Rigid Application Research Articles

Is psychoanalysis a science? An answer in light of scientific pluralism

This paper explores the longstanding debate on whether psychoanalysis qualifies as a science. Grounded in the Brazilian context, where recent publications have revived the debate, I examine the demarcation problem in the philosophy of science, highlighting how traditional criteria for defining scientific knowledge may exclude epistemically fruitful practices, such as psychoanalysis. Drawing on the perspectives of scientific pluralism, I argue for a more inclusive understanding of science, where diverse methods and epistemological approaches are recognized as legitimate contributions to addressing complex phenomena such as mental health. Ultimately, the rigid application of demarcation criteria can obscure the value of psychoanalysis, whereas scientific pluralism offers a pathway for integrating it into broader scientific discourse.

A Study of Chinese Translation of The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language from the Perspective of Grammatical Metaphor

In Systemic Functional Linguistics, grammatical metaphor is categorized into ideational and interpersonal types. Translation, as a process of code-switching, involves choosing between congruent and metaphorical forms, each serving different communicative purposes. Distinguishing these forms clarifies their distinct functions. This paper explores the use and importance of grammatical metaphors in translating The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language based on the author’s independent translation practice. Given this, the study achieves three objectives through quantitative and qualitative analysis: (1) examining the distribution of grammatical metaphors in the translation of The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language; (2) exploring the reasons behind their emergence; and (3) analyzing the role these metaphors play in the translation. Translation strategies were classified into two types based on the retention of grammatical metaphors: congruent translation, which simplifies the text and reduces metaphors, and metaphorical translation, which sustains a formal, academic, and concise style. The study reveals that the same translation techniques can be applied across various word, sentence, and text types, with different contexts requiring different methods even for identical grammatical and semantic units. Regardless of whether metaphors are retained, it is essential to ensure faithfulness, fluency, and aesthetics of the translation. Translators should avoid rigid application and decide on metaphor preservation based on the specific context and text type to best convey the original meaning.

264 Changes in Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter Following Rigid Cervical Collar Application in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Prospective Observational Study in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

264 Changes in Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter Following Rigid Cervical Collar Application in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Prospective Observational Study in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Effectiveness of Non-Elastic Rigid Tape Application on Static and Dynamic Balance in Players with Chronic Inversion Ankle Sprain- A Pilot Study

Background – Chronic Repetitive Inversion Ankle Sprain is one of the common injuries that occurs in contact as well as non-contact sports especially combat and jumping sports. As this injury is directly related to the ligament, proprioceptive deficit is observed in such players. The effect of taping on functional performance is still a topic of discussion. The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate whether players with chronic repetitive inversion ankle sprain have any functional deficit and whether taping with non-stretchable athletic tape improves speed and agility. Methods - Players playing contact sports between the age of 18-24 years were included in the study after the initial screening for chronic repetitive inversion ankle sprain using IdFAI index and history of their injury. Speed was assessed using 10-m Sprint test while Agility was assessed using T-test for Agility. Post-application of the tape, data was collected on three time-intervals, i.e. immediate post-application of tape, post-3 days and post-14 days of application of tape. Results - Collected data was analyzed using One-way ANOVA test and the result showed statistically non-significant results in speed and agility, i.e. p=0.954 & p=0.999 respectively. These results suggest that there is statistically non-significant improvement in speed and agility post-application of the tape but comparing with the means of pre-test measures, there is an improvement in speed and agility after the application of the tape.

Effectiveness of Non-Elastic Rigid Tape Application on Static and Dynamic Balance in Players with Chronic Inversion Ankle Sprain- A Pilot Study

Chronic Inversion Ankle Sprain is one of the common injuries that occurs in sports especially combat and jumping sports. As this injury is directly related to the ligament, proprioceptive deficit is observed in players with chronic inversion ankle sprain. The effect of taping on functional performance is still a topic of discussion. The need of this pilot study is to evaluate whether players with chronic inversion ankle sprain have any functional balance deficit and whether taping with non-elastic rigid tape improves static and dynamic balance. Players playing contact sports between the age of 18-24 years were included in the study after the initial screening for chronic inversion ankle sprain using a IdFAI index and history of their injury. Static balance was assessed using Sensamove Mini Balance Board and Dynamic Balance was assessed using Single Leg Hoping Course Board. Data was collected on three intervals, i.e. immediate post-application of tape, post-3 days and post-14 days of application of tape. Collected data was analyzed using One-way ANOVA test and the result showed statistically significant improvement in static and dynamic balance, i.e. p=0.048 & p=0.040 respectively. These results suggest that after immediate post-application of tape and post-3 days of the application of tape there is an improvement in static and dynamic balance while no improvement post-14 days of application of non-elastic rigid tape. Non-elastic rigid tape application significantly improves static and dynamic balance in players with chronic inversion ankle sprain.

