Age Variation in Mating Strategies and Mate Preferences Among College Students

Color poster with text, graphs, and tables.Past research has documented systematic similarities and differences in men's and women's mate preferences and mating orientation. However, one area of mating research that relationship scientists know little about is change over time in individuals' mating orientations and preferences. To address this knowledge gap, this study involved surveying broad samples of students at the University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire.University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire Office of Research and Sponsored Programs

Phase Transitions in Edge-Weighted Exponential Random Graphs: Near-Degeneracy and Universality

Conventionally used exponential random graphs cannot directly model weighted networks as the underlying probability space consists of simple graphs only. Since many substantively important networks are weighted, this limitation is especially problematic. We extend the existing exponential framework by proposing a generic common distribution for the edge weights. Minimal assumptions are placed on the distribution, that is, it is non-degenerate and supported on the unit interval. By doing so, we recognize the essential properties associated with near-degeneracy and universality in edge-weighted exponential random graphs.Comment: 15 pages, 4 figures. This article extends arXiv:1607.04084, which derives general formulas for the normalization constant and characterizes phase transitions in exponential random graphs with uniformly distributed edge weights. The present article places minimal assumptions on the edge-weight distribution, thereby recognizing essential properties associated with near-degeneracy and universalit

Effects of Ultrasonic Scaling and Hand-Activated Scaling on Tactile Sensitivity in Dental Hygiene Students

This study was conducted in order to determine if tactile sensitivity varies in dental hygiene students who use the ultrasonic scaler as compared to those who scale with handactivated instruments. A convenience sample of 40 consenting, first year dental hygiene students were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The 40 students had not yet used the ultrasonic scaler nor had any history of injuries or disabilities to the dominant arm, wrist or hand. After establishing a baseline tactile sensitivity score with the Vibratory Sensory Analyzer (VSA), experimental group subjects used the ultrasonic scaler to remove 4cc\u27s of artificial calculus from a typodont in a controlled, simulated clinical setting for 45-minutes while each control subject manually scaled 4cc\u27s of artificial calculus on a typodont in a controlled, simulated situation for 45-minutes. Tactile sensitivity scores were obtained using the VSA immediately following exposure to either the ultrasonic scaler or hand-activated scaling instruments. Analysis of variance with one repeated measures factor was used to determine between group and within group differences on the pretest and post-test tactile sensitivity scores. Results revealed that following a 45- minute scaling session with the ultrasonic scaler, tactile sensitivity increased. Pre to posttest changes in tactile sensitivity for the ultrasonic scaling group exhibited a much larger threshold as compared to those in the hand-activated scaling group, supporting a gain in students\u27 level of sensitivity with stimulus (vibration). Tactile sensitivity decreased in those who used hand-activated scaling instruments. The thumb, index and middle fingers of students in both groups showed similarities in tactile sensitivity, with the index finger being the most sensitive. Ultrasonic scalers allow the hygienist to exert less pressure and decrease pinching and gripping forces, therefore implying a potential long-term reduction in musculoskeletal disorders. Results also underscore the potential importance of the index finger in detecting calculus and tooth surface irregularities. It was concluded that tactile sensitivity decreases with hand-activated scaling and increases with ultrasonic scaling over a 45-minute period. Short term vibration exposure from the ultrasonic scaler is insufficient to negatively affect tactile sensitivity. The long term effects of scaling with hand-activated and mechanized instruments on tactile sensitivity warrants further testing on clients in a clinical setting

