IMPROVING CLARITY AND ACCESSIBILITY IN PUBLIC PROCUREMENT DOCUMENTS: AN AI–POWERED APPROACH TO PLAIN WRITING COMPLIANCE

This research addressed the pervasive issue of complex and unclear communication in Department of Defense procurement processes, which hinders transparency and poses a barrier to entry in public sector markets. Utilizing a two-phase approach, this research sought to enhance public procurement communications and align them with the Plain Writing Act. Phase 1 utilized text analysis software and artificial intelligence (AI) tools to refine procurement documents, focusing on clarity and adherence to Plain Writing Principles. The analysis revealed substantial variations in complexity and readability levels, with most Original documents not easily understood by the general public. AI-Refined versions effectively improved readability and comprehension, demonstrating AI’s potential to simplify complex language and enhance document accessibility. Phase 2 assessed stakeholder perceptions of Original, AI-Refined, and AI/Human-Refined documents through surveys. A key finding was the universal preference for AI-enhanced versions over Original documents. Purely AI-driven revisions were perceived as more effective and better aligned with plain writing standards than those involving human collaboration. Overall, the research highlights AI’s potential as an innovative approach to improve the clarity and effectiveness of public procurement communications, making complex information more understandable and accessible to a broader audience.Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.Captain, United States Air ForceCaptain, United States Air Forc

Cross-cultural assessment of eating disorders: psychometric properties of Spanish version of Bulimia Test-Revised

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of a Spanish version of the Bulimia Test-Revised (BULIT-R). The goal was to test the factorstructure equivalence of the BULIT-R across two samples of college students from two different cultures, Spain and the U.S. Researchers using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) have reported different model solutions for the factor structure of the BULIT-R: a one-factor model (McCarthy et al., 2002); a four-factor model (Vincent et al., 2002), a five-factor model (Thelen et al., 1991) and a six factor model (Santos, 1996). For any of the two samples, CFA did not support any of the models previously reported in the literature. EFA supported a six and a four factor models for the US and Spanish samples, respectively

El Control de la validez del contrato en el Proceso de Otorgamiento de Escritura Pública

El presente trabajo de investigación tuvo como propósito de determinar de qué manera el juez efectúa el control de validez del contrato en los procesos de otorgamiento de Escritura Pública; para tal fin, el trabajo de investigación se enfocó en un plan de diseño de investigación cualitativo, empleando el método descriptivo y exploratorio, orientado a la compresión. Mediante la aplicación de recolección de datos; técnicas de análisis documental, análisis jurisprudencial, análisis de casos y entrevistas. Concluyó que sí era posible realizar una verificación y examen de los elementos esenciales de validez del contrato en los procesos de otorgamiento de Escritura Pública, basado en la sentencia del Noveno Pleno Casatorio Civil, Casación N° 4442-2015-Moquegua

The Influence of Weight Concerns and Weight Control Expectancies in the Smoking Behavior of Spanish Adolescents

The main goal of this study is to examine the relationship between weight control expectancies, weight concerns, smoking rate and perceived likelihood of smoking in the future among Spanish adolescents. Specifically, I intend to explore the potential moderator role of weight concerns on the relationship between weight control expectancies and smoking rate, as well as between weight concern and perceived likelihood of smoking in the future. Additionally, I want to investigate the possible meditational role of weight control expectancies on the relationship between weight concerns and smoking rate and likelihood of smoking in the future, respectively. The participants were 311 Spanish adolescents (M = 15.20; SD = 1.63; 174 female and 137 male) from schools in Alicante, Spain. The students completed questionnaires regarding smoking history and status. They also responded to questions regarding smoking expectancies and weigh concerns. Results suggested differences between smokers and nonsmokers in weight control expectancies and fear of fatness regardless of gender. The moderator model of weight concerns was not supported by findings. The results prove the meditational role of weight control expectancies on the relationship between fear of fatness and smoking rate, as well as between fear of fatness and perceived likelihood of smoking in the future. Implications, directions for future research and limitations of the study are discussed

A Multiple System of Radio Sources at the Core of the L723 Multipolar Outflow

We present high angular resolution Very Large Array multi-epoch continuum observations at 3.6 cm and 7 mm towards the core of the L723 multipolar outflow revealing a multiple system of four radio sources suspected to be YSOs in a region of only ~4 arcsecs (1200 AU) in extent. The 3.6 cm observations show that the previously detected source VLA 2 contains a close (separation ~0.29 arcsecs or ~90 AU) radio binary, with components (A and B) along a position angle of ~150 degrees. The northern component (VLA 2A) of this binary system is also detected in the 7 mm observations, with a positive spectral index between 3.6 cm and 7 mm. In addition, the source VLA 2A is associated with extended emission along a position angle of ~115 degrees, that we interpret as outflowing shock-ionized gas that is exciting a system of HH objects with the same position angle. A third, weak 3.6 cm source, VLA 2C, that is detected also at 7 mm, is located ~0.7 arcsecs northeast of VLA 2A, and is possibly associated with the water maser emission in the region. The 7 mm observations reveal the presence of an additional source, VLA 2D, located ~3.5 arcsecs southeast of VLA 2A, and with a 1.35 mm counterpart. All these radio continuum sources have a positive spectral index, compatible with them being YSOs. We also propose that the high velocity CO emission observed in the region could be the superposition of multiple outflows (at least three independent bipolar outflows) excited by the YSOs located at the core, instead of the previous interpretations in terms of only one or two outflows.Comment: Accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal (2007 December 6