Comparative analysis of the strength of concrete made from selected admixtures for use in rigid pavements

This study evaluates the influence of sawdust ash, glass powder and rice husk ash as admixtures for partially replacing fine aggregate in concrete for rigid pavement applications. Compressive strength tests were conducted at 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% replacement levels. Rice husk ash achieved the highest compressive strength of 10.40 N/mm2 at 10% replacement after 28 days, closest to the control. However, sawdust ash and glass powder exhibited reduced strengths as replacement levels increased. The maximum compressive strength obtained did not meet the required target for rigid pavement applications.

Impact of Public Procurement Rules on the Efficient Procurement Processes Mediated by Technology Integration Health Sector: A Case of Punjab

This study explores the impact of public procurement rules on the efficiency of procurement processes in the health sector of Punjab, focusing on the mediating role of technology integration. In the context of public sector procurement, stringent rules and regulations are designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and fair competition. However, these rules can also introduce complexity and delays. This research examines how the adoption of advanced technology solutions can streamline procurement processes and mitigate the challenges posed by regulatory frameworks. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through surveys and interviews with key stakeholders in the health sector, including procurement officers, suppliers, and policy makers. The findings indicate that while public procurement rules impose necessary checks and balances, their rigid application can impede procurement efficiency. The integration of technology, such as e-procurement systems, has shown significant potential in enhancing process efficiency by automating workflows, reducing manual errors, and improving transparency. The study concludes that technology integration acts as a crucial enabler in balancing the dual objectives of regulatory compliance and operational efficiency in the health sector's procurement processes. Recommendations for policy adjustments and further technology adoption are provided to optimize procurement practices and improve health service delivery in Punjab.

Mechanical Performance of Steel-Fiber-Incorporated Rubberized Concrete for Rigid Pavement Applications

Sustainable solutions are required to mitigate waste tire accumulation. Using rubberized concrete (RuC) in rigid pavements is a viable and relatively environmentally friendly strategy for partially replacing fine/coarse aggregates with crumb rubber. However, crumb rubber affects the mechanical properties of concrete. Although RuC is more flexible (ideal for road pavements) than conventional concrete, its strength is lower than that of the standard concrete used in rigid pavements. Consequently, the crumb rubber generated from discarded tires cannot be used sustainably. The primary objective of this study was to characterize RuC mixed with manufactured steel fibers to improve the strength of the mixture. Fine aggregates (sand) were partially substituted with various proportions (10%, 20%, and 40%) of crumb rubber (size:1.70–2.36 mm) while incorporating 0.5% steel fibers (by volume). The compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength of the concrete deteriorated with increasing rubber content, consistent with the previously reported results. However, steel fiber incorporation improved the mechanical behavior of RuC, thus enhancing the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength of the pavement structure. The developed steel-fiber-incorporated RuC design enhances the usability and economic value of RuC as well as minimizes the adverse environmental impact of concrete pavement technology.

Inertial Parameter Identification for Closed-Loop Mechanisms: Adaptation of Linear Regression for Coordinate Partitioning

Abstract This study investigates the use of linear-regression-based identification in rigid multibody system applications. A multibody system model, originally described with differential-algebraic equations (DAE), is transformed into a set of ordinary differential equations using coordinate partitioning. This allows the identification framework (where the system is described with ordinary differential equations) to be applied to rigid multibody systems described with nonminimal coordinates. The methodology is demonstrated via numerical and experimental validation on a slider–crank mechanism. The results show that the presented methodology is capable of accurately identifying the system's inertial parameters even with a short motion trajectory used for training. The presented linear-regression-based identification approach opens new opportunities to develop more accurate multibody models. The resulting updated multibody models can be considered especially useful for state-estimation and the control of multibody systems.

