Powerful Influence Research Articles

Wear and use of prostheses in sport by adolescents with upper limb absence: A preliminary mixed-methods study

Background: There is minimal research on sports participation in adolescents with upper limb absence (ULA) and specifically on the impact of prosthesis provision. Objectives: This study explored using activity monitoring sensors and interviews to gain insight into levels of sport participation and associated prosthesis use in active adolescents with ULA. Study design: A mixed methods study using a convergent parallel design. Methods: Semi-structured interviews and activity diaries were used to investigate sports and related activities undertaken during a 2-week period. Prosthesis wear/use were determined via accelerometers worn on the anatomical and prosthetic wrists throughout; interview data added context. For comparison, accelerometer data and activity diaries were captured from similar aged anatomically intact (AI) participants. Results: Three adolescents with unilateral transradial ULA and 4 AI adolescents were recruited. Two ULA participants wore prostheses during sport (16.2% and 56.5% of the time). The third rarely wore their prosthesis. The ability to participate in sport has a powerful influence on participants' lives, and prostheses were used when participants felt they offered specific benefits. In contrast to AI participants, who showed similar reliance on each of their arms throughout, when wearing a prosthesis, users were heavily reliant on the anatomical arm, including during periods playing sports. Conclusions: Prosthesis use facilitated access to some sports, although they were only used by 2 out of 3 participants for short periods. The methods were acceptable to adolescent individuals with ULA.

Expanding lake and the landless pastoralists in pastoral Tibet, China

ABSTRACT This paper argues that everyday politics are instrumental in negotiating development outcomes despite the pervasive influence of centralised state power. The paper highlights the fluidity and adaptability of Chinese policy formulation, emphasizing local learning and improvisation. This is especially important for pastoral communities in remote rangelands, where land appropriation and environmental exploitation are increasingly evident. The paper sheds light on the influential role of everyday political practices in shaping outcomes within the Chinese context, while simultaneously contesting simplistic portrayals of top-down state planning in China. By emphasizing the existence of manoeuvrability and opportunities for negotiation within this framework, the paper advocates for a nuanced understanding of governance dynamics and power relations in the Chinese context.

The influence of leg muscle power, waist flexibility and self-confidence on soccer long passing ability

The problem in this study is the low ability of Long Passing soccer school players Buah Hati. This study aims to see the effect of leg muscle strength, waist flexibility and self-confidence on long passing ability, both directly and indirectly and simultaneously. This type of research is quantitative with a path analysis approach. the sample in this study were all 30 players of Buah Hati Football School. Sample withdrawal using saturated sampling technique. The leg muscle power instrument uses the Vetical Jump Test, waist flexibility using the Sit and reach test, confidence using a Likert scale model questionnaire and long passing ability with the Aerial Pass for Accuaracy test. The results showed that, (1) there is a direct effect of leg muscle power on long passing ability with ρz1 = 0.337 or 11.35%, (2) there is a direct effect of waist flexibility on long passing ability, with ρz2 = 0.458 or 20.97%, (3) there is a direct effect of self-confidence on long passing ability, with ρz3 = 0.225 or 5.06%, (4) there is an indirect effect of leg muscle power on Long Passing ability through self-confidence, with ρz31 = 0.1131 or 11.31%, (5) there is an indirect effect of waist flexibility on Long Passing ability through self-confidence, with ρz32 = 0.0893 or 8.93% and (6) there is an effect of leg muscle power, waist flexibility and self-confidence simultaneously on three point shooting ability, with ρz123 = 0.942 or 94.2%.

CONCEPTUAL METAPHOR IN FOOTBALL NEWS ON GOAL.COM

This research examines conceptual metaphors as defined by Lakoff and Johnson, focusing on three types: structural, ontological, and orientational. The study analyzes an editorial from Goal.com titled, "Arsenal have no margin for error! Gunners told Liverpool showdown is 'must-win' in title race just eight games into 2024-25 season," using a qualitative approach grounded in cognitive semantic theory to explore the nuanced meanings conveyed through metaphor in sports commentary. Known for its in-depth and timely football analysis, Goal.com offers insights into how metaphors enhance fans' understanding of competitive sports narratives. Data collection involved close reading and note-taking, identifying instances of structural, ontological, and orientational metaphors, along with their source and target domains and image schemas. Findings reveal five structural metaphors, which use schemas such as Scale and Force to emphasize competitive intensity; four ontological metaphors, drawing on Container, Force, and Existence schemas to illustrate team pressures; and one orientational metaphor, using the Container schema to deepen spatial and relational context in the text. This study highlights the role of sports media metaphors in shaping public perception, making abstract concepts like competition and resilience more tangible. By framing sports challenges in relatable, high-stakes terms, these metaphors foster emotional engagement among fans, creating a shared understanding of a team's journey and pressures and underscoring the powerful influence of metaphor in sports narratives.

