an increase in initial cracking and impact energy dissipation at the failure of 7748.6% and 8921.2%, respectively, compared to the M0. The probability distribution of impact number of initial cracking (N1) and failure (N2) of the specimens followed the double-parameter Weibull distribution well. The multiscale strengthening and toughening zone composed of fibers with different geometric dimensions and elastic modulus was crucial to the material's performance, as the fibers acted in progressive briding under external impact loads, dissipating impact energy through the failure morphology of pull-out and breaking, significantly improving the HFRMPC's impact toughness. A comprehensive evaluation of the four indicators of impact resistance and manufacturing costs for various hybrid fiber compositions found that the combination of 1.5% HSF and 0.6% PVAF exhibits the most outstanding overall performance.

Women's Empowerment and Sustainable Development: A Quantitative Case Study of Ibesikpo Austan Community, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This quantitative case study examines the role of women in promoting sustainable development in the marginalized Ibesikpo Austan Community of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The community has long faced issues of marginalization and disorientation, presenting obstacles to sustainable development. The study investigates the impact of women's empowerment initiatives on sustainable development outcomes within the community. A sample of 116 respondents was randomly selected, and data was collected through a structured questionnaire and interviews. The study analyzes key sustainable development indicators, including economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, it explores the factors influencing women's empowerment and their active participation in sustainable development initiatives. The findings underscore the presence of gender disparities that hinder women's economic productivity and impede sustainable development progress. The study highlights the potential of leveraging traditional women's networks as effective mobilization mechanisms toward desired goals. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the gender dynamics in sustainable development efforts. It gives valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to foster inclusive and sustainable development in marginalized communities. Based on the research findings, recommendations include empowering women through educational training, financial support, and community-based interventions to enhance their socioeconomic status.

Genital warts

Genital warts are highly prevalent within the population, and many patients present first to primary care. This article will provide an overview of presentation, differential diagnoses, investigation, and management of genital warts. It will also have a section on the initial and ongoing psychological impact on the patient from a diagnosis of genital warts, an often over-looked aspect of holistic care. The article aims to provide guidance on assessment and management of genital warts and to increase awareness of the mental health impacts that may be associated with the diagnosis.

The impact of same-day antiretroviral therapy initiation on retention in care and clinical outcomes at four eThekwini clinics, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

BackgroundSame-day initiation (SDI) of antiretroviral therapy (ART) increases ART uptake, however retention in care after ART initiation remains a challenge. Public health behaviours, such as retention in HIV care and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) pose major challenges to reducing new Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) transmission and improving health outcomes among HIV patients.MethodsWe evaluated 6-month retention in care, and clinical outcomes of an ART cohort comprising of SDI and delayed ART initiators. We conducted a 6 months’ observational prospective cohort study of 403 patients who had been initiated on ART. A structured questionnaire was used to abstract data from patient record review which comprised the medical charts, laboratory databases, and Three Interlinked Electronic Registers.Net (TIER.Net). Treatment adherence was ascertained by patient visit constancy for the clinic scheduled visit dates. Retention in care was determined by status at 6 months after ART initiation.ResultsAmong the 403 participants enrolled in the study and followed up, 286 (70.97%) and 267 (66.25%) complied with scheduled clinics visits at 3 months and 6 months, respectively. One hundred and thirteen (28.04%) had been loss to follow-up. 17/403 (4.22%) had died and had been out of care after 6 months. 6 (1.49%) had been transferred to other health facilities and 113 (28.04%) had been loss to follow-up. Among those that had been lost to follow-up, 30 (33.63%) deferred SDI while 75 (66.37%) initiated ART under SDI. One hundred and eighty-nine (70.79%) participants who had remained in care were SDI patients while 78 (29.21%) were SDI deferred patients. In the bivariate analysis; gender (OR: 1.672; 95% CI: 1.002–2.791), number of sexual partners (OR: 2.092; 95% CI: 1.07–4.061), age (OR: 0.941; 95% CI: 0.734–2.791), ART start date (OR: 0.078; 95% CI: 0.042–0.141), partner HIV status (OR: 0.621; 95% CI: 0.387–0.995) and the number of hospitalizations after HIV diagnosis (OR: 0.173; 95% CI: 0.092–0.326). were significantly associated with viral load detection. Furthermore, SDI patients who defaulted treatment were 2.4 (95% CI: 1.165–4.928) times more likely to have increased viral load than those who had been returned in care.ConclusionViral suppression under SDI proved higher but with poor retention in care. However, the results also emphasise a vital need, to not only streamline processes to increase immediate ART uptake further, but also to ensure retention in care.