A Legal Approach on India’s National Emergency Provision

In India, a state of emergency pertains to a period of governance that the President of India can proclaim during a specific crisis. The President has the authority to revoke several articles of the Indian Constitution that protect citizens’ fundamental rights on the advice of the Cabinet. Articles 352 through 360 of Part XVIII of the Indian Constitution comprises emergency provisions. The provisions allow the Centre to deal with any extraordinary event effectively. The rationale behind its incorporation is to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty, unity, integrity, security, democratic, political structure, and constitution. The Central Government will be in absolute power during the emergency, and the States will be under federal control. One of the main features of the Indian Constitution is how the ordinary federal constitution is adapted to emergencies. To the Constitution’s credit, it visualized a situation in which the rigid application of federal principles could destroy the fundamental premises on which it was built. The Indian Constitution is a way of adapting the normal Federal Constitution to emergencies. To the Constitution’s credit, it visualized a situation in which the concrete application of federal rules could destroy the fundamental assumptions upon which it is set. When India declares a state of emergency, the country’s federal system is transformed into a unified one, with all powers with the Central Government.

Injection molding of biodegradable polyester blends filled with mineral and sustainable fillers: Performance evaluation

AbstractThis research focuses on the melt processing of biocomposites from a biodegradable polymer blend mixed with hybrid fillers through injection molding technique. An optimized blend ratio (60/40 wt%) poly(butylene succinate‐co‐butylene adipate) (PBSA) and poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) demonstrated promising results after blending with a mixture of walnut shell powder (WSP), corn starch and talc in various proportions for use in rigid packaging. The addition of hybrid fillers (i) 10% WSP with 15% talc and (ii) 5% WSP with 5% starch and 15% talc to the polymer blend (60%PBSA/40%PBAT) improved tensile modulus (160% and 162%, respectively) and flexural modulus (147% and 153%, respectively) because of the dispersion of stiffer talc and WSP. Following the addition of fillers, tensile strength of the composites decreased. However, flexural strength improved significantly after filler introduction because of better stress transfer ability. Rheological analysis of filled composites with starch or WSP (25%) depicted similar characteristics of the polymer blend, indicating lower viscosity than hybrid composites. The abundant hydroxyl groups in starch explained the increased water absorption and decreased contact angle compared with other composites. This research's novelty encompasses utilizing low‐cost biomasses with mineral filler into an under‐researched biodegradable polymer blend suitable for single‐use rigid packaging applications.

A resilient inter-organizational workflow assignment plan selection approach: Application to a digital health use case

Workflow Management Systems are rapidly evolving and increasingly used in a variety of industries, allowing organizations to automate and enhance their business processes. Hence, they are open to collaboration throw inter-organizational workflows to achieve common objectives. Thus, organizations could thereby adapt to highly dynamic environments and abrupt sudden changes like during epidemics. One of the particular interests for security researchers is to ensure workflow resiliency, which means ensuring the completion of the workflow execution given a defined set of security constraints without violating the security policy. However, the rigid application of security constraints restricts some task-organization assignments, which leads to the workflow satisfiability problem. Moreover, a wise selection of collaborating organizations is very important for secure resilient inter-organizational workflow execution. Therefore, we aim in this paper to propose a resilient inter-organizational workflow assignment plan selection approach to select a valid task-organization plan that allows a resilient inter-organizational workflow complete execution. Our proposed approach, uses the task priority concept, Bayesian inference, and a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making approach based on the methods Analytical Hierarchical Process and Grey Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution. As a result, the proposed approach selects the best assignment plan for a resilient execution of the Inter-Organizational Workflow, in addition to delegates for each task-organization assignment if available.

PEDOT-based counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells: rigid, flexible and indoor light applications

This review presents the importance and applications of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) as a catalyst in dye-sensitized solar cell. Emphasis is on composite materials with better performances for rigid, flexible, and indoor uses.

A Green Treatment Mitigates the Limitations of Coffee Silver Skin as a Filler for PLA/PBSA Compatibilized Biocomposites.