Examination of the Prevalence and Mediating Factors of Diabetes Diagnoses in Kentucky Women with a History of Gestational Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an overwhelming health issue in the United States affecting 25.8 million people, which is equivalent to 8.3% of the population.1 It is the seventh leading cause of death and a major cause of serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, nontraumatic lower limb amputations, and new causes of blindness among adults in the U.S.1 Paralleling the obesity epidemic, the rates of DM incidence and prevalence continue to rise each year.2 One particularly troubling public health issue related to DM is that over a quarter of the people who have this disease are unaware, even though research has shown that preventative care can delay the onset of DM and its complications.1,3 In order to try to combat this problem, a Healthy People 2020 objective was established to increase the proportion of persons with diabetes whose condition had been diagnosed by 10%.4 Improving primary prevention among those at risk of developing DM and increasing early diagnosis could lead to significant savings in human and financial costs associated with this disease. While it is commonly understood that screening which enables early diagnosis of diabetes can allow for more effective management and appropriate treatment of the disease, low screening rates still remain a major public health issue.5 The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has issued guidelines about what patient populations should be screened and when, and have provided support for testing to be carried out within the health care setting; however, there remains a need for improvement in terms of effective methods to enhance the proportion of people who are actually being screened.6 As research studies continue to report the evidence for improving screening practices and the patients’ improved outcomes, specific populations for whom screening is particularly important have been identified. 3 Women with a history of gestational diabetes are a unique target population with critical diabetes screening needs. Previous research has shown that women who have had gestational diabetes have a 35% to 60% chance of developing diabetes in the next 10-20 years.1 Since these women are considered at high risk for developing diabetes, the ADA recommends that screening for the development of diabetes be performed every one to two years. However, at least one study showed that only 37% of women underwent the postpartum diabetes screening tests recommended by the ADA.7 Gestational diabetes is diagnosed when women who have never had diabetes before develop high glucose levels during pregnancy, which can lead to poor outcomes for the baby such as a high birth weight, delivery injuries, and increased risk of diabetes later in life for both the baby and the mother.8 Perceptions about health beliefs and lifestyle behaviors may be an important part of the equation for care for women with gestational diabetes. These perceptions include not only a women’s belief about their risk factors, but their experiences within the health care system itself. In ambulatory care settings, a comprehensive health care review includes a range of interactions with different providers including physicians, pharmacists, nutritionists, and nursing staff. Compliance with the directives of their healthcare providers, such as medication adherence, physical activity, and proper eating may be dependent upon women’s positive or negative experiences with care. 9,10 It is important that research be conducted to determine specific strategies to improve rates of screenings among people at high risk of developing diabetes, like women who have had gestational diabetes, so that they are able to receive quality care and prevent significant costs associated with the disease. 4 In this study, we sought to determine if women with a history of gestational diabetes were more likely to be screened and diagnosed with diabetes depending on their level of medical care and satisfaction with their patient/provider relationship. Previous research has shown that patient trust in his or her physician may positively influence patient adherence to diabetes management recommendations.11 However, one study found that while longer continuity of care was associated with greater patient satisfaction and confidence in one\u27s physician, it was not associated with a greater likelihood of receiving recommended preventive services.12 Therefore, in order to make evidence-based recommendations about improving diabetes screening, more information is needed about whether satisfaction with the patient/provider relationship makes a difference in screening practices of patients and the prevalence of diabetes. The results of this study could emphasize the importance of preventative practices and expand the amount of evidence available to healthcare providers about increasing the amount of time invested in their patients in order to improve their patients’ satisfaction with their relationship and overall health outcomes

The Automated Administrative State: A Crisis of Legitimacy

The legitimacy of the administrative state is premised on our faith in agency expertise. Despite their extra-constitutional structure, administrative agencies have been on firm footing for a long time in reverence to their critical role in governing a complex, evolving society. They are delegated enormous power because they respond expertly and nimbly to evolving conditions. In recent decades, state and federal agencies have embraced a novel mode of operation: automation. Agencies rely more and more on software and algorithms in carrying out their delegated responsibilities. The automated administrative state, however, is demonstrably riddled with concerns. Legal challenges regarding the denial of benefits and rights from travel to disability-have revealed a pernicious pattern of bizarre and unintelligible outcomes. Scholarship to date has explored the pitfalls of automation with a particular frame, asking how we might ensure that automation honors existing legal commitments such as due process. Missing from the conversation are broader, structural critiques of the legitimacy of agencies that automate. Automation abdicates the expertise and nimbleness that justify the administrative state, undermining the very case for the existence and authority of agencies. Yet the answer is not to deny agencies access to technology that other twenty-first century institutions reply upon. This Article points toward a positive vision of the administrative state that adopts tools only when they enhance, rather than undermine, the underpinnings of agency legitimacy