Housing market dynamics of the post-Sandy Hudson estuary, Long Island Sound, and New Jersey coastline are explained by NFIP participation

How flooding affects home values can determine the path of economic recovery for communities and have lasting impacts on national and global financial systems. Yet, our understanding of how flood insurance, community risk perception, and past flooding events shape future housing prices (HPs) remains limited. To explore this, we used a socio-environmental (SE) model and studied the temporal impacts of flooding on mean housing values across 496 coastal census tracts of New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey, US, from 1970 to 2021. The modeling exercise demonstrated that the initial economic impact of Hurricane Sandy was largely absorbed by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); however, the region then exhibited a long-term decline in home values, which was well described by an interrupted time series model. We found significant correlations between SE model parameters describing HP change and those describing tract-scale behaviors and perceptions, suggesting that the salience of past flooding events and NFIP participation may be important regional drivers of HPs. Tracts with greater post-flood change in active insurance policies exhibited larger decreases in mean home values than those with more stable NFIP participation. An improved understanding of relationships between HPs, flood insurance, and community perceptions could support more equitable distributions of resources and improved policy interventions to reduce flooding risk.

Towards a low-carbon economy: how does green credit affect carbon productivity?

As a financial instrument and a crucial component of the environmental governance system, the comprehensive impacts of green credit on both the economy and the environment remain unclear. This study examines Chinese provincial data from 2001 to 2018 and employs multiple models to assess the dynamic effects of green credit on carbon productivity. The findings indicate a significant positive influence of green credit on carbon productivity within local and surrounding areas. Furthermore, the promotion effect of green credit on carbon productivity is mainly through energy structure transformation, upgrading of industrial structure and green technology innovation. Interestingly, when considering the spatiotemporal aspect, we observe an initial marginal negative impact of green credit on carbon productivity, which subsequently transitions to a positive effect. The regions demonstrating the highest positive impacts of green credit are primarily concentrated in the southwestern region rich in renewable energy and the economically developed eastern coastal region.

A descriptive study of policy and system-level interventions to address cancer survivorship issues across six United States health systems.

To describe policy and system-level interventions with potential to improve cancer care at six sites. In 2016, six institutions received foundation support to develop unique multi-component interventions aimed at improving cancer care for underserved populations. These organizations, located across the United States, participated in a cross-site evaluation to assess the overall initiative impact and to identify potentially promising policy and system-level solutions for dissemination and broader implementation. A health system and policy tracking tool was developed to collect data from each site and included a description of their efforts, strategies employed, and changes achieved (e.g., new policies, clinical protocols). Tracking tool data were analyzed using rapid qualitative analyses and a matrix approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with site leaders (N = 65) and were analyzed by thematic analysis. Sites reported 20 system and policy efforts, which resulted in improvements to electronic health records and telehealth strategies, changes to hospital/health system policies, and standardized clinical protocols/guidelines, among others. Efforts were aimed at: (1) coordinating care across multiple providers, supported by patient navigators; (2) expanding psychosocial and supportive care; (3) improving patient-provider communication; and (4) addressing barriers to accessing care. Interview analyses provided insights into successful strategies, challenges, and implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, cancer care remains inequitable. System-level improvements aimed at eliminating common barriers faced by underserved populations offer opportunities to improve the delivery of equitable, effective, and efficient care.

Defining environmental justice communities: Evaluating digital infrastructure in Southeastern states for Justice40 benefits allocation

Evaluating the impact of the Justice40 Initiative requires clearly defining and publicly disclosing both the “benefits” of the clean energy transition and the “disadvantaged communities” who should receive these benefits. Robust digital infrastructure at the state level is necessary to ensure that federal clean energy and climate funding intended for disadvantaged communities reaches those communities. This paper evaluates the digital environmental infrastructure capabilities of southeastern U.S. states (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia) using accessibility, timeliness, methodology, and usefulness metrics drawn from the open government data and environmental data justice literature. The results of this evaluation are compared to each state's environmental justice policies. Southeastern states' environmental digital infrastructure tends to exclude qualitative information, data collected by non-governmental actors, and multi-media information. The states that have developed clear definitions and mapping tools relating to EJ communities (Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia) tend to score well across the evaluation metrics. Policy recommendations to advance environmental justice policy in southeastern states include developing EJ mapping tools, advocating for a Justice40 oversight committee at the state level, defining EJ communities, and ensuring transparency in reporting the expenditures of federal funds.