Computational Power and Subjective Quality of AI-Generated Outputs: The Case of Aesthetic Judgement and Positive Emotions in AI-Generated Art

As AI technology advances, important questions arise about how the computational power behind these models affects human perception of AI-generated contents. Furthermore, the significant energy consumption of resource-heavy AI models brings growing environmental concerns as the demand for computational resources continues to rise. This research examines the influence of computational power in AI-generated art on human aesthetic perception and emotional response. A group of 100 participants evaluated several artworks either produced by humans or created by an AI operating at three distinct levels of quality, corresponding to varying computational demands. The results showed that participants preferred AI-generated artworks created with greater computational effort, indicating higher likability and more positive emotional reactions. However, the improvements in perception and emotion were modest and exhibited diminishing returns as computational power increased. The study addresses ethical concerns, including the environmental impact of the large computational resources generative AI requires and its implications for sustainable AI development.

Study of the Psychological Condition of Students Living in Border Conflict Regions

Since the 1990s, the conflicts and destructive processes that began in Abkhazia and South Ossetia have remained a major crisis for the population of Georgia. For nearly 30 years, the populations of both regions, governed by powerful Russian influence and de facto authorities, have been isolated from the rest of Georgia. The lack of social and intensive interactions, limited communication, and ideological confrontations have further distanced Georgians, Abkhazians, and Ossetians from one another. Under conditions of constant fear, socio-economic hardship, and restricted mobility, protecting the rights of students living in border and conflict regions, ensuring access to essential services, and addressing their mental health remain significant challenges for Georgian society. Students are a crucial part of society who can not only participate in processes of change and development but also become initiators of transformative processes. Given that mental health is linked to an individual’s psychosocial and physical well-being, studying students' mental health is important not only in terms of their knowledge and skills but also in terms of assessing their psychological condition and providing appropriate responses. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the psychological condition of students living in border conflict regions. To achieve this goal, the research utilized instruments adapted for the Georgian population, including the Death Anxiety Scale (DAS), Life Orientation Test–Revised (LOT-R), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and PROMIS Emotional Distress—Anxiety—Short Form. By employing these tools, it became possible to analyze the mental health challenges faced by students in border conflict regions and identify differences in their psychological conditions based on specific characteristics.

Thermal ablation of soft tissue by a single shock wave sonication of discrete foci within the given volume

New protocols have been developed for shockwave irradiation of soft tissue volumes using trajectories uniformly filled within the given shape by discrete foci, while pulsed millisecond sonication immediately formed a single ablation. The influence of the initial peak power with the same time-average power, the interfocus distance and the geometry of the external contour of the trajectory on the shape, volume and ablation rate was analyzed. The most advantageous is the saturation mode using a trajectory with an interfocus step 1.5 times greater than the transverse size of a single lesion. To obtain volumes of thermal ablation on the order of cubic centimeters, layer-by-layer sonication protocols are proposed, which allow to 2.5 times greater thermal ablation rate compared with protocols used in clinical practice. The advantage of the proposed shockwave protocols is the possibility of obtaining localized and predictable thermal damage without accompanying MRI monitoring.

