Correctness Criterion Research Articles

Analysis of Solar system Learning Posters Class 6 SDN Banjarsari 01

Background: A poster is a graphic design that contains a composition of pictures and letters on large or small paper. Posters have the power to convey messages visually and with the right supporting elements, the ideas in the poster can be easily remembered by the target audience. Purpose: This study aims to determine the extent of student understanding and student success in making educational posters about learning the solar system for grade 6 SDN Banjarsari 01. Design and methods: This research used mixed analysis methods, namely qualitative and quantitative. The approach used in this research is using a mixed approach. The data collection technique was carried out by analyzing the solar system posters made by grade 6 students based on the 5 correct criteria of Schwab's poster theory. This data analysis was carried out by collecting posters that had been made by students in grade 6 at SDN Banjarsari 01. Results: Research results Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that of the 16 posters that had been made and collected by grade 6 students at SDN Banjarsari 01 did not meet the 5 criteria of Schwab theory, only there were 7 posters that met the criteria of Schwab theory but only in the Getting attention and Showing Advantage categories, the rest only met the Getting Attention category. There are several posters that meet the conventions of poster language.

Farklı Hekim Gruplarının Pediatrik Akut Bakteriyel Rinosinüzite Yaklaşımları

Objective: Our aim in this study is to analyze the compliance rates with current guidelines by raising awareness among pediatricians, otolaryngologists, general practitioners and family physicians about the diagnosis and treatment of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis. Methods: A survey containing 18 questions was sent to physicians working in the Marmara Region of Turkey. The responses and variables, including age, gender, duration of professional experience, specialty area, and the number of cases diagnosed in one month, were evaluated concerning the current guidelines from the American Society of Infectious Diseases Results: Totally 500 physicians were enrolled into this study. The majority of the physicians participating in the study [91,4% (n=458)] did not know how to differentiate acute rhinosinusitis from viral upper respiratory tract infection clinically. The number of physicians prescribing the correct antibiotic but at the wrong dosage was 186 (37.2%). It was observed that general physicians made more mistakes in determining the diagnosis with the correct criteria than the other specialties (p=0.03). Conclusion: There appears to be a problem of clinical inertia in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric acute bacterial rhinosinusitis at the emergency department in Turkey, possibly due to unfamiliarity with the condition, patient overload, worries about performance fees, and failure to update medical knowledge concerning current guidelines. Increased emphasis on continuing professional education and various supportive measures for primary care physicians may help to resolve this.

P485 An Assessment Of A Guided Self-Help and Patient Initiated Review Pathway for Ulcerative Proctitis

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has placed great strain on standard outpatient services including those with IBD. There has been interest in using guided self-management and patient-initiated review to allow patients to manage their condition, while at the same time reserving outpatient capacity for those needing seen urgently. We developed a pathway for patients with stable ulcerative proctitis, which included a leaflet on symptom managment and when to contact the IBD nurses if ongoing symptoms. Methods Patients were identified from clinic lists cancelled during the pandemic who had a diagnosis of ulcerative proctitis. Case notes were reviewed to ensure a correct diagnosis and inclusion criteria met(stable disease,no immunosuppressant treatment). These patients were sent a Guided Self-Management leaflet in the post. A follow on questionnaire was sent 6 months after ensuring patients were happy with the information received. Non-responders were sent a second questionnaire and/or telephone call. Results 37 Patients were identified. We received responses (via post, phone or email) from 28/37 patients (76%). 10/28 (36%) didn’t receive or do not recall receiving the leaflet. 18/28 (64%) received the leaflet. Of those who received the leaflet, 16/18 felt it was easy to understand and contained enough information to confidently manage their symptoms. 2 patients had 1 flare and 3 patients had multiple flares after receiving the leaflet. Of those with flares, 2 patients were able to self-manage their proctitis using the guided self help information. 2 patients had to contact the IBD nurses. These patients were called back within 24 hours and received useful advice. One patient had forgotten to use the leaflet. No one required rescue steroids or admission to hospital. Overall, 17/18 (94%) felt the service was good or excellent compared to previous clinic review systems. Conclusion These results suggest patients are receptive to using guided self-management and patient-initiated review. Although we were not expecting to see many flares, given the low risk selected group, the results suggest patients can successfully manage flares and contact our services for support if required. It is a concern a significant proportion of patients did not recall receiving the leaflet. Although this is a small subgroup, the results show clinic time can be saved which remains a pressurised resource as we recover from the pandemic. The principles of guided self management and patient initiated review could be applied to other patient groups(eg stable UC patients not on immunosuppressants). In future it would be important to ensure patients receive and understand the leaflet. A clinic appointment prior to discharge into such pathways should be considered.