Analyzing spatial vulnerability in cities by combining the analytic hierarchy process and geographic information systems: The case of Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain

ABSTRACT Vulnerability in urban areas has been on the rise following the global political and economic restructuring processes that have taken place since the 1980s. This increase in vulnerability has sparked a growing awareness of the need to understand the impact of these processes on the most vulnerable neighborhoods and areas of cities so as to develop effective policy responses. Although this vulnerability has become more evident in larger cities, this casuistry can also be seen in medium-sized cities. This paper examines the level of vulnerability of different neighborhoods in the medium-sized European city of Vitoria-Gasteiz (Basque Country, Spain), using a methodological approach which combines the analytic hierarchy process and geographic information systems, based on a number of indicators for different economic, demographic and migratory status-related dimensions. The results reveal a synthetic map of the vulnerability of neighborhoods in Vitoria-Gasteiz that shows an uneven impact of structural processes and policy initiatives implemented over decades. The paper concludes that synthetic maps of vulnerability make it possible to show the different realities in the urban framework and can contribute to defining public interventions tailored to these specific problems.

Comparison of Early Versus Late Adjunctive Vasopressin and Corticosteroids in Patients With Septic Shock.

Vasopressin (VP) and hydrocortisone (HC) have been shown to improve outcomes in patients with septic shock. However, there is very little literature addressing the impact of the timing of the combination. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of early versus late initiation of both VP and HC on time to shock reversal in septic shock patients. This was a retrospective study conducted at a tertiary academic medical center. Data were collected from system-generated reports, which were used to identify patients with septic shock who were admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) and received both VP and HC. The primary endpoint was time to shock reversal. Patients were divided into the "early" group if both VP and HC were initiated within 12 hours of vasopressor initiation or into the "late" group if either VP or HC (or both agents) were initiated after 12 hours of vasopressor initiation. A total of 122 patients were included in the analysis. Early initiation was associated with a shorter time to shock reversal (34 hours vs 65 hours; P = 0.012) compared to late initiation. There were no differences in ICU length of stay, mortality, the number patients requiring renal replacement therapy, or the duration of mechanical ventilation in either group. Our study addressed a major gap in the literature and suggests that adding the combination of VP and HC within 12 hours of septic shock may be associated with improved patient outcomes.

The Role of Digitalization in Enhancing Public Service Effectiveness in Indonesia

This qualitative research explores the role of digitalization in enhancing the effectiveness of public services in Indonesia. Against the backdrop of an increasingly digitalized world, the study aims to investigate the impact of digital initiatives on the efficiency and accessibility of public services in the Indonesian context. Employing a qualitative approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews with government officials, experts, and users of public services, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. The findings demonstrate that digitalization has played a significant role in improving the overall quality and responsiveness of public services in Indonesia. Furthermore, the study reveals key insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing digital solutions in the public sector. The research contributes valuable knowledge to the ongoing discourse on leveraging digital technology to enhance public service delivery, thereby benefiting policymakers, practitioners, and citizens alike.

GENDER STEREOTYPING MALICE: CAMOUFLAGING IN STOCK CHARACTERS AND ARCHETYPES

Archetype and stock/generic characters have exhibited an enormous presence in almost all ages, forms and genres of literary texts. The booming evolution of media forms over time caused these types of characters to transition to the newer and popularity-attaining media forms including theatre, cinema, games and most recently the meta-verse. As the norm goes, these characters in return have contributed immensely to the creative arts providing them with a stock medium of expression readily available for narration. However, these characters at the same time have contributed to both, the creation of new gender stereotypes and strengthening of the previously existing ones. Over time, these gender stereotypes have, in multiple ways, consciously or unconsciously contributed to the conditioning of the society at large through media consumption and have also rendered considerable impact on several important domains of human life including education, professional space, society and the people encompassing various disciplines. Modern Indian media, too inculcated these types of characters in their chosen narrations leading to a borrowing of the imbibed gender stereotypes as well. Witnessing shifts of trends, these characters too have undergone updates leading to a variety of changes and alterations with regard to gender stereotypes. However, these newer modifications are not yet so significant than the initial cultural impact of the same while accompanying with them is again a newer baggage of gender stereotypes. The present paper aims at understanding such prevalent gender stereotypes that have been nurtured, strengthened and formulated as a result of the archetype and stock/generic characters thereby enabling identification of such for a wider audience especially those linked to the educational space. Thus, nurturing the underlying aim of helping them (educational professionals) understand the influences hence generated through these recurring character types in multiple media. The paper favours a rather critical outlook upon the roles and impacts of such characters in gender stereotyping and/or their strengthening along with the key issues that they have given rise to considering the population and/or society at large. It aims at a thorough examination of selected and abundantly prevalent archetype stock/generic characters as such including the action hero, chosen one, Christ figure, dark lady, Damsel in distress, dumb blonde, folk hero and the French maid to name a few. It will facilitate an understanding of the sources, backing and flow of gender stereotypes as is lent through these characters. The paper seeks to examine these with regard to Indian Media citing examples ranging from literary works and motion pictures to internet media like memes and short videos. The present paper has employed qualitative approach. Under qualitative approach, it is narrative research examining the various imprints of such characters in various media and their role. The outcomes thus help not only understand, but also trace, segregate and relook towards the inculcation of gender stereotypes lent by these character types.

