A low-elastic-modulus metastable β-Ti–Nb–Zr alloy was fabricated by Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) for potential biomedical applications. Post-heat treatment was applied to the as-built state, and the mechanical behaviors of both alloys were compared. The as-built alloy mainly consists of the β phase, with an ω phase. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction indicates that the ω phase is suppressed after heat treatment (550 °C for 1 h), and a small amount of α -HCP precipitates form within the β matrix. Tensile testing at room temperature shows discontinuous yielding with upper and lower yield stresses of 733 MPa and 711 MPa, followed by hardening that delays fracture. In situ TEM revealed screw dislocation cross-slip, causing localized deformation and softening. Strain hardening resumes with dislocation multiplication, leading to high ductility. The heat-treated alloy reaches only 21% of the as-built's elongation and deforms mainly via {332}⟨113⟩ twinning. Despite limited ductility, its elastic modulus is about 39 ± 2 GPa, compared to 56 ± 2 GPa for the as-built.
The article takes a cognitive linguistic approach to numeral incorporation in sign languages and demonstrates on the material from 32 sign languages the indispensable role of metonymy within this family of constructions. These constructions are argued to be blends of signs for numerals, i.e., numerical handshapes, exhibiting high degree of iconicity, with base signs that denote a range of measurable/countable units within domains such as time and age, currency, grades, or floors, but also pronouns and classifiers. The base signs are claimed to be motivated primarily by conceptual metonymies rather than metaphors although their motivation need not be clearly transparent due to diachronic erosion and/or the fact that they become blended with numerical signs in a fashion that is similar to lexical blends in spoken/written languages and in sign languages.
Drought is growing increasingly severe with climate change, and Central and Eastern Europe is particularly vulnerable to drought impacts due to its extensive agricultural land use. Hungary has experienced several damaging droughts in recent decades, including the exceptionally dry year of 2011, when annual precipitation reached only 72
Research indicates a consistent inverse relationship between problem gambling (PG) severity and gambling refusal self-efficacy (GRSE), though the strength of this association may vary across samples and measures. This preregistered systematic review and meta-analysis, conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, examined the correlation between PG and GRSE and tested potential moderators. Five databases were searched in March 2024, and eligible studies were observational, peer-reviewed, written in English, and reported standardized measures of PG and GRSE. Twenty-one studies with 24 independent samples were included. Results showed a significant, negative, moderate association between PG and GRSE, with substantial heterogeneity. The number of participants and the type of GRSE measurement instrument showed significant moderating effects, while no such effects were detected for demographic or clinical factors. Sensitivity analyses and publication bias assessments supported the robustness of the findings. Risk of bias assessment suggested moderate or high risk in most studies. Overall, lower GRSE is associated with more severe PG, highlighting the need for improved designs and measurement in future research.
Online gambling regulation has become more permissive in many regions, particularly in Western countries, and stakeholders are concerned about young people (aged ≤ 25) and other vulnerable consumers experiencing harm. Some regions continue to maintain an online gambling ban, whilst others have adopted regulatory policies with a focus on consumer protection and harm minimization. Following a systematic search strategy, we reviewed empirical evaluations of international gambling policies to better understand their implementation and possible impact. Legalization leads to increased gambling participation and harm and has limited impact on reducing participation in illegal gambling. Bans on online gambling are difficult, if not impossible, to enforce. So-called ‘responsible gambling’ interventions have limited or no impact on behavior, even though they are widely touted by industry interests. Policies specifically impacting youths focus on preventing underage gambling access. However, young people manage to circumvent these restrictions. Insufficiently regulated gambling advertising is shown frequently to children, including through sports sponsorship. We cannot recommend any gambling regulatory approach as being obviously better than its alternatives based on current evidence. Empirical evaluations of the gambling policies of many other countries have either never been conducted or never been reported in English. A policy that works in one country might not work as well in a different cultural context. More research is needed, and governments that have legalized gambling should impose a levy on gambling revenue to fund healthcare and independent scientific investigations to address and hopefully reduce harm.
