Evaluation Of Possible Consequences Research Articles

Well-Being, Self-Esteem and Temporal Perspective in Incels: An Italian Study.

The global scholarly attention has shifted toward the phenomenon of inceldom (involuntary celibacy) due to violent incidents involving self-identified incels. There is a growing number of platforms promoting the proliferation of these ideologies, and cases of violence are becoming increasingly severe. This research constitutes one of the limited empirical investigations within an Italian context. This study aims to examine the mental well-being and its associations with self-esteem and temporal perspectives among individuals identifying as incels. Fifty-eighth male subjects aged between 18 and 45 years old participated in the study. Participants, recruited through online communication channels, completed three questionnaires focused on assessing mental well-being, self-esteem, and temporal orientation. The results reveal that incel subjects exhibit low self-esteem and are inclined toward a hedonistic present-focused perspective aimed at immediate gratification rather than future planning. Of note are the data related to the future temporal perspective, which does not show any predictive value on the well-being of incel subjects. Their ability to plan for the long term, defer immediate gratification, and control behavior through the anticipation and evaluation of possible consequences appears diminished. This study discusses the implications of developing targeted intervention programs, given that the incel phenomenon is becoming increasingly widespread. It is, therefore, crucial not to underestimate the potential threat that inceldom could pose in the future.

Human involvement in autonomous decision-making systems. Lessons learned from three case studies in aviation, social care and road vehicles

This paper draws on three case studies to examine some of the challenges and tensions involved in the use of Autonomous Decision-Making Systems (ADMS). In particular, the paper highlights: (i) challenges around the shifting “locale” of the decision, and the associated consequences for stakeholders; (ii) potential implications for stakeholders from regulation such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR); (iii) the different values that stakeholder groups bring to the “decision” question; (iv) how complex pre-existing webs of stakeholders and decision-making authorities may be disrupted or disempowered by the use of an automated system and the lack of evaluation of possible consequences; (v) how ADMS for non-technical users can lead to circumvention of the boundaries of intended system use. We illustrate these challenges through case studies in three domains: adult social care, aviation, and vehicle driver monitoring systems. The paper closes with recommendations for both practice and policy in the deployment of ADMS.

On the presence of Synagrops japonicus (Acropomatiformes: Synagropidae) in the Mediterranean Sea

A specimen of Synagrops japonicus was collected in the north-western Mediterranean during an exploratory cruise using bottom trawl nets, aimed at the evaluation of possible consequences of lost at sea drums containing toxic materials. The discovery of this specimen follows the first record that occurred in the same area 28 years previously, fished by a bottom trawler in the waters of Portofino (Genoa, Italy) in 1987. The morphometric and meristic details of the new specimen are provided. The presence of this individual in the north-western portion of the Mediterranean is likely related toan accidental transport of larvae via ballast water by ships coming from outside the Mediterranean basin.

The Influence of Selected Strain-Based Failure Criteria on Ship Structure Damage Resulting from a Collision with an Offshore Wind Turbine Monopile

Abstract Offshore wind farms are developing well all over the world, providing green energy from renewable sources. The evaluation of possible consequences of a collision involves Finite Element computer simulations. The goal of this paper was to analyse the influence of selected strain-based failure criteria on ship damage resulting from a collision with an offshore wind turbine monopile. The case of a collision between an offshore supply vessel and a monopile-type support structure was examined. The results imply that simulation assumptions, especially the failure criteria, are very important. It was found that, using the strain failure criteria according to the minimum values required by the design rules, can lead to an underestimation of the ship damage by as much as 6 times, for the length of the hull plate, and 9 times, for the area of the ship hull opening. Instead, the adjusted formula should be used, taking into account both the FE element size and the shell thickness. The influence of the non-linear representation of the stress-strain curve was also pointed out. Moreover, a significant influence of the selected steel grade on collision damages was found.

Central Transpatellar Tendon Portal Is Safe When Used for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Central transpatellar tendon portal (CTP) was suggested first for complex meniscal lesion and subsequently for a better femoral footprint view during reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). A comprehensive evaluation of possible consequences of using the CTP performing an ACL reconstruction does not exist. Our hypothesis was that the use of CTP for ACL reconstruction does not lead to a higher rate of complications or clinically evident radiological abnormalities. In total, 141 patients were prospectively evaluated, 69 underwent ACL reconstruction using a standard high medial portal as view portal, and 72 where a CTP was used. Clinical evaluation, Kujala's score, patellar height, and magnetic resonance (MR) abnormalities were evaluated up to 1-year follow-up. Clinical complications were reported in 16 cases with no statistically significant differences between the two groups. The group 2 had significantly more MR abnormalities (p = 0.048), but the differences in MR alterations do not have any clinical repercussion even in a sports-active population. No differences were found between the groups in Kujala's score, time to return to work, and sport or patellar height. The overall mean preoperative Caton-Deschamps Index decreased significantly (p = 0.034) postoperatively. Postoperative patellar height seems to slightly decrease after ACL reconstruction regardless of the kind of the portals used intraoperatively and the initial patellar height. Nevertheless, this change in patellar height does not influence the postoperative outcome. CTP used for ACL reconstruction does not lead to significative major clinical complications.