Substrate Type Affects the Drying Speed and Desiccation Tolerance of Fern Gametophytes

Although most ferns require abundant water to thrive, some ferns can survive in habitats with limited water. Previous studies have examined the adaptations that allow xeric ferns to thrive in mediterranean-type ecosystems such as southern California. However, the large fern sporophyte only represents one stage of the fern life cycle; the independent gametophyte phase must also survive water stress, including the six-month summer drought periods of the Santa Monica Mountains. Some fern gametophytes have been reported to be desiccation tolerant (capable of recovery from near-complete drying), and this trait is believed to be dependent on the plant’s drying speed. In order to test whether substrate type affects fern gametophyte dry out speed and level of recovery, we dried out gametophytes on five different substrates ranging from slow to fast drying speed: filter paper, agar, non-acclimated and acclimated soil plugs, and soil plates. Dark-adapted chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) was measured to assess how long it took the gametophytes to desiccate completely and recover following rehydration. This study found that the substrate type affected both the gametophytes’ drying speed and their ability to recover. Specifically, gametophytes that were acclimated to and tested on soil plates experienced the slowest drying and the greatest recovery in Fv/Fm. The adaptations of fern gametophytes remain elusive despite their critical position in the fern life cycle. With increasing global temperatures and longer drought periods, a better understanding of gametophyte ecology will illuminate fern species’ susceptibility to climate change

Sobrecarga del cuidador familiar del adulto mayor en tiempos de pandemia, Urb. Villa del Norte - Los Olivos 2021

La investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar la sobrecarga delcuidador familiar del adulto mayor en tiempos de pandemia, Urb. Villa del Norte LosOlivos-2021.Este estudio es de enfoque cuantitativo, tipo básico, diseño no experimental, de corte transversal, descriptivo. Se aplico un cuestionario valido (juicio de expertos) y confiable (α=0,9586) a 42 cuidadores familiares del adulto mayor en tiempos de pandemia. Según resultados: el 56% presentaron sobrecarga intensa, mientras que el 28% presento sobrecarga leve y 16% no presentan sobrecarga. Conclusión: la mayoría de los cuidadores familiares de los adultos mayores presentan sobrecarga intensa, esto nos indica que su salud física y emocional durante este tiempo de pandemia está siendo afectado, es por ello que el equipo asistencial de salud y los futuros profesionales de la salud tienen el deber de educar,concientizar y promover estrategias para evitar o sobrellevar esta problemática

Reforzamiento estructural de vigas mediante el uso de fibras de carbono (CFPR) en una vivienda de 4 pisos ubicada en el distrito de Carabayllo, Lima

En resumen, se aborda la necesidad global de reforzar edificaciones antiguas con materiales de alta calidad para prolongar su vida útil. En el caso de Perú, muchas viviendas construidas hace 40 años no cumplen con las normativas actuales, lo que ha debilitado las estructuras debido a cambios en su uso. Se enfoca en un estudio de una vivienda en Carabayllo con problemas estructurales debido a su antigüedad y exposición a eventos ambientales. La solución propuesta es el uso de fibras de carbono para reforzar la vivienda y cumplir con las normas actuales. Se realiza un análisis estructural para garantizar la integridad de la edificación en condiciones sísmicas. Además, se analiza detalladamente una viga en servicio y se propone el refuerzo con fibra de carbono CFRP como la opción más adecuada. Se compara el análisis técnico y económico entre el refuerzo convencional y el de fibra de carbono, demostrando que, a pesar del mayor costo, el refuerzo con fibra de carbono puede ser más ventajoso en términos técnicos y económicos.Many old buildings worldwide require high-quality reinforcement to prolong their lifespan. In Peru, a significant number of houses built 40 years ago do not meet current regulations, resulting in weakened structures due to changes in use. A study focused on a house in Carabayllo, addressing structural issues due to its age and environmental exposure. Carbon fiber reinforcement is proposed to ensure compliance with current standards. A linear structural analysis confirms integrity for seismic conditions. Additionally, a detailed analysis of a beam revealed the need for reinforcement, with carbon fiber as the chosen material. Carbon fiber enhances strength but reduces ductility. After comparing options, a minimum of 2 layers (4 cm2) of CFRP is recommended for beam improvement. An economic analysis compared conventional jacketing with carbon fiber reinforcement per meter. Results showed carbon fiber is costlier but avoids extra expenses like auscultation, steel reinforcement scanning, and permanent cleaning. Carbon fiber also preserves space and architectural aesthetics. Therefore, despite higher costs, carbon fiber reinforcement is a more advantageous option in technical and economic terms.Trabajo de Suficiencia Profesiona