Single-Step Fabrication of Highly Tunable Blazed Gratings Using Triangular-Shaped Femtosecond Laser Pulses.

Blazed gratings are periodic surface structures of great interest for applications such as friction control, light trapping, and spectrometry. While different laser processing methods have been explored to produce these elements, they have not yet surpassed conventional surface manufacturing techniques, often based on lithography processes or mechanical ruling. This work introduces a new approach based on the combination of ultrashort pulses and triangular beam shaping, which enables the generation of asymmetrical grooves in a single step. The main advantage of this strategy is that by simply changing the laser processing direction we can induce a significant modification in the ratio of asymmetry between the sidewall angles of the machined channels. The paper includes a comprehensive study, which has been supported by statistical tools, of the effect of this and other experimental parameters on the morphology of grooves machined on stainless steel. As a result, we achieved a wide range of geometries, with asymmetry ratios spanning from 1 to 5 and channel depths between 3 and 15 µm. Furthermore, we demonstrate the validity of the approach through the successful manufacture of blazed gratings of various slopes. The results reflect the versatility and cost-efficiency of the proposed fabrication strategy, and thus its potential to streamline the production of sawtooth gratings and other devices that are based on asymmetrical features.

Fabrication of Thin-Wall Structures with a Femtosecond Laser and Stainless Steel Powder.

Additive Manufacturing (AM) has revolutionized the production of complex three-dimensional (3D) structures; however, the efficient and precise fabrication of thin profiles remains a challenge. This study explores the application of femtosecond-laser-based additive manufacturing techniques for the production of thin profiles with micron-scale features, reaching profile thicknesses below 100 µm. The study investigates the effects of scanning strategy, with optimized processing parameters, on the fabrication of thin profiles; wall thickness measurements were carried out using various technologies to analyse the influence of each on the resulting values. The quality of the walls was quantified by means of a visual characterization of the melted volumes, analysing the evolution of the measured thickness with regard to the processing conditions and in relation to the theoretical thicknesses of the walls.

The Questionnaire of Intention to Help in VAW Cases (QIHVC): Development and preliminary results.

Introduction: Violence against women (VAW) is a worldwide social and health problem of epidemic proportions. This violence is preventable, and bystander programs are one of the possible preventative strategies. The main purpose of this research was to develop a tool that, by applying a contrastive methodology for its application in different forms of violence (forms of gender-based violence, such as intimate partner VAW, sexual harassment at work, and street harassment, and common violence, such as a robbery), would allow measuring the probability of occurrence of bystander response in the face of these types of violence with good evidence of content validity. Method: Firstly (Study 1), an initial version of a measure tool, the Questionnaire of Intention to Help in VAW Cases (QIHVC), was developed; secondly (Study 2), a Delphi (modified) study was carried out to obtain valid, content-based evidence; and finally (Study 3), a pilot study was carried out to evaluate the appropriate functioning of the QIHVC and, if required, to make any necessary adjustments. Results and discussion: The main result is the development of a set of case scenarios and a questionnaire related to its content which constitutes the QIHVC and, in its initial approximation, seems to constitute an adequate and sensible tool to capture the differences between the characterizations of common violence and VAW and in the possible response of bystanders in the face of such violence.

Assessing Walking Programs in Fibromyalgia: A Concordance Study between Measures.

This study analyzes the degree of agreement between three self-report measures (Walking Behavior, WALK questionnaire and logbooks) assessing adherence to walking programs through reporting their components (minutes, rests, times a week, consecutive weeks) and their concordance with a standard self-report of physical activity (IPAQ-S questionnaire) and an objective, namely number of steps (pedometer), in 275 women with fibromyalgia. Regularized partial correlation networks were selected as the analytic framework. Three network models based on two different times of assessment, namely T1 and T2, including 6 weeks between both, were used. WALK and the logbook were connected with Walking Behavior and also with the IPAQ-S. The logbook was associated with the pedometers (Z-score > 1 in absolute value). When the behavior was assessed specifically and in a detailed manner, participants' results for the different self-report measures were in agreement. Specific self-report methods provide detailed information that is consistent with validated self-report measures (IPAQ-S) and objective measures (pedometers). The self-report measures that assess the behavioral components of physical activity are useful when studying the implementation of walking as physical exercise.

Predicting Abusive Behaviours in Spanish Adolescents' Relationships: Insights from the Reasoned Action Approach.

