Few studies have examined the mechanisms linking psychological (PE) and academic entitlement (AE) to mental health. This study investigated 294 non-Western undergraduates to analyze the relationships among PE, AE, and psychological health, and their potential mechanisms. Students with higher AE reported greater anxiety and depression, and lower emotional intelligence (EI). In contrast, those with higher PE showed greater anxiety but also higher levels of EI. EI also acted as a significant mediating factor in the relationships between AE and anxiety and depression, as well as between PE and anxiety. These findings highlight the distinct roles of PE and AE in mental health. Results highlight EI's buffering role against entitlement-related maladaptive outcomes.
A series of polyurethane (PU) nanocomposites incorporating 4,4′-bis(hydroxymethyl)-2,2′-bipyridine (BBD) as a chain extender and a commercially supplied graphene/zinc oxide (G/ZnO) hybrid filler were successfully synthesized. The effects of G/ZnO loading (0–2.0 wt.%) on the structural, thermal, mechanical, surface-wettability, and antibacterial properties of the nanocomposites were systematically investigated. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the formation of the polyurethane structure and revealed changes in characteristic absorption bands following G/ZnO incorporation. Morphological observation of the pristine G/ZnO hybrid filler revealed an irregular and aggregated morphology, while X-ray diffraction confirmed the presence of crystalline ZnO. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and elemental mapping showed Zn-containing regions within the examined areas of the G/ZnO-containing PU samples. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy further confirmed the surface presence of Zn-containing species, with the Zn atomic concentration increasing from 0 at.% in PU-01 to 0.82 at.% in PU-04. Thermogravimetric analysis showed modest changes in thermal decomposition behavior with increasing G/ZnO loading, while differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis revealed shifts in glass-transition and relaxation behavior, consistent with changes in polymer-chain mobility and the local interfacial environment. The tensile strength increased from 2.68 MPa for neat PU to 11.76 MPa for the nanocomposite containing 2.0 wt.% G/ZnO, accompanied by an increase in Young’s modulus. The water contact angle increased from approximately 68° to 89°, indicating reduced apparent surface wettability with increasing G/ZnO loading. The nanocomposites also exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with antibacterial efficiencies exceeding 95% at higher G/ZnO loadings. Overall, the incorporation of the commercial G/ZnO hybrid filler was associated with changes in the thermal, mechanical, surface, and antibacterial properties of the BBD-containing PU system. Because separate PU systems without BBD and individual graphene- and ZnO-containing controls were not included, the individual contributions of BBD, graphene, and ZnO, as well as any synergistic effect between graphene and ZnO, cannot be established from the present results. Further studies addressing filler leaching, long-term antibacterial stability, coating adhesion, environmental durability, and cytocompatibility are required to establish the practical applicability of these materials.
Existing motion analysis systems for baseball often fail to provide immediate, on-device feedback essential for real-time technique correction and struggle to withstand the extreme high-impact vibrations generated during batting. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a robust, interactive smart swing training system integrated directly onto the baseball bat. The system combines a high-sampling-rate Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) with an embedded controller. A novel real-time visualization algorithm maps the swing's resultant acceleration to dynamic color gradients on an embedded LED strip using the HSV model, offering instantaneous intuitive biofeedback. A critical contribution of this work is the implementation of a specialized shock-resistant hardware configuration, utilizing direct soldering and epoxy potting to ensure durability under high-G conditions. Numerical simulations indicate effective force curve reconstruction with low latency, while Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity supports long-term data logging for athlete training.
Accessing Internet of Things (IoT) devices via microservices may lead to system blocking due to long execution times or failures from simultaneous access. To address this, the system adopts an asynchronous microservice architecture with a message broker between instant messaging (IM) and IoT microservices, preventing blocking and access conflicts. A lightweight digital signature is also introduced to address token expiration during long queue waits. By integrating the queue structure and digital signature, the system ensures secure IoT access while resolving device occupancy issues.
Purpose: In the circular economy era, where fashion rental platforms are crucial for promoting sustainable consumption, this research contributes by identifying the primary factors influencing consumer behaviour. Specifically, we investigate how sustainable fashion drivers and attitudes towards technology influence consumers’ intention to use fashion rental platforms. Design/methodology/approach: The conceptual model focuses on how fashion innovation (FI) and the perception of the sharing and circular economy (PSCE) affect task–service fit (TSF), enjoyment (ENJ) and the intention to use the platform. A survey and partial least squares structural equation modeling were employed to test the proposed hypotheses. Data from 192 participants with an academic background in fashion were empirically analysed. Findings/results: The results indicate that both FI and the PSCE have a significant and positive impact on TSF and ENJ, which in turn significantly influences platform use intention. This finding underscores the importance of sustainable fashion concepts as key drivers of consumer attitudes and behaviour within this emerging platform and service model. Practical implications: This study provides strategic insights that can empower fashion rental platforms. By emphasising innovative design and environmental values, platforms can attract and retain consumers interested in FI and the circular economy. Originality/value: This study expands the understanding of consumer behaviour on fashion rental platforms by highlighting the key role of FI and the PSCE in influencing user intentions. By integrating these innovative constructs, the study provides new insights and empirical support for developing the fashion rental industry.
