Physical Integrity Research Articles

ObjectiveThe childbirth experience can be traumatic for women, with negative repercussions on their mental health, mother-child bonding, and subsequent infant development. The aim of this study is to analyze the negative birth experience, through indicators of obstetric violence (OV), as a risk factor for the development of Perinatal Posttraumatic Stress (P-PTS) in early postpartum. Additionally, we seek to explore the buffering impact of other variables on the development of P-PTS symptomatology.MethodsA total of 236 postpartum women were surveyed online, between the fourth and sixth week postpartum, assessing thirteen indicators of OV using the Questionnaire on Birth Conditions. We also utilized the Post-traumatic Stress Symptom Checklist and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, alongside collecting sociodemographic, pregnancy and delivery conditions. Mean differences, correlations, and regression analyses were performed.ResultsWomen exposed to OV have a higher risk of developing P-PTS symptoms. Increased risk was noted in those exposed to staff’s ironic comments, undergoing medical procedures without prior information, or those who were made to feel guilty for childbirth outcomes. Moreover, early postpartum skin-to-skin contact and perceived social support from friends and family served as protective factors against P-PTSS development.ConclusionsPostpartum traumatization may not solely stem from threats to physical integrity or survival but also from experiences of inferiority, inadequacy, loss of dignity, or dehumanizing treatment. These findings underline the necessity for healthcare professionals to enhance the quality of care during childbirth, to maximize immediate skin-to-skin contact, and been aware and actively seeking social support for women.

The childbirth experience can be traumatic for women, with negative repercussions on their mental health, mother-child bonding, and subsequent infant development. The aim of this study is to analyze the negative birth experience, through indicators of obstetric violence (OV), as a risk factor for the development of Perinatal Posttraumatic Stress (P-PTS) in early postpartum. Additionally, we seek to explore the buffering impact of other variables on the development of P-PTS symptomatology. A total of 236 postpartum women were surveyed online, between the fourth and sixth week postpartum, assessing thirteen indicators of OV using the Questionnaire on Birth Conditions. We also utilized the Post-traumatic Stress Symptom Checklist and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, alongside collecting sociodemographic, pregnancy and delivery conditions. Mean differences, correlations, and regression analyses were performed. Women exposed to OV have a higher risk of developing P-PTS symptoms. Increased risk was noted in those exposed to staff's ironic comments, undergoing medical procedures without prior information, or those who were made to feel guilty for childbirth outcomes. Moreover, early postpartum skin-to-skin contact and perceived social support from friends and family served as protective factors against P-PTSS development. Postpartum traumatization may not solely stem from threats to physical integrity or survival but also from experiences of inferiority, inadequacy, loss of dignity, or dehumanizing treatment. These findings underline the necessity for healthcare professionals to enhance the quality of care during childbirth, to maximize immediate skin-to-skin contact, and been aware and actively seeking social support for women.

Fiber-optic bolometers (FOBs) designed for plasma radiation measurement in magnetically confined fusion environments have been previously developed and tested at the DIII-D tokamak. These FOBs utilize a silicon Fabry-Perot interferometer at the fiber tip for temperature measurement and a gold disk as a radiation absorber. This paper presents recent advancements in the development of FOBs with reduced cooling time constants and enhanced temperature tolerance. We also demonstrate high-temperature operation and report findings from irradiation tests. By incorporating a copper sensor holder as a thermal sink and integrating two closely packed sensor heads into a compact design, the cooling time constants were reduced to ∼100ms in vacuum, while minimizing uncertainties caused by temperature gradients. The FOBs were subjected to heating at 400 °C for five hours, with no observed degradation in noise performance post-heating. High-temperature operation tests were conducted at ∼220 °C using a 404nm square-wave modulated laser to simulate the plasma radiation. In addition, four FOBs constructed from copper-coated pure-silica fibers were fabricated and underwent irradiation testing, enduring a total γ-radiation dose of 15.2 MGy and a neutron fluence of 1.6 × 1018 n/cm2. The FOBs maintained their physical integrity and the optical signal shows high visibility throughout the test.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are critical for modern transportation and renewable energy systems. Accurate prediction of their degradation trajectory and remaining useful life (RUL) is essential for reliability and safety. This study proposes a physics-informed neural network (PINN) framework integrating RUL prediction with degradation modeling, featuring three components: (1) A multi-factor aging model incorporating knee-point dynamics, capturing two-phase degradation influenced by depth of discharge, temperature, and C-rate; (2) An end-to-end convolutional neural network (CNN) processing multi-channel charge-discharge profiles (current, voltage, capacity) to jointly predict knee points and RUL, enabling feedback between degradation and RUL outputs; (3) An LSTM-based PINN framework embedding electrochemical constraints into a hybrid loss function, enhancing interpretability and generalizability under limited data. Validated on 132 commercial LiFePO4/graphite batteries under diverse fast-charging protocols, the CNN achieves 75.62-cycle RUL prediction RMSE, while the PINN reaches 0.013 Ah capacity prediction precision. Ablation studies show the model reduces degradation trajectory RMSE by 38.10%–84.71% compared to baselines without physical integration or RUL feedback. This approach bridges data-driven learning and electrochemical principles for robust LIB lifespan estimation.