(1) Background: Partner violence prevention programmes do not produce the expected behavioural changes. Accordingly, experts suggest applying evidence-based behavioural models to identify the determinants of abusive behaviours. In this research, we applied the reasoned action approach (RAA) to predict the performance (boys) and acceptance (girls) of abusive behaviours in adolescents. (2) Method: We designed a questionnaire based on the RAA and performed a cross-sectional study. We analysed the predictive capacity of the RAA constructs on intentions with the sample of single adolescents (n = 1112). We replicated the analysis only with those who were in a relationship (n = 587) and in addition analysed the predictive capacity of intention on future behaviour (3 months later). (3) Results: The hierarchical regression analysis performed with the sample of single adolescents showed that the model explained 56% and 47% of the variance of boys' intentions to perform the controlling and devaluing behaviours, respectively; and 62% and 33% of girls' intention to accept them. With those in a relationship, the model explained 60% and 53% of the variance of boys' intentions to perform the controlling and devaluating behaviour, respectively, and 70% and 38% of girls' intention to accept them. Intention exerted direct effects on boys' performance of controlling and devaluing behaviours (31% and 34% of explained variance, respectively) and on girls' acceptance (30% and 7%, respectively). (4) Conclusions: The RAA seems useful to identify the motivational determinants of abusive behaviours, regardless of adolescents´ relationship status, and for their prediction. Perceived social norms emerge as a relevant predictor on which to intervene to produce behavioural changes with both sexes.

Pain-Related Worrying and Goal Preferences Determine Walking Persistence in Women with Fibromyalgia.

Physical activity and exercise are relevant behaviors for fibromyalgia health outcomes; however, patients have difficulties undertaking and maintaining an active lifestyle. With a cross-sectional design, this study explored the role of pain-related worrying and goal preferences in the walking persistence of women with fibromyalgia. The sample included 111 women who attended a tertiary health setting. We adapted the Six-Minute Walk Test where participants decided either to stop or continue walking in five voluntary 6 min bouts. Women who were categorized higher in pain-related worrying reported higher preference for pain avoidance goals (t = -2.44, p = 0.02) and performed worse in the walking task (LongRank = 4.21; p = 0.04). Pain avoidance goal preference increased the likelihood of stopping after the first (OR = 1.443), second (OR = 1.493), and third (OR = 1.540) 6 min walking bout, and the risk of ending the walking activity during the 30 min task (HR = 1.02, [1.0-1.03]). Influence of pain-related worrying on total walking distance was mediated by goal preferences (ab = -3.25). In interventions targeting adherence in physical activity and exercise, special attention is needed for women who are particularly worried about pain to help decrease their preference for short-term pain avoidance goals relative to long-term goals such as being active through walking.

How Can We Increase Neighbors' Intention to Report Intimate Partner Violence Against Women During the Pandemic?

During the pandemic, neighbors can be potential allies to prevent intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW). Based on the reasoned action approach, we identified the predictors and the most relevant beliefs behind neighbors' intention to report to authorities that a woman is being victimized by IPVAW. A total of 352 Spanish participants completed a questionnaire. The regression analysis showed that perceived control and subjective norm were the best predictors of the intention (33% explained variance). Social media campaigns should target perceived inhibitors such as citizens' guilt for reporting ambiguous cases and close referents (friends and family) as prescribers of the helping behavior.

Motivational Determinants of Objective Physical Activity in Women with Fibromyalgia Who Attended Rehabilitation Settings.

Being physically active has positive effects on fibromyalgia functioning. However, promoting an active lifestyle in these patients continues to be a relevant clinical challenge. Our aim was to test a motivational model to explain light (LPA) and moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted at a tertiary level of care. Participants completed sociodemographic, clinical, motivational (physical activity self-efficacy and goal preferences) and behavioral measures (activity avoidance). LPA and MVPA were measured with triaxial accelerometers, starting the same day of the aforementioned assessment. Out of 211 women, 183 completed this measure. Structural models were performed. Our results show that the best fit indices (CFI = 0.97, SRMR = 0.04) showed a model with direct influence of PA self-efficacy on MVPA (p < 0.01) and indirect influence on LPA (p < 0.001). LPA received the influence of PA self-efficacy mainly through activity avoidance (p < 0.01). Clinical variables did not have any effect on PA intensities. Thus, the motivational variables showed different paths to explain two PA intensities. Targeting PA self-efficacy in rehabilitation settings is needed to enhance both daily LPA and MVPA intensities.

Activity Patterns and Functioning. A Contextual-Functional Approach to Pain Catastrophizing in Women with Fibromyalgia.

BACKGROUND: The psychological flexibility model states that activity patterns are not deemed to be intrinsically functional or dysfunctional; it is considered that underlying factors, such as personal goals and contextual factors, are what will determine their effects on disability. Pain catastrophizing has frequently been associated with several important pain-related outcomes. Despite its recent conceptualization within affective-motivational approaches, its moderating role between activity patterns and dysfunction has not been analyzed. METHODS: This study analyzes the moderating role of pain catastrophizing and its dimensions (Pain Catastrophizing Scale) between activity patterns (Activity Patterns Scale) and disease impact (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire-Revised) in 491 women with fibromyalgia. RESULTS: Activity avoidance (p < 0.001), excessive persistence (p < 0.001) and pacing (p < 0.01) patterns were positively associated with fibromyalgia impact. Helplessness shows a moderating role between pain avoidance (B = 0.100, t =2.30, p = 0.021, [0.01, 0.18]), excessive persistence (B = -0.09, t = -2.24, p = 0.02, [-0.18, -0.01]), pain persistence (B = -0.10, t = -2.04, p = 0.04, [-0.19, -0.004]) and functioning. CONCLUSION: Helplessness (within pain catastrophizing) is a relevant variable within psychological flexibility models applied to activity patterns. Specifically, pain avoidance is especially dysfunctional in patients with high helplessness. To improve excessive persistence and pain persistence, it is necessary to reduce helplessness before regulating activity patterns.