Experimentalism and its alternatives: toward viable strategies for transformative change and sustainability

Experimentalism’s newfound prominence in relation to climate-change action invites questions—integral to this special issue—about whether it is capable of meeting the transformational challenges that societies face. Answers require greater clarity regarding what experimentalism is, and is not. To address this, I first conceptualize the available alternatives. Drawing from John Dewey’s influential account, these alternatives can appropriately be understood as “absolutist.” I argue that both policy insiders’ plans for carbon pricing and trading schemes and outsiders’ radical vanguardist visions fit here, each offering the false promise of a singular correct criteria by which to formulate and evaluate strategies for change. By contrast, experimentalism can be understood as a rich and promising method. While critics often characterize it as modeled on voluntary lifestyle initiatives, which can readily co-exist within a larger unsustainable order, an understanding of experimentalism ought not be limited to individualized or depoliticized projects. Properly understood, I argue that it includes approaches that can be scalable and political in ways that might foster systemic change.

The Clinical Manifestations of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and The Treatment Options

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is one of the most common endocrine disorders in females. It is important to diagnose early using the correct diagnostic criteria to ensure proper management and to reduce the long-term effects.To aggregate data on females diagnosed with PCOS and study the prevalence, symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and treatment options available till date for this syndrome.A thorough literature search of PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar for data sources mentioning the symptoms and diagnostic criteria for PCOS in females to date is included in the study. A total of 61 articles were used and a total of 10 were excluded due to repetition of data or studies with sample sizes less than 70.Women clinically diagnosed with PCOS. The prevalence of PCOS was more common in woman aged 21-34 years and varied from 2.2% to 20% in different parts of the world. The most common symptoms found for PCOS were menstrual irregularities, hirsutism, weight gain, and insulin resistance. There are 3 diagnostic criteria currently being used to diagnose PCOS namely Ovulatory Dysfunction, Hyperandrogenism, and Polycystic Ovarian . The symptoms of PCOS vary greatly among women and so treatment is largely based on the presentation of symptoms and prevention of long-term effect. Therefore, the main treatment options for menstrual irregularities areClomiphene Citrate, Letrozole, Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs) a second-line therapy includes Gonadotropins, Metformin and Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling (LOD). Hyperandrogenism treatment options are Finasteride, Isotretinoin, Spironolactone and Flutamide. Simultaneously weight reduction therapy, lifestyle changes can be used to reduce a weight gain.The prevalence of PCOS is influenced the diagnostic criteria used. The Clinical presentations of PCOS vary greatly among women. Rotterdam criteria, most widely used to diagnose PCOS, include the presence of at least two of these three conditions: polycystic ovaries on ultrasound imagining; hyperandrogenism; and chronic ovulatory dysfunction. The treatment of PCOS is not specific. Lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy and some surgical approaches have been successfully used to manage the symptoms.

Comparison of the effectiveness of simplified experimental approaches to studying through-thickness compression effect on interlaminar shear properties of woven CFRP

A correct assessment of the stress-strain state and the strength of composites requires both reliable material deformation models verified by the experimental results and correct failure criteria for the full realization of the material strength potential. It is difficult to assess the material strength due to the complexity of biaxial tests and non-obviousness of the obtained results, especially in the case of biaxial loading in the out-of-plane direction. The aim of this study is to compare simplified experimental methods for determining the interlaminar shear properties of composites under through-thickness compression. The combination of inter laminar shear and through-thickness compression stresses was varied in two ways: by changing the cut angle of cubic specimens and by loading V-notched specimens at different angles in a new device.