Physical mechanisms and integration design of memristors

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of physics learning for biology students at the University of Mataram, focusing on understanding, application of concepts, and the relevance of materials to biological studies. The research employed a quantitative approach using a Likert-scale questionnaire distributed to 40 Biology program students. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to identify trends in students' perceptions of the effectiveness and satisfaction with physics learning. The results revealed that most students considered physics learning moderately effective, particularly through practical sessions, although the prevalence of neutral responses indicated a need to improve material relevance and teaching methods. Practical sessions significantly supported concept comprehension, yet challenges remained in connecting physics materials to practical applications in biology. Student satisfaction with teaching methods was relatively positive, but improvements in material delivery and laboratory facilities were also highlighted as critical areas. This study recommends strengthening the integration of physics with biological contexts, optimizing practical sessions, and developing teaching methods utilizing interactive technology and case studies to enhance student engagement.

Background: (Corrosion phenomena means to the deterioration of metallic materials due to chemical and electrochemical reactions, because these materials are always trying to reach a state of lower energy potential. Corrosion has many implications in terms of economic issues, security concerns and preservation of materials, so its study and mitigation is highly important. Herein some information is provided about, (1) certain types of corrosion which can be commonly observed, (2) Some factors that influence the corrosion process and speed, and (3) certain types of methods for controlling of corrosion and protection of materials Materials and Methods: Corrosion can be minimized or avoided by selecting corrosion-resistant materials, choosing appropriate heat treatments, and respecting the constraints of their application (mass, resistance to deformation, corrosion resistance, avoiding chemical reactions with other materials, and heat). For example, when metals are formed through bending, differences in the amount of cold work and residual stresses produce local stress zones. These can be minimized by stress elimination or complete recrystallization through annealing. In conclusion, the composition and physical integrity of materials are altered by exposure to a corrosive environment, but by applying the appropriate corrosion protection, the useful life of products will be extended, they will have optimal performance, with good aesthetics and presentation, preventing failures and, consequently, accidents, among other benefits (depending on the method applied).These methods for preventing corrosion and their performance depend largely on the ability to choose the most appropriate method to minimize the effects of corrosion and prevent material failure. Results: With this research, I complement the knowledge that my electricity teachers taught me in the classroom about the effects of the passage of an electric current through the materials that make up a metallic structure buried or submerged in an aqueous environment, causing a destruction of the metals, called corrosion. Conclusion: Cathodic protection is one of the most widely used coatings in various industrial sectors. At Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX), a department daily inspects, maintains, and installs this system, which reduces corrosion in its pipelines, storage tanks, and the metal structures of its equipment and buildings

A smart capsule with a bacteria- and pH-triggered enteric polymer coating for targeted colonic microbiome sampling.

Serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBEM) enables high-resolution 3D imaging of biological specimens but is often limited by specimen charging due to the use of non-conductive epoxy resins. While heavy metal staining and variable-pressure SEM can reduce charging, these methods compromise resolution or are only partially effective. We report a novel approach using polyethylene glycol (PEG 3350), a water-soluble, non-conductive polymer, as a doping agent to reduce specimen charging without sacrificing imaging quality. Although PEG 3350 alone lacks the mechanical and sectioning properties required for SBEM, we found it can be dissolved in standard Durcupan epoxy resin to improve charge resistance while maintaining physical integrity. Resins doped with 10% PEG 3350 demonstrated a substantial reduction in charging at 1.4-1.8 keV in charge-prone samples such as cultured HeLa cells, lung, and brain tissues, while retaining transparency and sectionability. Unlike other methods, the doped resin performs in high vacuum without compromising signal-to-noise ratio or spatial resolution. Notably, the PEG-doped resin reduced charging at voltages above the typical threshold for undoped resins, which show artifacts above 1.0 keV. Though some charging persisted in lung tissue at 2.0 keV, near-complete mitigation was achieved at slightly lower voltages. Our findings suggest that PEG-doped resins provide a promising route to minimize specimen charging in SBEM, and future studies optimizing PEG molecular weight and concentration could yield a universally charge-resistant embedding medium compatible with high-resolution imaging across diverse sample types.