The impact of green innovation initiatives on competitiveness and financial performance of the land transport industry

The transportation sector is one of the primary contributors to greenhouse gas emissions that have deteriorating effects on the state of the environment. The implementation of sustainable practices has become one of the most challenging tasks of organizations at present. This study examined the effect of implementing green innovation initiatives on a firm's competitiveness and financial performance of motor vehicle companies in the Philippines. Data were gathered through an online survey questionnaire with a total of 206 respondents composed of employees of various ranks working in companies engaged in the manufacture, distribution, retail, and service of motor vehicles. The theoretical framework presented a hierarchical latent variable model which was validated using the partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The model fit, measurement, general construct fit, discriminant validity, and structural model parameters were examined and found to have acceptable values. The findings indicated that environmental regulations, market demand, government pressure, competitor pressure, corporate social responsibility, and employee conduct were the significant drivers of green innovation initiatives. The study also revealed that the implementation of green innovation initiatives positively affects the firm's competitiveness and financial performance. Motor vehicle companies and other types of organizations are encouraged to demonstrate not only their concern for society or community but also their concern for the environment to acquire better market leverage and financial position.

Stakeholder governance and sustainability in football: A bibliometric analysis

This study presents a bibliometric analysis of stakeholder governance and sustainability in football. The PRISMA statement and the main techniques from the existing bibliometric analysis toolbox are applied to guide the research. The analysis includes 127 documents from Scopus and WoS, covering the period from 2007 to mid-2023, to examine the performance analysis and science mapping of the subject over time. The study's key findings highlight publication-related metrics, citation-and-publication-related metrics, co-authorship analysis, and co-word analysis. The analysis also identifies research gaps, including the need to explore barriers to stakeholder governance in football, the application of stakeholder pressure frameworks in football clubs, the examination of mimetic and normative pressures in the context of sustainability and governance in football, and the involvement of stakeholders and football institutions in collaborative efforts to enhance the effectiveness and impact of sustainability initiatives.

Artificial intelligence: how leading companies define use cases, scale-up utilization, and realize value

Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most transformative information technologies of our century. Despite high expectations across all industries and corporate functions, companies have difficulties to realize the full potential of AI and struggle to move beyond AI pilots. This article provides empirical evidence from survey data and three case studies to better understand the value drivers of AI. Leading companies specify use cases from a business perspective and leverage domain expertise to tap into value pools by combining technology with human capabilities. They provide fundamental enablers for AI like digital and data platforms, a data-centric organization with solid governance, and a dedicated human resource base to facilitate AI value creation. Moreover, these firms assess the financial and business impact of AI initiatives and reprioritize projects if the expected value does not materialize. Based on these insights, recommendations to better scale and derive value from AI projects will be offered.

Mechanical properties of refractory HEA WNbTaV and its penetration behavior to aluminum alloy plate

Quasi-static and dynamic compression experiments were conducted on WNbTaV to investigate its mechanical characteristics and its penetration behavior into an aluminum alloy target plate. Additionally, ballistic experiments with WNbTaV projectiles against 2A12 aluminum alloy thin targets were performed. The results indicate that HEA WNbTaV at a strain rate of 10−3 s−1 has a fracture strength of 1340 MPa, a yield strength of around 980 MPa, and a fracture strain of less than 7%. However, its dynamic yield strength is almost twice its quasi-static yield strength, and its dynamic fracture strain is more than twice the quasi-static compression fracture strain.When striking a 2 mm thick 2A12 aluminum alloy target plate with a velocity less than 348.5 m/s, the HEA WNbTaV projectile remains stiff and undeformed. Its maximum velocity before entering the target plate is roughly 273 m/s. Furthermore, within a certain impact velocity range, the residual velocity, initial impact velocity, and ultimate penetration velocity of the HEA WNbTaV projectile penetrating the 2 mm thick 2A12 aluminum alloy target plate meet the following relationships. vr=v02−2.13vb2.