Future doctor's perspective of saving lives through blood donation: A cross-sectional study to assess knowledge, attitude, and blood donation practice among 2nd year medical undergraduate students

Background: The requirement of blood and its components has always been on a rise, and meeting this growing demand can only be assured through the development of newer encouragement strategies for the recruitment and retention of more healthy voluntary young donors. Medical undergraduate students with an appropriate knowledge and a positive attitude can form an important part of this pool as well as help encourage others for the same. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was provided to all 2nd year MBBS students who were posted to the Department of Pathology, KAHER's J. N. Medical College, Belagavi, Karnataka, and willing to be a part of this study. Responses of the questionnaire were recorded and quantitative evaluation of the data was done using software Epi Info™ 7.2.2.6. Results: A total of 280 undergraduate MBBS students participated in the study. Knowledge: 88.2% and 86.1% of the students knew the correct donor selection criteria for minimum age and hemoglobin level, respectively. Practice: Only 21.1% of the students had donated blood before. Attitude: 96.1% favored voluntary donation. 95% were willing to donate blood in the future with 82.5% willing to encourage others to do the same. Conclusion: Medical students have a good knowledge and positive attitude toward blood donation, but the practice of the same was very poor. Hence, there is a need to educate and approach these students to create an awareness regarding the importance of blood donation as well as involve them in voluntary blood donation.

Obtaining of the Modal Frequency Parameters a Middle Class Armed Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Using Engineering Simulation ANSYS Program

Baykar Bayraktar TB2 (Tactical Block 2) is a domestically armed unmanned aerial vehicle produced by Turkey-based Baykar Defense. It is accepted in the middle class armed unmanned aerial vehicle class with its dimensions and the amount of useful load it can carry. Medium UAV class is an accepted classification for UAV’s that are too heavy to be carried by one person but still smaller than a light aircraft. There are also medium-sized UAV’s with a rotary base. Unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), also known as fighter aircraft, colloquially abbreviated as drone, is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) used for intelligence, surveillance, target designation and reconnaissance and carrying aircraft munitions. Drones can use missiles, ATGM’s and/or bombs at fixed points for their attacks. Drones are often under real-time human control and have varying degrees of autonomy. Unlike unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, SİHAs are used for both unmanned aerial vehicle attacks and battlefield intelligence. The solid model was used ready-made in 1:1 scale. All the parameters were obtained using the Rotax 912 engine with two blades used in the design of the primary models. Modal analysis is that the study of dynamic properties of systems below vibration. Accelerometers help calculate the vibration of the system when attached to a shaker. Modal analysis on aircraft emerges as the analysis of the vibration period and modes of the wind on aircraft. Analyzing the solid model according to the correct design criteria in the analysis program, making the correct simplifications, getting the mesh network properly and with success, directly have an affect on the accuracy of the modal analysis results.

Plato on Legal Normativity

This paper attempts to determine what laws’ most fundamental normative property is for Plato. After examining the Hippias Major and the pseudo-Platonic Minos, I argue that in the Laws this property is correctness ( orthotês) which is understood as maximizing the citizens’ happiness. I argue that laws failing to do so are defective as laws because they’re not partially grounded in the relevant ethical facts and that Plato is thus a natural law theorist. The last section provides further justification for the claim that laws failing the correctness criterion are defective as laws by appealing to Plato’s understanding of practical rationality.

A cost-utility analysis between decompression only and fusion surgery for elderly patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and sagittal imbalance

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and sagittal imbalance are relatively common in elderly patients. Although the goals of surgery include both functional and radiological improvements, the criteria of correction may be too strict for elderly patients. If the main symptom of patients is not forward-stooping but neurogenic claudication or pain, lumbar decompression without adding fusion procedure may be a surgical option. We performed cost-utility analysis between lumbar decompression and lumbar fusion surgery for those patients. Elderly patients (age > 60 years) who underwent 1–2 levels lumbar fusion surgery (F-group, n = 31) or decompression surgery (D-group, n = 40) for LSS with sagittal imbalance (C7 sagittal vertical axis, C7-SVA > 40 mm) with follow-up ≥ 2 years were included. Clinical outcomes (Euro-Quality of Life-5 Dimensions, EQ-5D; Oswestry Disability Index, ODI; numerical rating score of pain on the back and leg, NRS-B and NRS-L) and radiological parameters (C7-SVA; lumbar lordosis, LL; the difference between pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis, PI-LL; pelvic tilt, PT) were assessed. The quality-adjusted life year (QALY) and incremental cost-effective ratio (ICER) were calculated from a utility score of EQ-5D. Postoperatively, both groups attained clinical and radiological improvement in all parameters, but NRS-L was more improved in the F-group (p = 0.048). ICER of F-group over D-group was 49,833 US dollars/QALY. Cost-effective lumbar decompression may be a recommendable surgical option for certain elderly patients, despite less improvement of leg pain than with fusion surgery.

Human capital investment selection criteria: Who is worth the investment?

