8 research outputs found
Simplified Multistep Outflow Method to Estimate Unsaturated Hydraulic Functions for Coarse-Textured Soils
Although the multistep outfl ow (MSO) method is well suited for the estimation of soil hydraulic properties by
inverse solution techniques, this method has not been widely adopted because it requires advanced instrumentation
and is time consuming. Th e objective of this study was to develop a modifi ed version of the multistep outfl ow
technique that largely simplifi es laboratory procedures and reduces costs and time. Th e numerical inversion
procedures require applying user-friendly HYDRUS soft ware to estimate fi tting parameters for soil water retention
and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity curves. Whereas values of saturated water content and saturated hydraulic
conductivity must be measured independently, the remaining functional parameters are estimated using an inverse
solution of a transient drainage experiment using multiple suction steps and a hanging water column, with drainage
outfl ows measured during drainage. A comparison test showed that the simplifi ed experiment without tensiometric
measurements provided suffi cient information in the parameter identifi cation compared with a traditional pressure
outfl ow experiment with tensiometric measurements for an Oso Flaco sand and a loamy sand fi eld soil in the
suction range of 0 to 17 kPa
Inmate Recidivism as a Measure of Private Prison Performance
The growth of the private corrections industry has elicited interest in the comparative performance of state and private prisons. One way to measure the service quality of private prisons is to examine inmates' postrelease performance. Current empirical evidence is limited to four studies, all conducted in Florida. This analysis replicates and adds to the Florida measures in a different state and enhances previous methods. It uses data for a large cohort of Oklahoma state prison inmates released between 1997 and 2001. Controlling for known covariates, multivariate survival analysis revealed comparative rates of reincarceration for inmates in multiple exposure and comparison groups. These results are unique among prior studies on this topic; private prison inmates had a greater hazard of recidivism in all eight models tested, six of which were statistically significant. Finding no empirical support for claims of superior service from private corrections, the authors discuss policy implications and prospects for future research.Yeshttps://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/manuscript-submission-guideline