Object-Oriented Remote Sensing Approaches for the Detection of Terrestrial Impact Craters as a Reconnaissance Survey

The purpose of this study is to employ a remote sensing reconnaissance survey based on optimal segmentation parameters and an object-oriented random forest approach to the identification of possible terrestrial impact craters from the global 30-m resolution SRTM DEM. A dataset consisting of 94 confirmed and well-preserved terrestrial impact craters, 104 volcanic calderas, and 124 valleys were extracted from real-world surface features. For craters with different sizes, eight optimal scale parameters from 80 to 3000 have been identified using multi-resolution segmentation, where the scale parameters have a positive correlation (R2 = 0.78) with the diameters of craters. The object-oriented random forest approach classified the tested impact craters, volcanic calderas, and valleys with an overall accuracy of 88.4% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.8. The investigated terrestrial impact craters, in general, have relatively lower rim circularity, higher length-to-width ratio, and lower relief, slope, and elevation than volcanic calderas. The topographic characteristics can be explained by geological processes associated with the formation and post-deformation of impact craters. The excavation and ejection by initial impact and rebound of excavated materials contribute to low elevation. The post-impact deformation, including inward collapse and slump of unstable rims, weathering, erosion, and sediment deposition, further reduces elevation and relief and modifies shapes resulting in lower circularity and higher length-to-width ratio. Due to the resolution limitation of the source DEM data and the number of real-world samples, the model has only been validated for craters of 0.88 to 100 km in diameter, which can be generalized to explore undiscovered terrestrial impact craters using cloud computing with global datasets provided by platforms such as Google Earth Engine and Microsoft Planetary Computer.

The initial psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare professionals in a children's hospital

Aims: The pandemic has had devastating effects across the world particularly on healthcare professionals. We assessed anxiety and depression with somatization to discover the psychological effects of the pandemic.
 Methods: 250 healthcare workers in a tertiary pediatric teaching hospital were asked to respond to the questionnaire between 1 and 30 June 2020 and the responses were assessed via three scales including the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), the General Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) and the Somatosensory Amplification Scale (SSAS).
 Results: A total of 242 participants responded (response rate 97%); 29% of the participants reported moderate or severe anxiety while 49% reported moderate or more severe depression. There was no significant difference between the degrees of depression and moderate to severe anxiety through different professions (p= 0.480, p=0.384, respectively). Somatization was significantly lower in doctors and higher in female participants (p=0.001). Participants with chronic diseases and ones that had a dependent relative were at higher risk for anxiety and depression. 
 Conclusion: Most of the healthcare workers had depression and anxiety in the beginning of the pandemic, and it was independent of gender, profession, or workplace. Healthcare professionals with chronic diseases and dependent relatives are at risk for severe depression.

The Benefits and Challenges of Customization within SaaS Cloud Solutions

The Benefits and Challenges of Customization within SaaS Cloud Solutions

A Review on Evolution and Importance of Diversity Education and Inclusion in Building an Effective Organizational Culture

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to explore the history and development of diversity education and inclusion in organizations and to highlight their importance in creating a positive and productive workplace culture. The study intends to investigate the advantages of diversity and inclusion in organisations, such as technical excellence, sound decision, and enhanced retention and engagement among staff members. It also seeks to identify the challenges and barriers to implementing effective diversity and inclusion programs and strategies, and to suggest best practices for organizations seeking to build a diverse and inclusive workplace culture. Ultimately, the goal of the study is to provide insights and recommendations that can help organizations create a more welcoming, inclusive, and equitable workplace for all employees. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study involves a literature review and analysis of existing skill variety and advancement research. This would involve reviewing academic journals, books, and other relevant publications on the topic, as well as industry reports and case studies. Results/ Findings: The review paper finds that diversity education and inclusion initiatives have evolved over time, from simply focusing on compliance with anti-discrimination laws to recognizing the value of diversity in creating a more innovative and productive workplace culture. Identifies common challenges and barriers to implementing effective diversity and inclusion programs, such as resistance from some employees, lack of buy-in from leadership, and difficulty in measuring the impact of such initiatives. the findings of the study may contribute to a better understanding of the benefits and challenges of diversity and inclusion initiatives in organizations and provide recommendations for building a more inclusive and equitable workplace culture. Value: The paper emphasises the importance of research through a detailed examination of the literature on the subject, recognizing the value of diversity in creating a more innovative and productive workplace culture. Type of Paper: Literature Review