Influence of laser power and scanning speed on microstructure evolutions and mechanical properties of the SLM fabricated Al-Mg-Mn-Sc-Zr alloy

The Al-Mg-Mn-Sc-Zr alloy is fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM). The influence of laser power and scanning speed on microstructure evolutions and mechanical properties is studied in this research. Results indicate that increasing laser power can refine grain structures and reduce anisotropy on the printing surface. However, the increase in laser power will enhance the residual stress inside the alloy, leading to a decrease in elongation. The scanning speed affects the molten pool energy input and cooling rate. When the scanning speed is between 750mm/s-1250mm/s, the alloy achieves a good grain refinement effect and weak texture strength. In addition, there exists a large number of nano-scaled Al3(Sc,Zr) particles precipitated during solidification and the subsequent annealing process, which can significantly enhance yield strength of the alloy. Overall, the Al-Mg-Mn-Sc-Zr alloy has a wide SLM forming window. When the laser power ranges from 200W to 250W, the scanning speed ranges from 750mm/s to 1250mm/s, and the volume energy density ranges from 80J/mm3 to 130J/mm3, the Al-Mg-Mn-Sc-Zr alloy can obtain good formability and mechanical property.

Time: Friend or Foe

AbstractUsing many years of experience in the UK's state primary schools, I consider that a limited understanding of time has damaging implications for both pupils and adults within the education system. The sector neglects the fact that time has much potential, many definitions and is a powerful influence on man. I share how education took clock‐time and manipulated it to an extreme, leading to the rule clock‐time now has over our schools. We are being held to account by time, and it has become our foe; however, I believe that it can become our friend. I explain why education should accept time's many facets and use them to help reshape its structure and practice. Time, in educational spaces, could be understood and experienced differently, taking in to account the human and all manner of other relevant things, for the greater good. This article began as a combined work of spoken word, poetry recital and research paper.

Factors influencing youth sports participation in India: A narrative review

Through this narrative review, we attempted to summarize and dissect the multiple dimensions affecting youth sports participation in India, using current literature to cover a broad spectrum of socio-cultural, economic, educational, and policy infrastructure; physical health; as well as media and technology perspectives. The analysis reveals that youth sports engagement is significantly influenced by familial, peer, and community dynamics, alongside cultural attitudes and gender disparities. Economic barriers, including affordability and accessibility of sports facilities, pose challenges, particularly for marginalized communities. Educational institutions play a pivotal role in fostering sports participation but face challenges in balancing academic pressures. Policy and infrastructure deficiencies hinder participation, necessitating robust interventions and community-based initiatives. Health considerations underscore the importance of managing injury risks and promoting inclusive programs. Moreover, media and technology emerge as powerful influencers, shaping youth attitudes and behaviors towards sports. This review also emphasizes the need for nuanced interventions and further research to more effectively reduce disparities and ensure inclusive youth sports participation in India.

Empowering Global Health Systems to Protect, Promote and Support Optimal Breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is a critical public health strategy for optimal child development and maternal health across the life course. The 2021 Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study reveals that, despite reductions in mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributed to suboptimal breastfeeding practices-namely, non-exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months or early discontinuation within the first 2 years-low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) continue to bear a staggering 50-fold higher burden compared to high-income nations. This inequity signals a pressing global health priority. Hence, we propose to address these challenges by first, expanding the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) reach through community-driven efforts such as the Baby-Friendly Community Initiative (BFCI) to enhance breastfeeding support in both clinical and community settings; second, embedding breastfeeding counselling within national health and social protection programmes to fill in gaps in culturally competent care, drawing on large scale breastfeeding peer counselling programme experiences like the one being implemented by the US Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC); third, improving maternity leave policies and workplace accommodations for breastfeeding women and fourth, stringent regulation of exploitative commercial milk formula (CMF) marketing to combat misinformation and reduce health inequities. Governments must implement strong, evidence-driven policies-such as strict monitoring and regulation of product labelling and digital media marketing-to establish safeguards against the powerful influence of the CMF industry. Collectively, these strategies will enhance breastfeeding outcomes, reduce health disparities and drive progress across countries towards meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Investigating the influence of RF power on the surface morphological and optical properties of sputtered TiO2 thin films

Thin films of titanium dioxide (TiO2), with thicknesses ranging from 105 to 231 nm, were deposited on glass substrates using radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering in an argon atmosphere at four distinct RF power levels: 40, 70, 100, and 130 W, with the deposition time kept constant. The crystalline structure, surface morphology and optical and semiconductor properties of the obtained films were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and UV–visible transmittance spectroscopy. These analyses revealed that the crystallinity of the films improves with increasing RF power, corresponding to an increase in film thickness. Consequently, the samples transition from poorly crystalline or amorphous structure to a monocrystalline rutile phase with a (110) texture. However, at the highest RF power studied, this texture is partially disrupted by the formation of nanocrystals with different orientations. The surface roughness exhibited multifractal characteristics, with complexity systematically decreasing and surface stiffness reducing as RF power increased. Refractive indices and optical band gap energies were determined using the Swanepoel and Tauc plot methods, respectively. The films exhibited a notable increase in the refractive index and a decrease in the optical band gap, from 3.81 eV to 3.52 eV, as the RF power was increased. This underscores the influence of RF power on the optical and semiconductor properties of TiO2 films.

