We present the Data Quality Report Builder toolkit, DQRbuild, a suite of data quality tools that have been developed to vet gravitational-wave events in preparation for the fourth LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observing run. We explain the main functionality and the many scientific tests that we support. To validate the performance of the tools included in the toolkit, we run a series of tests on all significant candidates shared as public alerts in the third observing run to compare against what was manually reported using human intervention. We find that these automated tools can now identify 96
To compare the effects of 6 weeks of combined high- and low-load lower body resistance training (H + L) to high-load only training (H) on maximal strength, muscle thickness (MT), and electromyographic (EMGRMS)–torque relationships of the vastus lateralis during an absolute muscular endurance (AME) task. Twenty-eight untrained males performed maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) and trapezoidal muscle actions to failure at the same absolute 50
This study investigates the long-run relationship between public debt and economic growth in Canada from 1960 to 2022 using an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model. By incorporating key macroeconomic variables such as world GDP, the current account balance, and long-term interest rates, the analysis captures the macroeconomic dynamics of Canada's small open economy. The findings reveal a negative relationship between public debt and economic growth in Canada, suggesting that fiscal prudence is crucial for sustained economic performance. Specifically, a 1% annual increase in public debt results in a 0.6-0.7% reduction in real GDP. Moreover, external factors such as global economic conditions and interest rates significantly influence Canada's economic trajectory. These insights offer valuable policy implications not only for Canada, but also for similar open economies grappling with rising public debt levels.
Conversational argument scholarship has recently examined people’s personal and social interactions for their argumentative qualities. Relying on the theory of Minimally Rational Argument (MRA), this paper investigates the manner in which moods affect people’s conversational argument acts and sequences. Three moods related to social interaction were selected: depression, anger, and vigor. Thirty-five married couples completed measures of mood and then engaged in conversations regarding issues they had nominated. Over 5,400 argument turns were coded for their argumentative function. Results indicated that moods variously associated with various argument-relevant acts and sequences. These findings confirm a new MRA proposition that people’s moods influence their conversational argument behaviors. Implications for the field of conversational argument generally and research on how affect influences reason-giving specifically are discussed.
Introduction In light of recent changes to South Africa’s healthcare regulatory landscape, including updates to HPCSA disciplinary processes, the introduction of minimum fines, and reforms to streamline case inquiries, this study examines cases of ethical misconduct among occupational therapists reported to the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) between 2014 and 2023. Maintaining ethical integrity in occupational therapy is important to earning public trust, strengthening the profession’s identity, and ensuring accountability in patient care. Building on the findings of Nortje and Hoffman in 2015, this study analyses the types of transgressions, and the penalties imposed to better understand evolving trends in professional ethics and regulation. Methodology A qualitative historical document review approach was used to analyze archival material from the HPCSA. Available data were sorted into one of nine general categories and one of 180 subcategories, using the classification framework adapted from HPCSA disciplinary codes and tan earlier study which reviewed the ethical misconduct of HPCSA registered occupational therapists from 2007 to 2013. Results A total of 66 cases were reported; of these, fraudulent conduct was the most common transgression (61 cases), followed by professional registration misconduct, improper professional role conduct, negligence, and performing procedures without patient consent. These 66 cases were committed by a total of nine offenders, five of whom were repeat offenders. Penalties ranged from fines (R10,000 to R210,000) to suspensions of up to 2 years and mandated ethics courses. Some of these fines fell below HPCSA minimums, raising concerns about consistency and enforcement. Conclusion Compared to 2007–2013, the 2014-2023 period had a larger number of violations, which reflects the changing professional demands and regulatory landscapes. The penalties for these violations remain largely punitive, which undermines rehabilitation and broader efforts to deter unethical behaviour. This study highlights the need for continuous ethics training, consistent enforcement of penalties, and regular updates to regulatory frameworks to promote long-term ethical compliance and protect patient trust in occupational therapy practices. Implications for practice: • Highlights the importance of integrating reflective practice and ethics education as part of continuous professional development. • Emphasizes the need for consistent enforcement of HPCSA penalties to ensure accountability and deter repeat offenses. • Supports the inclusion of rehabilitative measures, such as ethics and practice management courses, alongside financial penalties. • Importance of being and acting ethical to maintain patient trust and upholding the integrity of occupational therapists