Uncertainty analysis using Bayesian Model Averaging: a case study of input variables to energy models and inference to associated uncertainties of energy scenarios

Energy models are used to illustrate, calculate and evaluate energy futures under given assumptions. The results of energy models are energy scenarios representing uncertain energy futures. The discussed approach for uncertainty quantification and evaluation is based on Bayesian Model Averaging for input variables to quantitative energy models. If the premise is accepted that the energy model results cannot be less uncertain than the input to energy models, the proposed approach provides a lower bound of associated uncertainty. The evaluation of model-based energy scenario uncertainty in terms of input variable uncertainty departing from a probabilistic assessment is discussed. The result is an explicit uncertainty quantification for input variables of energy models based on well-established measure and probability theory. The quantification of uncertainty helps assessing the predictive potential of energy scenarios used and allows an evaluation of possible consequences as promoted by energy scenarios in a highly uncertain economic, environmental, political and social target system. If societal decisions are vested in computed model results, it is meaningful to accompany these with an uncertainty assessment. Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) for input variables of energy models could add to the currently limited tools for uncertainty assessment of model-based energy scenarios.

ATTENDO

An experiment was carried out to develop and to validate a new assessment method for the allocation of visual attention in complex displays with two kinds of information: information about the environment of the system and additional information about the system status. Based on a secondary-task approach, this method specifically allows for an evaluation of possible consequences the design of complex displays may have on pilots’ or operators’ visual behavior, thus facilitating the identification of inappropriate designs that may lead to cognitive tunneling. A number of methods to evaluate the impact of design on pilots’ or operators’ visual attention are already in existence. They all apply the detection of surprising events. Experiments using these methods, however, require a large number of participants. The new method presented here helps overcome this problem and reduce the necessary effort. It is based on a secondary target-detection task with targets presented in different locations of the field of view. The experiment conducted to validate the new method was designed for the application of the method in two-dimensional displays (ATTENDO, which is Latin for I pay attention). The method is capable to reproduce effects of complex design on the allocation of attention. A significant better detection rate for centrally localized targets is achieved.

Going Back to Basics: Importance of Ecophysiology when Choosing Functional Traits for Studying Communities and Ecosystems

Striking progress has been made on conceptual and methodological aspects linking species to community and ecosystem responses to environmental change. However, the first step when using a trait-based approach (i.e., choosing the adequate reflecting species response to a given environmental driver) deserves much more attention. The first broad comparative studies, using worldwide datasets, have identified a number of that are, for example, good indicators of plant responses to water and nutrient availability, or good indicators of plant species defense against herbivory and plant effects on litter decomposition. Due to the successful explanation of global patterns of trait variation and the relatively easy measurements, some functional have become widely used. However, it is starting to be questioned whether the status of such fashionable traits is always justified; especially considering that particular might be the result of underlying that respond to distinct environmental factors. Some global trade-offs between reflecting contrasting resource use strategies do not hold under changing environmental conditions. Therefore, the choice of to up-scale responses of individuals to communities and ecosystems should be based on their adequacy for a specified ecological context. Here, we present a framework that helps identifying objective criteria for the choice of functional for studies on community assembly and ecosystem processes and services. This framework comprises five steps: 1) identification of the main environmental drivers; 2) identification of the relevant physiological processes allowing species to cope with the environment; 3) selection of that are involved in such physiological processes; 4) validation of the select at community level and; 5) evaluation of possible consequences for ecosystem processes/services. © 2013 ABECO.