Delaminated structure of Zn-doped TiO2 coatings induced by ultrasound-auxiliary micro-arc oxidation: the influence of ultrasonic power

In this study, two representative ultrasonic vibration (UV) methods were employed to fabricate Zn-doped TiO2 micro-arc oxidation (MAO) ceramic coatings with enhanced corrosion resistance on pure Ti substrate. On the one hand, the surface morphology and chemistry of the coatings are characterized as partially crystallized hydroxyapatite nanoparticles and amorphous bands rich in Ca, P, Zn, and O. On the other hand, the MAO-modified coatings exhibit much greater corrosion resistance than the bare Ti surfaces, showing a reduction in corrosion current density (icorr) by at least an order of magnitude. However, a key finding is that a lower UV power setting of 360 V (named as the TZ-optimized protocols here) surpasses the higher 900 V (named as the TZ-powerful protocols) in terms of corrosion resistance (i.e. icorr =∼1.47×10−8 A/cm2 vs ∼7.85×10−7 A/cm2, respectively) as well as adhesion strength to the substrate (the critical load of ∼6.4 N vs ∼2.9 N, respectively), which can be attributed to the delaminated structure formed at higher UV powers. This work is expected to remind the potential side effect of such delamination in ceramic coatings produced by UV-assisted MAO processes on Ti-based alloys.

Determinants of Tax Avoidance Intentions in Tourism SMEs: The Mediating Role of Coercive Power, Digital Transformation, and the Moderating Effect of CSR

Tax compliance and avoidance are critical issues for governments and businesses worldwide, especially as businesses often use legal methods to minimize taxes, which can impact public revenue and equity within the tax system. This study focuses on understanding the factors influencing tax avoidance behaviors among SMEs in Greece’s tourism sector, a sector that has received limited research attention. To this end, a quantitative cross-sectional design was employed, using a structured questionnaire to explore potential factors influencing tax avoidance behavior. Data were collected from 534 SME managers and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to assess the impact of key factors and their interrelationships, including coercive power, digital transformation, tax knowledge, firm performance, and perceived fairness, on tax avoidance. In addition, corporate social responsibility (CSR) was included as a moderator variable, while coercive power and digital transformation were assessed as mediators. Furthermore, Multi-Group Analysis (MGA) was conducted to explore the differences between small and medium enterprises, as well as different ownership structures. The results indicate that all key determinants, except perceived fairness, are significantly and positively related to tax avoidance intention. Additionally, it was revealed that coercive power increases tax avoidance through firm performance and tax knowledge, while digital transformation mediates the influence of firm performance on tax avoidance by curtailing avoidance intentions. While CSR mitigates the negative influence of coercive power, digital transformation has a dual role: that of promoting transparency and strategic efforts to reduce the tax burden. These findings have important policy implications, as policymakers seek to promote digital adoption and enhance CSR engagement while formulating specific regulatory strategies to reduce tax avoidance among SMEs.

Influence of Process Parameters on Flatness During Single-Track Laser Cladding.

During the laser cladding process, poor flatness of the cladding track can cause the surface structure to be uneven or corrugated, affecting the geometrical accuracy of the workpiece. Adjusting process parameters is an effective way to achieve high cladding track flatness. This study established a mesoscale model of the laser cladding process for CoCrMoSi powder to simulate the formation of a single cladding track. Subsequently, the formation mechanism of cladding track flatness was revealed by analyzing the flow within the molten pool and the solidification behavior of the molten pool edge. The influences of laser power, scanning speed, and powder feeding rate on flatness were determined through simulations and physical experiments. Finally, a parameter window of flatness was established using simulation and experimental results. The window indicates that high flatness is achieved with a high scanning speed (v > 260 mm/min), high laser power (P > 2300 W), and low powder feed rate (Pf < 5.5 g/min). The accuracy of the numerical model was verified by comparing the simulated results with the experimental measurements.

