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Evaluation of Cracking Performance of Bridge Decks With And Without Overlays and With and Without Fibers
No full textNinety-three spans on 19 bridges, constructed between 2013 and 2020, were surveyed for cracks. The decks were constructed on either steel or prestressed concrete girders. The spans were constructed with or without overlays, some of which used silica fume as a partial replacement for portland cement, with or without nonmetallic fibers, or with monolithic decks with or without nonmetallic fibers. Of the six bridges with conventional overlays (without silica fume), four contained fibers. All nine of the bridges with silica fume overlays had fibers. Of the four monolithic decks, two had spans with fibers, one did not have fibers, and one had two surveyed units (each with three spans) with fibers and four surveyed units without fibers. The bridge superstructures had from two to seven spans with lengths ranging from 147 to 808 ft (44.9 to 246. m), and roadways with widths ranging from 32 to 70.5 ft (9.8 to 21.5 m). The surveys revealed that decks with concrete overlays crack more than monolithic decks for decks on both steel and prestressed concrete superstructures. Decks with cement paste contents less than 27% of the concrete volume cracked less than decks with a higher volumes of cement paste. More generally, good construction practices are needed for low-cracking decks, and with poor construction practices, even decks with a low paste content, with or without fibers, can exhibit high cracking.Kansas Department of Transportation, Project No. TPF-5(392)
Evaluation of ready-to-use freezer stocks of a synthetic microbial community for maize root colonization
No full textSynthetic communities (SynComs) are an invaluable tool to characterize and model plant-microbe interactions. Multimember SynComs approximate intricate real-world interactions between plants and their microbiome, but the complexity and time required for their construction increase enormously for each additional member added to the SynCom. Therefore, researchers who study a diversity of microbiomes using SynComs are looking for ways to simplify the use of SynComs. In this manuscript, we evaluate the feasibility of creating ready-to-use freezer stocks of a well-studied seven-member SynCom for maize roots. The frozen ready-to-use SynCom stocks work according to the principle of "just add buffer and apply to sterilized seeds or seedlings" and thus can save time applied in multiple days of laborious growing and combining of multiple microorganisms. We show that ready-to-use SynCom stocks provide comparable results to those of freshly constructed SynComs and thus allow for significant time savings when working with SynComs
Modern Antitrust Meets Modern Rulemaking: Evaluating the Potential of FTC Competition Rulemaking
No full textIn January 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) proposed its first discretionary competition rule in fifty-seven years and its second such rule ever. In light of the proposed Non-Compete Clause Rule, this Article explores complexities and nuances surrounding the FTC’s move toward competition rulemaking. We examine historical context and recent policy developments that have shaped the FTC’s increased interest in rulemaking. In the context of administrative and regulatory mechanisms that could safeguard rulemaking, this Article posits that the FTC should proceed with rulemaking, but with caution. Highlighting the challenges specific to antitrust rulemaking, we advocate for nuanced rulemaking that incorporates presumptive rules, non-binding guidelines, and specific exceptions. This Article also advocates for the FTC’s use of modern rulemaking strategies such as experimental rulemaking, retrospective review, and Cost-Benefit Analysis. We propose how rulemaking analysis may consider non-consumer-welfare concerns, such as distributional and political effects, alongside the traditional assessment of consumer welfare. Examples are discussed, including exclusionary conduct and mergers
Prevalence of Pathogenic Microbes within the Endometrium in Normal Weight vs. Obese Women with Infertility
No full textA grant from the One-University Open Access Fund at the University of Kansas was used to defray the author's publication fees in this Open Access journal. The Open Access Fund, administered by librarians from the KU, KU Law, and KUMC libraries, is made possible by contributions from the offices of KU Provost, KU Vice Chancellor for Research & Graduate Studies, and KUMC Vice Chancellor for Research. For more information about the Open Access Fund, please see http://library.kumc.edu/authors-fund.xml.This study investigates the association between body mass index (BMI) and the composition of the endometrial microbiota in infertile women of childbearing age. This is a retrospective clinical study comparing the endometrial microbiota across body weight in 132 patients presenting for care at an infertility clinic. The reason for infertility was recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) or implantation failure with a prior IVF cycle. Microbe analysis was completed by Igenomix Laboratory (Valencia, Spain) using two comprehensive panels. Patients were separated into three groups based on their results: normal, dysbiotic, and pathogenic. Prevalence of these groups was compared across BMI categories and statistical analysis was used to determine significance. Of the 132 endometrial samples collected, 80 (60.6%) were normal, 16 (12.1%) were dysbiotic, and 36 (27.3%) were pathogenic. Patients with a BMI ≥ 30 showed a statistically significant increase in pathogenic endometrium compared to normal weight controls (p = 0.029). Our conclusion is that the prevalence of pathogenic endometrium was significantly higher in the obese group compared with normal weight controls. There is a possible association between obesity and the endometrial microbiome.
