Introducing the sequential linear programming level-set method for topology optimization

The authors would like to thank Numerical Analysis Group at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory for their FORTRAN HSL packages (HSL, a collection of Fortran codes for large-scale scientific computation. See http://www.hsl.rl.ac.uk/). Dr H Alicia Kim acknowledges the support from Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, grant number EP/M002322/1Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Focus on Quality: Communication in the Health Care Encounter

Outlines findings from focus groups on the role of effective communication between physicians and patients in improving the quality of health care and outcomes. Analyzes responses by race/ethnicity and gender. Includes recommendations

Multi-objective robust topology optimization with dynamic weighting

A common robust topology optimization is formulated as a weighted sum of expected and variance of the objective functions for the given uncertainties. This has recently been applied to topology optimization with uncertainties in loading, [1]. Figure 1(a) shows the Pareto front of solutions found using uniformly distributed weightings. This front suffers from crowding for weight values 0.625. In the general case, the two goals of multi-objective optimization are; to find the most diverse set of Pareto optimal solutions, and, to discover solutions as close as possible to the true Pareto front. This paper presents schemes to achieve both these goals

SELECTING THE "BEST" PREDICTION MODEL: AN APPLICATION TO AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVES

A credit scoring function incorporating statistical selection criteria was proposed to evaluate the credit worthiness of agricultural cooperative loans in the Fifth Farm Credit District. In-sample (1981-1986) and out-of-sample (1988) prediction performance of the selected models were evaluated using rank transformation discriminant analysis, logit, and probit. Results indicate superior out-of-sample performance for the management oriented approach relative to classification of unacceptable loans, and poor performance of the rank transformation in out-of-sample prediction.Agribusiness,

Financial services used by small businesses: evidence from the 1998 survey of small business finances

Using newly available data from the 1998 Survey of Small Business Finances, this article offers preliminary findings regarding the characteristics of small businesses in the United States and their use of credit and other financial services. The main goals of the survey are to provide information on credit accessibility for small businesses, their use of financial services, and the sources of those services. The survey also provides a general-purpose database that can be used to study small business financing. Preliminary findings suggest that although the financial landscape has changed markedly since the previous survey in 1993, financing patterns and the use of particular suppliers have not.Small business ; Financial services industry

Genesis B from MS Junius 11 and Paradise Lost: Possible Connections

This thesis looks at the ongoing debate concerning John Milton\u27s potential use of Genesis B from MS Junius II when creating Paradise Lost. Much of the thesis looks at the probability of John Milton\u27s ability to access or know Genesis B. Included is an annotated translation of Satan in Hell from Genesis B. The last chapter looks at the given translation and Paradise Lost to see if there are similarities in dialect, theme, and word-choices, or if Paradise Lost has Old English markers. The conclusion is that the debate must continue as there is currently not enough evidence to prove a definite connection, nor can the similarities and possibility be completely denied

Investigating Determinants of Employer\u27s Perspectives to Hire and Willingness to Accommodate Individuals in Addiction Recovery: A Mixed Method Approach

The purpose of this study was to examine the nature and extent of factors affecting employer\u27s perspectives when hiring individuals in recovery, and their willingness to provide reasonable accommodations. The study investigated (a) employer perspectives based on specific demographic characteristics, (b) employer perspectives differences based on industry types, (c) the relationship between personal and business related characteristics, and employer perspectives, (d) employer willingness to provide reasonable accommodations, (e) the relationship between personal and business related characteristics, and employer willingness to provide accommodations, (f) the relationship between employer perspectives and willingness to accommodate, and (g) employer views regarding personal experience, collegiality, and hiring individuals in recovery. Past investigation of employer attitudes focused on stigmatized groups including persons with disabilities (PWD), individuals with HIV/AIDS, and ex-offenders, but none address attitudes towards individuals in recovery. The dependent variables were scales used to investigate employers\u27 level of concern and willingness to accommodate, Modified Employer Attitudes Questionnaire (M-EAQ) and the Willingness to Accommodate Scale (WAS). Both scales utilized a 5-point likert scale. Independent variables consisted of demographic data, personal and business characteristics related to recovery, and a measurement of compassion measured by the Santa Clara Brief Compassion Scale. The study participants were 436 employers from the local Chambers of Commerce recruited to participate in the survey. A mixed methods design, concurrent triangulation, was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data components simultaneously, then analyze the data separately, and compare or combine the results of each. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were utilized for quantitative data analysis. Qualitative data analysis using thematic analysis was employed to analyze two open-ended questions. The overall results demonstrated employer perspectives vary but majority of participants have relatively favorable perspectives toward individuals in recovery. Employers reported a high level of likelihood to provide accommodations. However, many believe there are challenges and hindrances such as a lack of knowledge, resources, and training when working with individuals in recovery. Based on the findings, implications will be offered for educators, practitioners, employers, and policy makers. Limitations of the study, future research and suggestions are also discussed

Therapeutic Gardening for Addiction Recovery

Abstract Problem: Therapeutic gardening is gaining popularity as a complementary intervention for addiction recovery, but traditional substance abuse facilities rarely use it. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic gardening as an alternative therapy to support adult men with substance abuse disorder who have a history in the judicial system. Context: The study was conducted at a 30-bed drug and alcohol residential facility program in Santa Clara County, serving adult men who have had previous involvement in the judicial system. The program uses a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) approach and indoor group meetings to foster positive health outcomes. Interventions: A 15-week therapeutic gardening program was implemented to improve lasting sobriety and empower participants with effective coping strategies using outdoor green care. Measures: A comprehensive mixed-methodology study was conducted to gather both quantitative and qualitative data through interim and exit surveys, participant interviews, and observations. Results: The findings indicated that most participants (59%) agreed or strongly agreed that their mood improved after gardening, and 39% strongly agreed that they could use gardening as a tool in their recovery process. Additionally, 37% agreed that being outside in the garden made it easier to cope with cravings, and 56% agreed that it would have a positive impact on their sobriety. Conclusion: The study showed that therapeutic gardening had a positive impact on the participants, who expressed interest in using it to aid in their sobriety

The Effects of Mindfulness on Affect and Substance Use

Previous studies have explored the impact of mindfulness on Big 5 personality traits, personality disorders, suicidal ideation, and alcohol use; additionally, mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been used to treat individuals suffering from depression and anxiety. However, the practical application of mindfulness has been complicated by contradictory findings in the literature and inconsistent conceptualizations of the construct. The current study sought to investigate potential relationships between types of mindfulness, facets of mindfulness, substance use, and affect. Participants completed a battery of questionnaires related to mindfulness, correlates of neuroticism (i.e., depression, anxiety, and subjective happiness), and drinking-related consequences. Correlational analyses revealed significant relationships between mindfulness and neurotic subtraits (i.e., depression and anxiety), mindfulness and subjective happiness, and mindfulness and experiences of drinking-related problems. A regression revealed that the Acting with Awareness and Nonjudging facets of mindfulness significantly predicted recent experiences of drinking-related problems; as acting with awareness decreased and nonjudging increased, recent experiences of drinking-related problems increased. Results suggest that specific types and facets of mindfulness are differentially related to aspects of substance use behavior. Results also suggest a link between overall mindfulness and emotionality. The implications of this study for practical applications of mindfulness, as well as limitations and future directions, are discussed