The Automated Administrative State: A Crisis of Legitimacy

The legitimacy of the administrative state is premised on our faith in agency expertise. Despite their extra-constitutional structure, administrative agencies have been on firm footing for a long time in reverence to their critical role in governing a complex, evolving society. They are delegated enormous power because they respond expertly and nimbly to evolving conditions.In recent decades, state and federal agencies have embraced a novel mode of operation: automation. Agencies rely more and more on software and algorithms in carrying out their delegated responsibilities. The automated administrative state, however, is demonstrably riddled with concerns. Legal challenges regarding the denial of benefits and rights—from travel to disability—have revealed a pernicious pattern of bizarre and unintelligible outcomes.Scholarship to date has explored the pitfalls of automation with a particular frame, asking how we might ensure that automation honors existing legal commitments such as due process. Missing from the conversation are broader, structural critiques of the legitimacy of agencies that automate. Automation throws away the expertise and nimbleness that justify the administrative state, undermining the very case for the existence and authority of agencies.Yet the answer is not to deny agencies access to technology. This article points toward a positive vision of the administrative state that adopts tools only when they enhance, rather than undermine, the underpinnings of agency legitimacy

The Effect of Barefoot Running on Navicular and Pelvic Drop: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Purpose: Gaining knowledge of the change in navicular drop of the foot and pelvic movement in response to barefoot running training may allow sports medicine professionals, coaches, athletes, and others in the healthcare field to decrease the amount of injuries that may be caused by these motions. Effects of a running training program with conversion from a rearfoot strike pattern (RFSP) to forefoot strike pattern (FFSP) to determine impact on navicular drop and pelvic movement is lacking in literature. Due to the increased correlation of hip movement and lower extremity injuries, the purpose of this study was to determine if barefoot running training, with a FFSP compared to shod running using a RFSP, would affect the amount of drop during walking and running activities. Material/Methods: Navicular and pelvic movement was analyzed between shod and barefoot running groups by utilizing the VICON motion analysis system and the static navicular drop test before and after the six-week running program. This study implemented a six-week training program to convert from a RFSP to FFSP in the barefoot running group when compared to the controlled shod group. The VICON was specifically used to evaluate the pelvic movement and navicular drop of the foot during the stance phase of gait in walking and running. A decrease in navicular distance traveled from pre- to post-test, may suggest a decrease in dynamic foot over-pronation. This result could support the effects of barefoot running with a FFSP, as a method for reducing pain and injuries associated with running. Results: Results showed no statistical significance in the Standard Navicular Drop Test. There were no statistically significant differences using the VICON Motion Analysis for assessing dynamic navicular drop or pelvic movement in Barefoot Walking (BW) and Running Barefoot with a forefoot strike pattern (BR). However, trends indicated that post 6 week training the barefoot training group showed decreased navicular drop and decreased pelvic movement in comparison to the shod training group. Discussion: Barefoot running training did not illustrate statistically significant improvement in navicular drop or pelvic drop movement during this study. Data showed that navicular drop presented a trend towards having less movement during barefoot running and barefoot walking post training program in comparison to the shod running group. Due to the limitations of this study (small sample size, narrow population, limited time spent barefoot running training, and specifics of the VICON motion analysis process) future research could address these limitations through conducting an ongoing study and/or open it to the public to improve subject population

Low Cost Vehicular Autonomy Using RADAR and GPS

This presentation describes a subset of the systems devised for this year\u27s autonomous golf cart senior design project. Our goal is to explore the possibilities of low cost autonomy using only radar and GPS for environmental sensing and navigation. Although autonomous and semi-autonomous ground vehicles are a relatively new reality, prototypes have been a subject of engineering research for decades, often utilizing an array of sensors and sensor fusion techniques. State of the art autonomous ground vehicle prototypes typically use a combination of LIDAR and other distance sensors (such as radar or sonar) as well as cameras and GPS, sometimes also including functionality for inter-vehicle connectivity. We believe that a low cost solution can be achieved using only radar and GPS. Such a system requires more creativity and robustness in software design, but would maintain the essential capabilities of self-localization, path navigation, and obstacle avoidance. Compared to the specified alternatives, GPS and radar are substantially cheaper to implement and still retain baseline navigational requirements. Additionally, these sensors do not necessitate specific lighting or visibility conditions to operate effectively, making them viable candidates for a wide variety of environmental situations. Our low cost autonomous ground vehicle project progressed significantly on these objectives during its first year. The team\u27s achievements include a robust data communication system spanning software and hardware needs, integrated peripheral sensors, and a system-wide interface methodology which simplifies the process of adding additional sensors / data acquisition units (such as LIDAR or computer vision)