Keywords: microbiome; obesity; BMI; Lactobacillus; infertility; endometriu
Young Adult Vaping Study Assessment 2024
No full textThe study provides insight into the multifaceted reasons why young adults are attracted to vaping, including convenience, device aesthetics, flavor variety, and social influences. Additionally, it highlights the complex interplay between vaping and interpersonal relationships among this demographic
“A Supernova that Sparks in Every Direction”: A Long-Term Assessment of the Research Sprints Faculty Engagement Program
Full text linkArticle will be published in College & Research Libraries in March 2024. This is the accepted version of the manuscript prior to copyediting.PREPRINT: Article to be published in College & Research Libraries in March 2024. This is the accepted version of the manuscript prior to copyediting. The Research Sprints program offers faculty partners the opportunity to collaborate intensively and exclusively for one week with a team of librarians to achieve significant progress on research or teaching projects. This longitudinal study extends previous immediate and short-term assessments by interviewing Research Sprints participants at two research-intensive institutions 2-4 years after their concentrated week. The authors evaluate the enduring impact of the program on the participants’ projects, research/teaching practices, and relationships with the library. Participants report achieving project goals, improved skills and student success, and greater awareness and appreciation of librarians’ work
Life Cycle Transitions in the Freshwater Jellyfish Craspedacusta sowerbii
No full textA grant from the One-University Open Access Fund at the University of Kansas was used to defray the author's publication fees in this Open Access journal. The Open Access Fund, administered by librarians from the KU, KU Law, and KUMC libraries, is made possible by contributions from the offices of KU Provost, KU Vice Chancellor for Research & Graduate Studies, and KUMC Vice Chancellor for Research. For more information about the Open Access Fund, please see http://library.kumc.edu/authors-fund.xml.Craspedacusta sowerbii is an invasive hydrozoan found globally in freshwater habitats. C. sowerbii has a complex life cycle that includes benthic, pelagic, dispersal and dormant stages. The distribution of the medusa (jellyfish) stage has been well documented, but little is known about the other life cycle stages, which are suggested to be more widespread. In addition, the conditions required for growth, reproduction and dispersal of the different life cycle stages, as well as the environmental cues that regulate life cycle transitions, are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to determine laboratory conditions for growth of, and transition to, different life cycle stages in order to improve our ability to culture all life cycle stages of C. sowerbii. In addition, insight into the environmental triggers that promote life cycle transitions will enable us to better predict the potential negative effects C. sowerbii could impose on freshwater ecosystems.Illinois-Indiana Sea Gran
Digital Trade Diversity: A Critical Primer on the Evolving Nature and Regulation of Intangible Import- Export Transactions
No full textIn the ever-evolving world trading system, digital trade is a complex, multi-faceted phenomenon that challenges traditional legal frameworks. This article explores cross-border regulation
of digital import-export transactions, arguing a central thesis summed up in one word: “diversity.” The diverse nature of digital trade and its regulation is evident from a critical evaluation of the impact of digital trade on global economies, including market expansion and supply chain efficiency, and costs such as workforce adaptation and rich-poor divisions.
There is no universally agreed upon definition of “digital trade.” This article identifies a range of possibilities, covering the methodology and subject matter of an import-export transaction. It also points out that the diversity in digital trade is apparent from the absence of a universally agreed-upon definition of the term “data,” leading to fragmented approaches to data protection and management.
Likewise, digital trade agreements (DTAs) are hardly monolithic. The article proposes they may be plausibly categorized as “nonexclusive” and “exclusive.” It highlights notable non-exclusive DTAs, such as the United States-Mexico Agreement (USMCA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which have impressive Chapters on digital trade. The article also assesses noteworthy exclusive DTAs: the U.S.-Japan Digital Trade Agreement (USJDTA), known for its “Data Free Flow with Trust” philosophy, and the innovative Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) designed for adaptability and scalability.
Worryingly, digital trade diversity is exacerbated by “national security” concerns. There are national security exceptions in DTAs, the invocation of which in a schismatic geopolitical climate can undermine efforts to forge a harmonious regulatory framework across borders. The article concludes with a call for renewed leadership by major powers – America, China, and India – toward some measure of unity amidst this diversity
The Forced Labor Revolution in U.S. International Trade Law
No full textWhat should the relationship be between the promotion of labor rights and the importation of foreign-origin merchandise? Specifically, should America allow into its customs territory imports made with forced labor? The conventional answer, evidenced by U.S. international trade law since 1930, has been a reasonably tight ban on such products. But allegations of genocide orchestrated by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) against Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang underscored bipartisan concern that the Section 307 ban needed tightening. The legislative response-the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, enacted on December 23, 2021, and effective June 21, 2022-did that, and more, by creating a rebuttable presumption that any item manufactured in whole or in part in Xinjiang, or by a company connected thereto, the UFLPA revolutionized U.S. international trade law. Simply put, the UFLPA is a dramatic change evincing a newfound American commitment to root out labor rights degradations from cross-border supply chains
Eating Pathology Clinical Outcome Tracker (EPCOT)
No full textThe Eating Pathology Symptoms Inventory (EPSI) was developed by Dr. Kelsie Forbush and published in Psychological Assessment in 2013. Prior to publication, Dr. Forbush obtained a United States copyright to the measure and derivative versions (which includes [but is not limited to] translations, shortened versions, online administrations, and revisions that modify instructions). This means that Dr. Forbush, who has the authority to grant or deny any modifications to the original version of the EPSI, retains the copyright to the EPSI and any derivative or translated version of the EPSI, including but not limited to the Eating Pathology Clinical Outcomes Tracker (EPCOT), Brief Assessment of Stress and Eating (BASE), and EPSI-Clinician Rated Version (EPSI-CRV). Please note that changing the instructions or deviations from the paper-and-pencil format (e.g., administering the survey over the Internet or through a mobile-health app) are considered modifications. Unauthorized translations or modifications would, therefore, represent copyright infringement. To request permission to modify the EPSI, EPCOT, or another derivative measure, please contact Kelsie Forbush at [email protected] .The Eating Pathology Clinical Outcome Tracker (EPCOT) is a 24-item multidimensional self-report tool that can be used to help clinicians track weekly progress in their clients over time in therapy. The EPCOT can also be used in research contexts in which briefer, week-to-week assessments are needed. The eight scales include: Body Dissatisfaction, Binge Eating, Cognitive Restraint, Excessive Exercise, Muscle Building, Negative Attitudes Toward Obesity, Purging, and Restricting. Scoring of the EPCOT involves summing (adding) items within scales. There is no total score for the EPCOT