Orientation: Employee investment is an important contributor to advancing both the employee and the organisation. Using the correct criteria to select employees to participate in a human capital investment (HCI) initiative is vital.Research purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore the impact of HCI within an organisation and to understand how selection criteria are determined and applied when selecting knowledge assets in which to invest. The study also aimed to formulate recommendations on suitable selection criteria for HCI beneficiaries.Motivation for the study: The ability to effectively identify relevant skills to invest in provides an opportunity to leverage employees’ innovation capacity, crucial in the development of commercial products and the improvement of business processes.Research approach/design and method: A qualitative, interpretive research design was adopted within the phenomenological paradigm. Eight semistructured interviews were conducted with purposively selected participants. Data were analysed using thematic analysis while all ethical protocols were observed.Main findings: The findings reveal a disparity in perceptions regarding criteria used in the application and selection process of HCI beneficiaries. The findings also reveal the risks and benefits of HCI programmes for both the employee and the organisation.Practical/managerial implications: Standardised procedures, processes and criteria, aligned to organisational strategy and for the purpose of employee development and succession planning, should be clearly formulated and communicated to all the stakeholders.Contribution/value-add: Recommendations are made to management, human resources practitioners and researchers on ensuring effectively developed HCI initiatives.

SVM ensemble training for imbalanced data classification using multi-objective optimization techniques

One of the main problems with classifier training for imbalanced data is defining the correct learning criterion. On the one hand, we want the minority class to be correctly recognized, and on the other hand, we do not want to make too many mistakes in the majority class. Commonly used metrics focus either on the predictive quality of the distinguished class or propose an aggregation of simple metrics. The aggregate metrics, such as Gmean or AUC, are primarily ambiguous, i.e., they do not indicate the specific values of errors made on the minority or majority class. Additionally, improper use of aggregate metrics results in solutions selected with their help that may favor the majority class. The authors realize that a solution to this problem is using overall risk. However, this requires knowledge of the costs associated with errors made between classes, which is often unavailable. Hence, this paper will propose the semoos algorithm - an approach based on multi-objective optimization that optimizes criteria related to the prediction quality of both minority and majority classes. semoos returns a pool of non-dominated solutions from which the user can choose the model that best suits him. Automatic solution selection formulas with a so-called Pareto front have also been proposed to compare state-of-the-art methods. The proposed approach will train a svm classifier ensemble dedicated to the imbalanced data classification task. The experimental evaluations carried out on a large number of benchmark datasets confirm its usefulness.

LBSUN214 Accuracy Of A Continuous Glucose Monitor In The Intensive Care Unit

Abstract Studies have shown that hyper/hypoglycemia and glycemic variation are associated with adverse outcomes in critically ill patients. Currently, frequent blood point-of-care (POC) glucose measurements from an arterial or capillary sample is the only technology available to minimize glycemic excursions in the ICU. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is becoming the standard of care for outpatient diabetes care and has shown improved glycemic control in the non-ICU inpatient setting. The Dexcom G6 sensor (G6) is the first CGM device approved by Health Canada for outpatient diabetes management without the need for calibration, but it has not yet been approved for inpatient use. We collected data from 23 adults who were on an insulin infusion in a medical-surgical ICU in Vancouver, British Columbia to evaluate the accuracy of uncalibrated CGM in the ICU. A blinded G6 was attached to the patient's arm and collected glucose measurements every five minutes without calibration. Nursing staff continued POC arterial glucose measurements using the AccuChek Inform II machine per standard of care. Excluding four outliers (with mean absolute relative difference (MARD) ≥ 25%), the overall MARD was 13.24% (SE 0.43) over 649 matched CGM and arterial glucose values. A Clarke Error Grid demonstrated 99.1% of CGM measurements within zones A and B. The MARD using three-point rolling averages of CGM measurements in five-minute intervals was 13.49% (SE 0.68). There were 573 matched pairs between glucose ranges of 3.9-13.9 mmol/L with two pairs <3.9 and 74 pairs >13.9 mmol/L. Eleven patients had renal replacement therapy and twelve had vasopressor use. There was no significant difference in MARD with renal replacement or across glycemic ranges ≥3.9. The MARD for patients with vasopressors was lower than for patients without (13% vs 13.55%, p<0. 01), a finding of doubtful clinical relevance. There is no expert agreement yet about the acceptable accuracy for CGM use in hospital. Our overall MARD meets the 2013 Critical Care expert consensus recommendations for MARD <14%. The FDA guidance on standard of accuracy for conventional POC glucometers require 98% of values within 15% for BG ≥ 75mg/dL. Our data showed 65.18% of values were within 15%. Previous studies using CGM in the ICU, even those using G6, all used calibration. The majority were non-blinded, and none met FDA criteria for inpatient use. Our study is the first uncalibrated and blinded study that was able to demonstrate acceptable accuracy in a large sample size. Since CGM accuracy may be affected by various factors, our comprehensive data can potentially identify specific interferences and quantify a calibration or correction criteria to improve CGM accuracy in critically ill patients. Overall, our results show that CGM shows strong potential to be an accurate, resource-efficient, and intuitive alternative to POC glucose monitoring to meet glycemic targets in the ICU. Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Measurements and Correctness Criteria for Determining the Line Length of the Data Image Obtained in the Process of Electromagnetic Infiltration