As the development of oilfields in China enters its middle-to-late stage, the old oilfields still occupy a dominant position in the production structure. The seepage process of reservoirs in the high Water Content Period (WCP) presents significant nonlinear and non-homogeneous evolution characteristics, and the traditional seepage-modeling methods are facing the double challenges of accuracy and adaptability when dealing with complex dynamic scenarios. In recent years, Deep Learning technology has gradually become an important tool for reservoir seepage field prediction by virtue of its powerful feature extraction and nonlinear modeling capabilities. This paper systematically reviews the development history of seepage field prediction methods and focuses on the typical models and application paths of Deep Learning in this field, including FeedForward Neural networks, Convolutional Neural Networks, temporal networks, Graphical Neural Networks, and Physical Information Neural Networks (PINNs). Key processes based on Deep Learning, such as feature engineering, network structure design, and physical constraint integration mechanisms, are further explored. Based on the summary of the existing results, this paper proposes future development directions including real-time prediction and closed-loop optimization, multi-source data fusion, physical consistency modeling and interpretability enhancement, model migration, and online updating capability. The research aims to provide theoretical support and technical reference for the intelligent development of old oilfields, the construction of digital twin reservoirs, and the prediction of seepage behavior in complex reservoirs.

Forced marriage of child victims of rape is a phenomenon that places children in a position of double victimization, both as victims of sexual crimes and as subjects who lose their human rights to determine their future freely and with dignity. This research aims to examine forced marriage in the framework of sexual violence against children from the perspective of criminal law and human rights. In its approach, this research uses a normative juridical method with a statutory approach, conceptual approach, comparative approach, and case approach. The results show that forced marriage not only violates children's rights to protection from sexual violence as stipulated in Law Number 12 of 2022 concerning Criminal Acts of Sexual Violence, but also violates the principles of non-discrimination, the best interests of the child, and the right to physical and psychological integrity as guaranteed in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and other international human rights instruments. This research emphasizes the importance of legal recognition of forced marriage as a form of sexual violence and the need for a comprehensive policy in the handling and recovery of child victims.

The Brazilian prison system faces serious problems, despite being widely supported by legislation. Overcrowding is the most evident issue, but other factors, such as inadequate hygiene conditions, the absence of resocialization activities, and exposure to criminality, also contribute to the system’s failure. Most inmates remain in degrading conditions, idle, and vulnerable to corruption. The State’s role is to punish while ensuring the physical and moral integrity of detainees, as established by the Constitution, Penal Code, and the Law of Penal Execution. The primary goal of imprisonment should be the recovery and reintegration of the individual into society. However, the high rate of recidivism demonstrates the system’s inefficiency, making it urgent to seek effective solutions. This study aims to analyze the crisis of the prison system, reflecting on its impact on society.

The Maria da Penha Law 11.340/2006 was mandatory in expanding women’s rights in relation to various types of violence suffered. The law aims to protect the physical and psychological integrity of victims of violence, which is increasing every year in Brazil. The article aims to present the types of violence that exist, new types of violence that are not yet discussed or even considered as violence by some, because they do not understand the subject and in which areas violence occurs. It will also present laws that classify certain types of violence that have existed for a long time and new laws and legal mechanisms that have emerged to meet the new demand for crimes developed through the advancement of technology, with an emphasis on emotional fraud and cybercrimes. At the end, it will point out which loopholes exist in the legislation, challenges faced in this fight and what measures will still be created to change this scenario of violence against women that is growing every day. The main objective is to understand the scenario of violence and its modernizations and seek more effective measures in each case, ensuring greater security and confidence in laws and public policies.