Better safe than sorry: Precautionary reasoning and implied dominance in risky decisions

AbstractIn four studies, student and nonstudent participants evaluated the possible outcomes of binary decisions involving health, safety, and environmental risks (e.g., whether to issue a dam‐failure evacuation order). Many participants indicated that false positives (e.g., evacuation, but no dam failure) were better than true negatives (e.g., no evacuation and no dam failure), thereby implying that the more protective action dominated the less protective action. A common rationale for this response pattern was the precautionary maxim “better safe than sorry.” Participants apparently evaluated outcomes partly on the basis of the decisions that might lead to them, in conflict with consequentialist decision models. Consistent with this explanation, the prevalence of implied dominance decreased substantially when the emphasis on decisions was reduced. These results demonstrate that an initial preference for a decision alternative can alter the evaluation of possible consequences of both the preferred alternative and a competing alternative, suggesting positive feedback loops that reinforce the initial preference. The rationality of considering the decision itself as an attribute of possible outcomes is discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Dynamics of blood values in experimental geomagnetic deprivation (in vitro) reflects biotropic effects of natural physical factors during early human ontogeny

Heliogeophysical situation during prenatal development of humans is essential for blood rheology, hemostasis, and spectral and frequency parameters of the blood. The relationship between these parameters and natural physical factors is determined by the intensity of solar activity and geomagnetic induction during postnatal ontogeny. Analysis of changes in the functional relationship between hematological values and heliogeophysical factors under conditions of simulated hypogeomagnetic space included evaluation of possible consequences of distortions of the heliobiospheric relationships in large cities, particularly pronounced for cardiovascular patients.

Methodology for evaluation of possible consequences of accidental atmospheric releases of hazardous matter.

Sites exist with high levels of risk of accidental atmospheric releases. These releases can be hazardous nuclear, chemical, and biological matter. Such accidents may occur during transport of waste, or they may be due to natural hazards, human errors, terror acts or various operations at high risk. Considering the operation of lifting and transport of the sunken Kursk nuclear submarine as an example, a methodology for risk assessment is described. This methodology includes two approaches: (1) probabilistic analysis of possible atmospheric transport pathways using trajectory modelling, and (2) evaluation of possible contamination and consequences using real-time operational atmospheric dispersion modelling. The first approach can be applied in advance of an operation during the preparation stage, the second in real time during the operation stage. For the cases considered in this study, the results of trajectory modelling are supported by the operational dispersion modelling, i.e., the westerly flow is dominant during fall occurring 79% of the time. Hence, September-October 2001 was more appropriate for the lifting and transport of the Kursk nuclear submarine in comparison with summer months, when atmospheric transport toward the populated regions of the Kola and Scandinavian Peninsulas was dominant. The suggested methodology may be applied to any potentially dangerous object involving a risk of atmospheric release of hazardous material of nuclear, chemical or biological nature.

Management of dementia in primary health care: the experiences of collaboration between the GP and the district nurse.

The objective of this study was to explore the context and experiences of collaboration between the GP and the district nurse (DN) in diagnosing dementia, in order to identify possible procedures to improve care. Two group interviews were conducted with four DNs and five GPs, respectively, working in the municipality of Copenhagen. The group interviews revealed that the suboptimized collaboration could be due to different inter-professional diagnostic strategies and a lack of understanding of the importance of early, shared, decision making. This could create conflicts between the groups. This study indicates a possibility for improved collaboration between the two professional groups in diagnosing dementia. Possible approaches for improved care should focus on an inter-professional understanding of the importance of early, shared, decision making, emphasizing early identification and care of diagnosed demented patients. Establishing a shared collaboration model including out-patient memory clinics, GPs and DNs could be a first step. This model should also take into account an evaluation of possible consequences for the diagnosed demented patients in terms of treatment and care and consider the indication for referrals to a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. We are at present planning a study to address these aspects.

Endocrine disrupting compounds: effect of octylphenol on reproduction over three generations

With the growing concern that environmental chemicals might impair human and animal fertility, it is important to investigate the possible influence of these substances on sexual differentiation and genital development of mammals. Many of these substances are suspected to interfere with endocrine processes, and exposure during critical periods of prenatal development might affect reproductive performance over several generations. Alkylphenols and their metabolites are lipophilic substances exerting apparent estrogenic action in in vitro and in vivo testing systems. With the widespread industrial use of alkylphenols, these are disseminated in the environment with sewage sludge, and domestic animals and humans are likely to be exposed via the food chain. Using the pig as an in vivo model, we studied the effect of intrauterine exposure to tertiary octylphenol (OP) on essential reproductive parameters over 3 generations. Sows were treated daily from D 23 to 85 of pregnancy with either 0, 10 or 1000 μg OP/kg body weight. Treatment with OP extended pregnancy length and induced basal cell proliferation in the cervical epithelium of the parental generation. In F 1 offspring of sows treated with the low dosage of OP, onset of puberty was accelerated. Furthermore, when F 1 gilts and F 1 boars originating from sows treated with high dosages of OP were bred, the litter size was reduced. The results of the present study are compared with previous reports on estrogenicity of OP, and the usefulness of in vivo animal or embryo models for the evaluation of possible consequences of human exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds is discussed. Furthermore, possible consequences of exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds for the embryo transfer industry are addressed.