The protection of information against electromagnetic penetration is one of the most important aspects related to the protection of information against its non-invasive acquisition. Compared to the activities of cybercriminals, the use of electromagnetic emissions in the electromagnetic infiltration process does not leave any traces of activity, and the owner of the information is not aware of its loss. The most common activities of electromagnetic eavesdropping are related to the infiltration of emission sources, graphically revealing the processing of information using both analog and digital methods. This allows for the presentation of reconstructed data in the form of images. Correct display of the acquired information requires knowledge of raster parameters such as line length and the number of lines building the reconstructed image. Due to the lack of direct access to the intercepted device, knowledge in this field does not allow for the correct determination of the aforementioned parameters, and thus, for recreating an image that would contain legible and understandable data. Additionally, incorrect values of the parameters result in failure of further processing of the obtained image, e.g., by using a coherent summation of images. Therefore, it is necessary to propose a solution that will allow not so much to roughly define the raster parameters but to estimate them precisely. Moreover, it should enable the automation of the process after the implementation of an appropriate algorithm. The article proposes an algorithm for estimating the line length of the reconstructed image. The raster parameter estimated with the use of the algorithm allows for summarizing images several dozen times with a significant improvement in the image quality and readability of the data contained in it. The image summation algorithm is very often used as one of the main image processing methods in the electromagnetic infiltration process. Incorrect raster parameters often make coherent summation useless. The proposed algorithm for estimating the line length of the reconstructed image uses three methods of determining the line length of the image for a given accuracy. At the same time, criteria were indicated that must be met to determine the correct length of the image line for the assumed accuracy of estimation. Obtained results confirmed that the proposed methods and criteria are effective in the process of electromagnetic infiltration. These methods allow us to determine the line length of reconstructed images with accuracy up to 10−5.

Criteria for Assessing the Safety and Functionality of Tram Stops

The selection of criteria in the developed methods of analysis and evaluation has a significant impact on the implemented decision-making processes. For this reason, the very process of identifying the correct criteria is a research challenge worth undertaking. The conducted literature review shows that in the methodology of assessing tram and bus stops, the researchers focus primarily on aspects related to safety. Assessment of the functionality of tram stops becomes no less important. However, a literature review shows that this range of stops is sporadically mentioned in publications. Meanwhile, from a practical point of view, the aspects related to ensuring the required functionality in the tram stop zone are as important as the safety of passengers. That is why we surveyed experts who perform official functions in cities with a tram transport system. The conducted research was aimed at: (1) assessment of the elements and selected parameters of the stop infrastructure in terms of their impact on the safety and functionality of stops; (2) assessment of the inter-relationship between safety and functionality criteria when analyzing individual factors. The article aims to present the results obtained during the structured interviews and their interpretation. The obtained research results and their classification constitute not only scientific material, but they can also be used by people and organizations involved in the design, evaluation, and modernization of tram stops. The obtained results should also be analyzed by teams developing urban standards for transport infrastructure.

Robust Controller Numerical Design for Reinforced Concrete Structures Under Seismic Excitation Conditions

The article discusses driver optimization design issues that combine the evolution of artificial intelligence of the bat optimization algorithm with fuzzy drivers to enable practical applications in construction. The designation of system controllers includes various subsections such as initial system parameters, EB optimization algorithm, cloud controllers, stability analysis, and excitation sensors. The advantage of this design is the integrated H2 / H output of a robust strategy for certain systems with continuous and polyhedral uncertainties f or. The asymptote was obtained by adjusting the design parameters with the help of correction criteria. Numerical verification of the time and frequency domain shows the new system design to accurately predict and control the structural displacement reactions required to actively control each model structure . The Genetic Algorithm Test technique uses the Hurwitz Matrix Functional Structure hierarchy for hierarchical conditions and measures of exacerbation of effect. This article proposes any type of dynamic controller to obtain the optimal power structure required for active control of nonlinear structures. This method has shown favorable results in the resolutions of closed systems.