Informe de un caso: eosinofilia esofágica asintomática tras esofagitis por virus herpes simple. Controversias en la actitud terapéutica / A case report: asymptomatic esophageal eosinophilia after herpes simplex esophagitis. Controversies in the therapeutic approach

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A case report: asymptomatic esophageal eosinophilia after herpes simplex esophagitis. Controversies in the therapeutic approach.

The coexistence of eosinophilic esophagitis and herpes simplex virus in patients has been published in numerous case reports in the last few years. Both entities can be diagnosed simultaneously or one prior to the other, raising a possible causal relationship. Esophageal eosinophilia is a histological finding, and its underlying cause should be investigated. Eosinophilic esophagitis is one of the most common causes of esophageal eosinophilia. Eosinophilic esophagitis is a clinicopathologic disease, which is characterized by dysphagia and food impaction. We present a case of a patient with asymtomatic esophageal eosinophilia diagnosed after herpetic esophagitis. Other causes of esophageal eosinophilia were ruled out. Given the recent association between eosinophilic esophagitis and esophagitis due to herpes simplex virus, we find ourselves facing a dilemma about assessing the need or not to initiate early treatment.

Photonic structures in diamond based on femtosecond UV laser induced periodic surface structuring (LIPSS).

We study the fabrication of photonic surface structures in single crystal diamond by means of highly controllable direct femtosecond UV laser induced periodic surface structuring. By appropriately selecting the excitation wavelength, intensity, number of impinging pulses and their polarization state, we demonstrate emerging high quality and fidelity diamond grating structures with surface roughness below 1.4 nm. We characterize their optical properties and study their potential for the fabrication of photonic structure anti-reflection coatings for diamond Raman lasers in the near-IR.

What are the most representative warning signs of intimate partner violence against adolescent girls? / ¿Cuáles son las señales de alarma más representativas de la violencia de pareja contra las adolescentes?

Identifying which warning signs (WS) of intimate partner violence against girls (IPV) must be included in prevention programs is essential, since there is not an explicit consensus. Our first aim was identifying the most frequent WS included in the reviewed Spanish prevention guides by means of a content analysis performed independently by three judges. Our second aim was subjecting these to a sample of adolescents (n = 60) to know: (1) if they identify them as abusive behaviours; (2) how frequently do they consider they have to occur to be WS, and; (3) how frequently they observe them in their peer environment. Among the 23 identified WS, controlling (n = 11) and devaluating behaviours (n = 6) are the most frequent in the reviewed literature and the formers the most observed in the adolescents’ environment (rank: 52.5% - 90%). The majority labelled the 23 behaviours as abusive. Four controlling and 3 devaluating behaviours had to occur very often to be an IPV warning sign. Therefore their tolerance to these WS is high. The outcomes are valuable for the development of prevention programs and suggest the need of investigating on the explanatory factors of such tolerance

Identificar qué señales de alarma de violencia de género (VG) en la adolescencia deben incluirse en los programas de prevención es esencial. Al no existir un acuerdo explícito al respecto, nuestro primer objetivo fue identificar qué señales son más frecuentes en las guías de prevención españolas revisadas, mediante un análisis de contenido realizado independientemente por 3 juezas. Nuestro segundo objetivo fue valorar una muestra de adolescentes (n= 60) para conocer: (1) si las identifican como conductas violentas; (2) con qué frecuencia consideran que deben ocurrir para ser señales de alarma, y (3) con qué frecuencia las observan en su entorno de iguales. Entre las 23 señales identificadas, las conductas de control (n = 11) y desvalorización (n = 6) son las más frecuentes en la literatura revisada y prevalentes en los grupos de iguales (52.5% - 90%). La mayoría identificó las 23 conductas como violentas. Cuatro conductas de control y 3 de desvalorización tienen que darse a menudo para ser consideradas señales de alarma de VG. Por tanto, su tolerancia a las mismas es elevada. Estos resultados son útiles para la elaboración de programas de prevención y sugieren la necesidad de investigar sobre los factores explicativos de dicha tolerancia

Unusual course of epiploic appendicitis.

Epiploic appendicitis is a benign and self-limited disease, due to inflammation of the epiploic appendices. The diagnosis is established by imaging techniques, avoiding treatments, interventions and unnecessary hospitalizations. Management is conservative. Complications are rare and chronicity is exceptional.

Descripción de un caso de evolución inusual de apendicitis epiploica / Unusual course of epiploic appendicitis

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