ABSTRACTThis study explores the graft copolymerization of starch gels prepared under neutral conditions using the thermal initiator 4,4′‐azobis (4‐cyanovaleric acid) (ACVA), with particular emphasis on the role of gelatin incorporation. Neutral conditions were chosen to maintain the physical and chemical integrity of the starch gels, providing a biocompatible and environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional alkaline processes. Hydrogels with and without gelatin were synthesized and comprehensively characterized in terms of their mechanical and biological properties. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) identified distinct chemical modifications, particularly the formation of an amide‐II bond due to gelatin incorporation. Rheological tests demonstrated that gelatin enhanced structural stability, rigidity, and elasticity, while puncture tests confirmed improvements in mechanical strength. However, cell viability tests revealed a decline in biocompatibility at higher gelatin concentrations, likely due to aggregation and matrix inhomogeneity. These findings underscore the importance of balancing mechanical strength and biocompatibility when designing hydrogels for biomedical applications. This work contributes to the development of advanced starch‐based hydrogels by providing a framework for optimizing both structural integrity and biological compatibility.

People with atopic dermatitis (AD) suffer from dry, itchy skin with reduced skin barrier function that leaves it prone to irritant and allergen penetration. Alterations in the composition and structure of the stratum corneum (SC) lipid lamellae underpin this increase in permeability. A wide range of emollients is used to ameliorate the skin of patients with AD, but the majority have unclear effects on the lipid lamellae and barrier function. To compare the effects of a multivesicular emulsion containing physiological lipids and glycerine (MVE + GL) with a commonly prescribed oil-in-water emulsion containing glycerine without physiological lipids (O/W + G). A double-blind intraparticipant-controlled study was undertaken in adults with a history of eczema. Participants applied MVE + GL to one forearm and lower leg and O/W + G to contralateral sites twice daily for 28 days. Skin properties were assessed before and after treatment. A detailed lipidomic profile was generated from SC samples, alongside in vivo attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis of its molecular composition. Fifty-eight people were included in the study [mean (SD) age 46 (21) years]. At sites treated with MVE + GL skin barrier integrity improved significantly [mean (SD) transepidermal water loss after 20 skin tape strips (TEWL20) 38.02 (18.64) g m-2 h-1 pretreatment vs. 29.79 (13.47) g m-2 h-1 post-treatment; P < 0.001], whereas O/W + G had no effect [35.6 (18.39) g m-2 h-1 vs. 37.4 (16.69) g m-2 h-1]. Concordantly, skin sensitivity to sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) was significantly reduced by MVE + GL treatment [mean (SD) post-SLS TEWL 35.58 (15.43) g m-2 h-1 pretreatment vs. 29.54 (11.64) g m-2 h-1 post-treatment (P < 0.001); erythema was also reduced]. Skin moisture increased more rapidly at sites treated with MVE + GL vs. O/W + G, leading to a more rapid reduction in visual skin dryness. Over 1600 lipid species were detected in the SC. Ceramide species NP (non-hydroxy-phytosphingosine) and AP (α-hydroxy-phytosphingosine) with 18-carbon sphingoid bases, both ingredients of the MVE + GL, increased significantly by 24% and 19%, respectively, following MVE + GL treatment. In contrast, changes of 9% for NP(18) and 6% for AP(18) were not statistically significant at sites treated with O/W + G. Increased abundance of NP(18) species relative to NdS (non-hydroxy-dihydrosphingosine) species was related to improvements in skin barrier integrity. While the glycerine-containing emollient reduced skin dryness, it had no impact on barrier function. In contrast, MVE + GL improved the physical integrity of the barrier and reduced the sensitivity of the skin.

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), distinguished by rapid refueling capability and zero tailpipe emissions, have emerged as a transformative energy conversion technology for automotive applications. Nevertheless, their widespread commercialization remains constrained by technical limitations mainly in operational longevity. Precise prognostics of performance degradation could enable real-time optimization of operation, thereby extending service life. This investigation proposes a hybrid prognostic framework integrating steady-state modeling with dynamic condition. First, a refined semi-empirical steady-state model was developed. Model parameters’ identification was achieved using grey wolf optimizer. Subsequently, dynamic durability testing data underwent systematic preprocessing through a correlation-based screening protocol. The processed dataset, comprising model-calculated reference outputs under dynamic conditions synchronized with filtered operational parameters, served as inputs for a recurrent neural network (RNN). Comparative analysis of multiple RNN variants revealed that the hybrid methodology achieved superior prediction fidelity, demonstrating a root mean square error of 0.6228%. Notably, the integration of steady-state physics could reduce the RNN structural complexity while maintaining equivalent prediction accuracy. This model-informed data fusion approach establishes a novel paradigm for PEMFC lifetime assessment. The proposed methodology provides automakers with a computationally efficient framework for durability prediction and control optimization in vehicular fuel cell systems.

