Enhancement of the Elastocaloric Performance of Natural Rubber by Forced Air Convection.

We study the enhancement of the elastocaloric effect in natural rubber by using forced air convection to favour heat extraction during the elongation stage of a stretching-unstretching cycle. Elastocaloric performance is quantified by means of the adiabatic undercooling that occurs after fast removal of the stress, measured by infrared thermography. To ensure accuracy, spatial averaging on thermal maps of the sample surface is performed since undercooled samples display heterogeneities caused by various factors.

Postpartum Blood Pressure Variability and Heart Rate Variability in Preeclampsia.

Background: Preeclampsia is associated with autonomic dysregulation during pregnancy; however, less is known about autonomic function in the first week postpartum after preeclampsia.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from a prospective cohort of women with and without preeclampsia. Continuous blood pressure and heart rate were measured with finger plethysmography within 7 days postpartum.

Continuities and discontinuities in the cultural evolution of global consciousness.

Global consciousness (GC), encompassing cosmopolitan orientation, global orientations (i.e. openness to multicultural experiences) and identification with all humanity, is a relatively stable individual difference that is strongly associated with pro-environmental attitudes and behaviours, less ingroup favouritism and prejudice, and greater pandemic prevention safety behaviours.