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When solving nonlinear algebraic equations that arise from discretization using the finite element method (FEM), it is often observed that the standard Newton-Raphson (N-R) iteration either fails to converge or necessitates a large number of iterations in the vicinity of critical points. This work proposes an additional numerical strategy, known as the Potra-Pták iterative cycle, to improve the efficiency of solving highly nonlinear structural problems. Therefore, the focus here is on making the nonlinear solver more robust and efficient, allowing the analysis of more complex nonlinear structures. In the Potra-Pták iterative cycle, two corrections of the objective function (energy function) are performed. The introduction of a second correction in the iterative cycle makes the Potra-Pták strategy more efficient than the standard or modified N-R iterations. This numerical strategy was implemented in the homemade Computational System for Advanced Structural Analysis (CS-ASA) program. The program is based on the FEM and is capable of performing static and dynamic nonlinear analysis of steel, concrete, and composite structures, and its efficiency is then verified through the analysis of slender frames and arches. The algorithm details for solving the nonlinear structural problem, characterized by the Potra-Pták scheme, are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) are materials capable of recognizing specific molecules, usually through non-covalent bonds. In this work, gallic acid (GA) was selected as the imprinting molecule, and MIP for GA (MIP-GA) was synthesized by bulk polymerization. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) confirmed the MIP-GA recognition property. Poly(caprolactone) mat containing MIP-GA particles (MIM-GA) was produced by electrospinning, which was morphologically characterized by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Functionalized MIM-GA was obtained by washes sequence in methanol for the GA removal from MIM-GA. The GA removal was confirmed by High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV-Vis detection at 214 and 268 nm. The functionalized MIM-GA immersed in GA methanolic solution with a concentration of 1.0 mM extracted 96±1.5% of GA at t = 150 minutes. The vibrational modes obtained from FT-IR spectra confirmed the chemical composition of MIM-GA and its functionalization through of band at 770 cm-1. The contact angle measurements were 134.0±1.0° for electrospun MIM-GA and 125.0±1.2° for functionalized MIM-GA. The decrease was due to the absence of GA after the functionalization process. The produced MIM-GA by electrospinning acquired the recognition property of the GA imprinted polymer synthesized, which can be used for the specific detection, extraction, and purification of this important natural polyphenol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mindfulness witnessed a substantial popularity surge in the past decade, especially as digitally self-administered interventions became available at relatively low costs. Yet, it is uncertain whether they effectively help reduce stress. In a preregistered (OSF https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/UF4JZ ; retrospective registration at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06308744 ) multi-site study (n sites  = 37, n participants  = 2,239, 70.4% women, M age  = 22.4, s.d. age  = 10.1, all fluent English speakers), we experimentally tested whether four single, standalone mindfulness exercises effectively reduced stress, using Bayesian mixed-effects models. All exercises proved to be more efficacious than the active control. We observed a mean difference of 0.27 (d = -0.56; 95% confidence interval, -0.43 to -0.69) between the control condition (M = 1.95, s.d. = 0.50) and the condition with the largest stress reduction (body scan: M = 1.68, s.d. = 0.46). Our findings suggest that mindfulness may be beneficial for reducing self-reported short-term stress for English speakers from higher-income countries., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: This research proposes an adapted version of Business Model Canvas (BMC) as a strategic instrument for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). University-Model Canvas (Unicanvas) is intended to be a critical visual and dynamic tool for addressing the challenges faced by entrepreneurial universities in their quintuple helix model., Research Methods/approach: Considering the new challenges facing HEIs, transfer knowledge, corporate social responsibility, internationalization, digitalization, sustainability, and the critical role of universities in innovation and regional development, we adapt the strategic building blocks of the BMC in the context of universities., Findings and Implications: Departing from BMC, we propose 10 strategic building blocks against the nine BMCs, including an achievement box. The new challenges HEIs face, the expansion of university outputs, and new societal demands highlight the opportunity to use this tool instead of traditional and static strategic planning models to discuss and concretise their differentiated way of competing. The use of this participative, dynamic, intuitive, and flexible strategic tool will facilitate the holistic strategic management of these institutions in their current new challenges., Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed., (Copyright: © 2024 Segundo J et al.)

Purpose: To test whether the impact of subjective norms, race/ethnicity-specific descriptive norms, vaccine conspiracy beliefs, and prosocial concern on COVID-19 vaccination intentions differs by race/ethnicity for young adults., Design: Cross-sectional study., Setting: May-August 2021 in Texas., Subjects: Racially/ethnically diverse unvaccinated college students (N = 314)., Measures: COVID-19 vaccination intentions, theory-driven constructs (eg, perceived susceptibility), vaccine conspiracy beliefs, prosocial concern, and social norms., Analysis: Block-sequential multiple Tobit regression., Results: Results revealed three significant two-way interactions between race/ethnicity and (1) subjective norms, F (5, 251) = 2.28, P < .05; (2) COVID-19 vaccine conspiracy beliefs, F (5, 251) = 2.88, P < .05; and (3) prosocial concern, F (5, 251) = 2.61, P < .05. There was a positive association between subjective norms and intentions for European and African Americans, a positive association between prosocial concerns and intentions for European and multiracial/multiethnic Americans, and a negative association between conspiracy beliefs and intention for Hispanics. The interaction between race/ethnicity and race/ethnicity-specific descriptive norms was not significant, F (5, 251) = 1.09, P = .37., Conclusion: Although based on a relatively small sample, our findings suggest the importance of culturally tailoring COVID-19 vaccination messages to correct conspiracy beliefs, signaling a positive subjective norm, and enhancing prosocial concerns for specific racial-ethnic groups.

This paper examined whether risk factors commonly associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) are associated with female-perpetrated physical IPV and female physical IPV victimization among young Hispanic women. It also examined how emotion dysregulation, impulsivity, and attachment style exacerbated these relationships. Furthermore, it investigates how these associations differ by the type of self-reported physical violence against their romantic partner. Based on the participants' self-reported physical violence, they were classified into one of four groups: nonviolent, victim-only, perpetrator-only, and bidirectionally violent. Bidirectional violence was by far the most common form of violence reported. Utilizing self-report data from 360 young Hispanic women, we used binary logistic regression to examine potential predictors of physical IPV perpetration and victimization for each group. Results demonstrated that women in the bidirectionally violent group reported the highest levels of perpetration and victimization. Parental violence victimization, witnessing interparental violence, insecure attachment styles, and emotional dysregulation predicted physical IPV perpetration and victimization. These findings emphasize the need for effective interventions that include both members of the dyad and acknowledge the impact of women's attachment style, emotion dysregulation, and adverse childhood experiences on female-perpetrated IPV and female IPV victimization.