The development of fully renewable and biodegradable composites for short-term applications was pursued by combining a compatibilized poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) (60:40 wt:wt) blend with coffee silver skin (CSS), an industrial byproduct from coffee processing. An epoxy-based reactive agent (Joncryl ADR-4468) was added as a compatibilizer. CSS was incorporated at 5, 10, and 20 wt% in the blend both in the as-received state and after a simple thermal treatment in boiling water, which was performed to mitigate the negative impact of this filler on the rheological and mechanical properties of the blend. The CSS treatment effectively increased the filler degradation temperature of 30-40 °C, enabling stable melt processing of the composites. It also improved filler-matrix adhesion, resulting in enhanced impact properties (up to +172% increase in impact energy compared to the untreated filler). Therefore, treated CSS demonstrated potential as an effective green reinforcement for PLA/PBSA blends for rigid packaging applications. Future works will focus on studying suitable surface modification of CSS to further increase the interfacial interaction and the tensile quasi-static properties, to fully exploit the capabilities of this renewable material toward the development of eco-friendly composites.

The Results of Rigid Titanium Plate Reinforcement and Only Conventional Wire Methods in Sternal Fixation in Morbidly Obese Patients.

In this study, it was aimed to compare the clinical results and complications of rigid titanium plate reinforcement and only conventional wire methods for sternum fixation in morbidly obese patients who underwent sternotomy for open-heart surgery. The study was planned as a retrospective case-control study. Morbidly obese patients who underwent open-heart surgery with median sternotomy between 2011 and 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of characteristics of the patients (P≥0.05). Sternal dehiscence, sternum revision, wound drainage, and mediastinitis were significantly less common in the titanium plate group (P≤0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of 30-day mortality (P≥0.05). Rigid titanium plate reinforcement application produced more positive clinical results than only conventional wire application. In addition, it was determined that although the rigid titanium plate application prolonged the operation time, it did not make a significant difference in terms of mortality and morbidity compared to the conventional wire applied group.

A multi-criteria framework for the ecodesign of bio-based materials at early development stages

Ex-ante life cycle assessment (LCA) allows for a holistic environmental evaluation of novel products at research and development (R&D) stages when the potential for environmental improvement is higher. Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) incorporates techno-economic attributes and considers decision-makers’ (DMs) perspectives. Thus, integrating ex-ante LCA and MCDA is key for R&D ecodesign. This article proposes a framework combining ex-ante LCA with multi-attribute value theory and stochastic multi-acceptability analysis (SMAA) for novel bio-based materials in four steps: i) Problem structuring, ii) LCA scope, inventory, and scale-up, iii) Performance table, elicitation, and MCDA calculations, and iv) Interpretation and recommendations. The LCA-MCDA framework provides a structured way to model upscaled environmental impacts and encompass technical and economic performances in a global value while considering novel materials' potential application and functionality. The framework is applied to lab-scale starch films for food packaging, comparing them with commercial polymers for cost, environmental, and technical criteria according to three DMs' perspectives (biopolymer/sustainability researchers). Materials, formulations, and scenarios are assessed on a 1-kg basis with properties as technical criteria. The commercial films outperform the novel films, primarily due to technical performance. Scale-up and plasticizer scenarios show potential for reducing environmental impacts but do not alter the ranking of alternatives. SMAA shows that the ranking highly depends on the criterion weights; conversely, individual DM's perspectives lead to similar results. Materials are also compared for equivalent properties (stiffness, strength, and moisture barrier) by applying material substitution factors. The most favorable results for the starch films are achieved for equivalent stiffness, thus suggesting further investigation for rigid applications. Furthermore, suggestions for applying the framework to other cases are provided. The LCA-MCDA framework facilitates the communication of LCA results with cost and technical performance, supporting R&D in dealing with trade-offs and identifying pathways toward more sustainable and competitive production of bio-based materials.