This study offers a comparative analysis of preparatory practices in Buddhist meditation, focusing on the Tiantai tradition of medieval China and the Nyingma tradition of tenth-century Tibet. Challenging the view of meditation as solely a mental experience, it highlights the critical role of the body in shaping contemplative training. Drawing on recent Buddhist studies and cultural embodiment theory, the paper argues that preparatory practices are essential stages of psychophysical transformation, not just preliminary steps. The study explores early Chinese Tiantai texts, particularly Zhiyi’s meditation manuals, which present twenty-five preparatory practices involving posture, diet, breath control, and ethical restraint. In parallel, the paper examines Nupchen Sangye Yeshe’s bSam gtan mig sgron from the Tibetan Nyingma tradition, highlighting its emphasis on physical integrity, ritual purity, four supportive conditions, and environmental harmony. While Tiantai sources provide a structured methodology, Nyingma practices integrate these elements within broader tantric and visionary frameworks. The paper concludes that these practices are not only supportive of meditation, but also performative enactments of Buddhist cosmology and ethics, positioning the body as central to meditation’s transformative potential.

ABSTRACT The issue of physical urban integration is central to urban design and has been a goal of waterfront conversion projects since the 1980s. However, the focus on precinct plans delineated according to land ownership creates strongly visible edges that negatively affect user experience. This paper explores how tactical urbanism may contribute to building legitimacy for addressing such critical urban design issues. The study focused on a project launched in 2020 on the edge of Montreal’s downtown waterfront. Shadowing of urban design processes, onsite observation, and semi-structured interviews demonstrated that tactical urbanism was useful in reviving public debate on the uses of downtown city streets. Nevertheless, the incremental nature of the intervention generated tensions that could compromise future redesign projects capable of achieving a significant, long-term reconnection of the urban fabric. Key lessons for planning authorities and urban designers therefore concern the legitimacy of the solution, governance, and the urban design process of tactical urban experiments.

Urban kampungs are unique informal settlements in Indonesia characterized by spontaneous activities and intentional interaction that shape physical and social integration within space and place. Objective: To identify factors that sustain core urban kampung characteristics, like communality, in face of urban modernization. Theoretical Framework: The physical and social dimensions of the kampung are closely linked, forming a cohesive urban entity. Open spaces act as public domains that facilitate interaction and movement. Despite physical changes, resilience endures through collective identity, mutual support and trust. Since space configuration influences community life, encroachment of space poses a risk to social bonds that sustain the kampung. Method: A qualitative Case Study Research approach is employed, incorporating structured and non-structured interviews, on-site and online questionnaires, mapping, and observation of temporary and permanent residents. The analysis adopts an architectural perspective to examine spatial experience and community dynamics. Results and Discussion: Findings indicate that communality is vital to sustaining the kampung through closeness, collectivity, collaboration – elements that manifest in the interchange of space and place. Research Implications: Highlights the need to reinterpret kampung architecture as a non-physical entity that preserves communality, showing that its resilience stems from strong social bonds and community cohesion despite physical encroachment. Originality/Value: Contributes to literature by introducing the “3C concept” of communality as foundational to the resilience of Indonesia’s urban kampungs. Its relevance lies in showing how recognizing the value of community life in informal urban settings influences the dynamics of space and place.

BackgroundHydrogels are hydrophilic polymers with high water content and a porous structure, making them suitable for incorporating water-soluble drugs and functioning as drug delivery systems. Their structural similarity to living tissues renders them valuable for applications in tissue engineering, pharmaceuticals, and medical treatments.ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop a blended hydrogel with improved mechanical strength and biocompatibility, and to enhance its drug release capabilities through electrical stimulation.MethodA conductive hydrogel was synthesized by blending gelatin methacrylate (GelMA), kappa carrageenan (k-carrageenan), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The hydrogel's physical integrity, biocompatibility, and drug release performance under electrical stimulation were evaluated.ResultsThe GelMA/k-carrageenan/rGO hydrogel retained its structural stability, demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, and effectively released drugs in response to electrical stimulation.ConclusionThe developed conductive hydrogel presents strong potential for advanced drug delivery systems utilizing electrical stimulation, with promising implications across biomedical and pharmaceutical fields.