On the Monte Carlo weights in multiple criteria decision analysis.

In multiple-criteria decision making/aiding/analysis (MCDM/MCDA) weights of criteria constitute a crucial input for finding an optimal solution (alternative). A large number of methods were proposed for criteria weights derivation including direct ranking, point allocation, pairwise comparisons, entropy method, standard deviation method, and so on. However, the problem of correct criteria weights setting persists, especially when the number of criteria is relatively high. The aim of this paper is to approach the problem of determining criteria weights from a different perspective: we examine what weights’ values have to be for a given alternative to be ranked the best. We consider a space of all feasible weights from which a large number of weights in the form of n−tuples is drawn randomly via Monte Carlo method. Then, we use predefined dominance relations for comparison and ranking of alternatives, which are based on the set of generated cases. Further on, we provide the estimates for a sample size so the results could be considered robust enough. At last, but not least, we introduce the concept of central weights and the measure of its robustness (stability) as well as the concept of alternatives’ multi-dominance, and show their application to a real-world problem of the selection of the best wind turbine.

Application of a Fully Automated Dried Blood Spot Method for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Immunosuppressants: Another Step Toward Implementation of Dried Blood Spot Analysis.

The follow-up of patients under lifelong immunosuppressant therapy is pivotal to prevent allograft rejection after transplant. Part of the difficulties associated with routine monitoring of immunosuppressant concentrations can be alleviated by home sampling using dried blood spots (DBSs). To evaluate the applicability of a DBS method for the determination of immunosuppressants in venous blood samples, making use of an automated extraction platform. Paired venous DBSs and whole blood samples were analyzed for tacrolimus (n = 162), sirolimus (n = 47), everolimus (n = 45), and cyclosporin A (n = 61) with liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, using fully automated extraction for DBSs. Agreement between the automated DBS and whole blood method was assessed by using Bland-Altman comparison. Both an analytical and a clinical acceptance limit were predefined at more than 67% of all paired samples within 20% of the mean of both samples and more than 80% of all paired samples within 20% of the whole blood concentration, respectively. An impact of the hematocrit (hct) on DBS quantitation was observed for all analytes, which could be alleviated for all analytes by using a hct conversion formula based on a tacrolimus data subset: [DBScorrected] = [DBSmeasured]/(1.6305 - 1.559*hct). After correction, both analytical and clinical acceptance criteria were met for all analytes. Automated DBS analysis shows great potential for routine therapeutic drug monitoring of immunosuppressants, avoiding any manual sample handling.

Challenges in rating signed production: A mixed-methods study of a Swiss German Sign Language form-recall vocabulary test

Sign languages present particular challenges to language assessors in relation to variation in signs, weakly defined citation forms, and a general lack of standard-setting work even in long-established measures of productive sign proficiency. The present article addresses and explores these issues via a mixed-methods study of a human-rated form-recall sign vocabulary test of 98 signs for beginning adult learners of Swiss German Sign Language (DSGS), using post-test qualitative rater interviews to inform interpretation of the results of quantitative analysis of the test ratings using many-facets Rasch measurement. Significant differences between two expert raters were observed on three signs. The follow-up interview revealed disagreement on the criterion of correctness, despite the raters’ involvement in the development of the base lexicon of signs. The findings highlight the challenges of using human ratings to assess the production not only of sign language vocabulary, but of minority languages generally, and underscore the need for greater effort expended on the standardization of sign language assessment.

Über das Einstimmigkeitspostulat im Kontraktualismus1

A legitimate moral justification has to be given by justifying a norm to everyone. Achieving unanimity about norms is a moral correctness criterion for certain contract theories. What exactly is meant by unanimity ? Most contract theorists quickly agree that unanimity, understood as the explicit factual agreement of everyone to a norm candidate, is de facto impossible to achieve. It is stated that the following types of consent can replace de facto unanimous consent: a) majority consent; b) rational consent, c) consent based on self-interest, d) consent based on transcendental interests and e) consent based on undisputed moral principles. I want to show that unanimous consent cannot be achieved in any of these ways, and if you claim that moral norms are based on unanimity or that there are no moral norms, then you have to dismiss morality.