Sustainable Energy Transition in Russia and Ghana Within a Multi-Level Perspective

This paper is a case study based on a critical review of existing literature and primary data through interviews to investigate energy transition framing and manifestation in the Global South. It provides critical insights into sustainable energy transition in Ghana and Russia within a multi-level perspective (MLP). We argue that whereas Ghana’s energy transition concepts and policies are mirrored by landscape, regime, and niche, practical transitioning has been slow due to inadequate resources and incentives, limited historical culpability in global greenhouse gas, and the country being locked-in to existing hydrocarbon socio-technical systems. The MLP approach is useful in describing energy technologies, markets, and consumption practices. But in Russia, social policy at distinct levels is united by centralised energy law and technical systems, as well as institutional rules and differences based on costs in economic regions. This paper contributes to the energy transitioning discourse within the Global South using Russia and Ghana as cases to highlight how transition policies and practices differ from country to country, driven by economic, political, social, cultural, and historical elements with global frameworks serving as guides. Rigid application of landscape, regime, and niche concepts is challenged in describing and analysing the context-specific nuances in sustainable energy transition policy across spaces. There is a fundamental challenge of mechanically fusing a one-fits-all approach to sustainable energy transitioning in developing countries and societies due to differences in historical contributions to climatic issues and inequality of access to resources and technologies. Energy transition processes and practices should be compatible with social justice.

Improving the performance of post-consumer resin feedstocks for rigid packaging applications: A pilot-scale assessment

Various market, environmental and political drivers encourage the use of more post-consumer resin (PCR) high-density polyethylene (HDPE) in rigid packaging. However, PCR HDPE performs poorly compared to virgin HDPE, particularly in blow-moulded bottles for cleaning products which often show inadequate resistance to environmental stress cracking. In this study we evaluate and compare additives representing various strategies designed to improve the mechanical performance of PCR HDPE. Two commercially available recycled HDPE PCRs were extruded with eight candidate additives and the bottle performance of the best performing blends were tested in extrusion blow moulding trials. FTIR analysis revealed polypropylene contamination in one PCR although rheology and thermal properties were very similar. The use of strain hardening modulus as a selection criterion for pilot scale trials was demonstrated. The results revealed that particulate additives may have negative effects while polyolefin additives are more likely to succeed at the pilot scale.

Multiplexed Gas Sensor: Fabrication Strategies, Recent Progress, and Challenges.

Due to miscellaneous toxic gases in the vicinity, there is a burgeoning need for advancement in the existing gas sensing technology not only for the survival of mankind but also for the industries based in various fields such as beverage, forestry, health care, environmental monitoring, agriculture, and military security. A gas sensor must be highly selective toward a specific gas in order to avoid incorrect signals while responding to nontarget gases. This may lead to complex scenarios depicting sensor defects, such as low selectivity and cross-sensitivity. Therefore, a multiplex gas sensor is required to address the problems of cross selectivity by combining different gas sensors, signal processing, and pattern recognition techniques along with the currently employed gas sensing technologies. The different sensing materials used in these sensor arrays will produce a unique response signal for developing a set of identifiers as the input that can be used to recognize a specific gas by its "fingerprint". This review provides a comprehensive review of chemiresistive-based multiplex gas sensors, including various fabrication strategies from expensive to low-cost techniques, advances in sensing materials, and a gist of various pattern recognition techniques used for both rigid and flexible gas sensor applications. Finally, the review assesses the current state-of-the-art in multiplex gas sensor technology and discusses various challenges for future research in this direction.

Influence of bagasse ash powder and marble powder on strength and microstructure characteristics of alkali activated slag concrete cured at room temperature for rigid pavement application

In this research, an attempt is made to partially replace ground granulated blast furnace Slag (GGBS) with a binder rich in SiO2 and CaO in alkali activated slag concrete (AASC) to increase workability and setting time. GGBS is replaced with bagasse ash powder (BAP) in 5%, 10%, and 15% of the binary mix, and subsequently with marble powder (MP) in 5% and 10% of the binary mix. After establishing the best mix for both binder replacements, a ternary mix with 5% BAP and 10% MP is created. The fine aggregates used in the comparison are 100 % river sand and slag sand. 10 M sodium hydroxide and the alkaline to binder ratio is 0.4, were used. Mechanical properties such as compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength are performed cured at 1, 3, 7, and 28 days samples. To further understand the intrinsic mechanism of strength development, microstructure, morphology and mineralogy on AASC are investigated. Based on the findings, it can be inferred that AASC mixes have a higher strength than OPC mixes. The mechanical strengths of the AASC binary mix with 10% MP and 5% BAP are higher. The microstructural analysis reveals the mixes developed with BAP and 100 % GGBS, had a denser microstructure than the normal mixes. The mechanical properties obtained for most of the AASC mixes are significantly higher than the IRC SP:62-2014 recommendations for rigid pavements for low volume roads.