Microwave-assisted pyrolysis of plastic waste for liquid oil production

In this work, the article presents the results of the production of fuel oil from plastic waste using microwave-assisted pyrolysis. Under the influence of microwave power, microwave absorption material, time, catalyst, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and mixture (34% PE + 33% PP + 33 wt% PS) were pyrolyzed to liquid oil. The results showed that with 500 g of raw plastic, 500 W microwave power, and 120 minutes, the carbon absorber accounted for 10 wt% (compared to plastic), catalysts accounted for 20 wt%, fuel efficiency reached 84% with PS and PP, 83% with PE, and 83.5% with mixed plastics. The oil obtained qualified the standards of FO No. 1 TCVN 6239:2019. The gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy GC/MS analysis (GC-MS) showed that the composition of the pyrolysis oil is mainly hydrocarbon from C7-C12.

Economic Load Dispatch Problem Analysis Based on Modified Moth Flame Optimizer (MMFO) Considering Emission and Wind Power

In electrical power system engineering, the economic load dispatch (ELD) problem is a critical issue for fuel cost minimization. This ELD problem is often characterized by non-convexity and subject to multiple constraints. These constraints include valve-point loading effects (VPLEs), generator limits, emissions, and wind power integration. In this study, both emission constraints and wind power are incorporated into the ELD problem formulation, with the influence of wind power quantified using the incomplete gamma function (IGF). This study proposes a novel metaheuristic algorithm, the modified moth flame optimization (MMFO), which improves the traditional moth flame optimization (MFO) algorithm through an innovative flame selection process and adaptive adjustment of the spiral length. MMFO is a population-based technique that leverages the intelligent behavior of flames to effectively search for the global optimum, making it particularly suited for solving the ELD problem. To demonstrate the efficacy of MMFO in addressing the ELD problem, the algorithm is applied to four well-known test systems. Results show that MMFO outperforms other methods in terms of solution quality, speed, minimum fuel cost, and convergence rate. Furthermore, statistical analysis validates the reliability, robustness, and consistency of the proposed optimizer, as evidenced by the consistently low fitness values across iterations.

A new method for direct welding of alumina and zirconia ceramics by ultrashort pulse laser for high temperature application

The direct welding of alumina and zirconia ceramics by ultrashort pulse laser is presented for the first time. Compared to traditional dissimilar ceramic joining techniques such as brazing and diffusion welding, this method shows various advantages, including operation at room-temperature, higher welding efficiency, and negligible impact on base materials. The joint microstructure consists of a combination of Al2O3 and ZrO2 phases, without new phases detected. By adjusting the laser focal point position, the phase content within joint is effectively regulated, successfully preventing crack formation in alumina substrate. The influence of laser power and welding speed on joint morphology and mechanical property is fully investigated. The highest four-point bending strength of 365.5 MPa and shear strength of 33.4 MPa are achieved. After experiencing thermal cycling test at 1000°C, the joint strength and microstructure does not exhibit significant changes, demonstrating the excellent high-temperature durability of the sample.

The Influence of Core and Ring Power on the Formation of 5083 Aluminum Alloy Laser Weld Seam

The Influence of Core and Ring Power on the Formation of 5083 Aluminum Alloy Laser Weld Seam

The impact of inclusion in the MSCI EM index on firms' investment efficiency：Evidence from China

This paper investigates the impact of A-share inclusion in the MSCI index on corporate investment efficiency. Using the inclusion of A-shares in the MSCI index on June 1, 2018 as a quasi-natural experiment, the results of the PSM-DID model show that the inclusion of A-shares in the MSCI index significantly reduces corporate investment efficiency. Further analysis reveals that inefficient investment mainly occurs in over-invested firms, non-state-owned firms, and firms audited by Big 4 accounting firms. Firms with low managerial ownership and high degree of surplus management are more likely to overinvest after A-share inclusion in the MSCI index, which leads to a decrease in investment efficiency. Firms with high analyst attention and low equity checks and balances increase their investment after A-share inclusion in the MSCI index, and the influences of decision-making power and control can be the triggers to reduce investment efficiency.