yaImpute: An R Package for kNN Imputation

This article introduces yaImpute, an R package for nearest neighbor search and imputation. Although nearest neighbor imputation is used in a host of disciplines, the methods implemented in the yaImpute package are tailored to imputation-based forest attribute estimation and mapping. The impetus to writing the yaImpute is a growing interest in nearest neighbor imputation methods for spatially explicit forest inventory, and a need within this research community for software that facilitates comparison among different nearest neighbor search algorithms and subsequent imputation techniques. yaImpute provides directives for defining the search space, subsequent distance calculation, and imputation rules for a given number of nearest neighbors. Further, the package offers a suite of diagnostics for comparison among results generated from different imputation analyses and a set of functions for mapping imputation results.

Linear Growth through 12 Years is Weakly but Consistently Associated with Language and Math Achievement Scores at Age 12 Years in 4 Low- or Middle-Income Countries.

BackgroundWhether linear growth through age 12 y is associated with language and math achievement at age 12 y remains unclear.ObjectiveOur objective was to investigate associations of linear growth through age 12 y with reading skill, receptive vocabulary, and mathematics performance at age 12 y in 4 low- or middle-income countries (LMICs).MethodsWe analyzed data from the Young Lives Younger Cohort study in Ethiopia (n = 1275), India (n = 1350), Peru (n = 1402), and Vietnam (n = 1594). Age 1, 5, 8, and 12 y height-for-age z scores (HAZ) were calculated. Language and math achievement at age 12 y was assessed with the use of country-specific adaptations of the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, the Early Grades Reading Assessment, and a mathematics test; all test scores were standardized by age within country. We used path analysis to examine associations of HAZ with achievement scores. Twelve models were examined at each age (3 tests across 4 countries).ResultsMean HAZ in each country was <-1.00 at all ages. Overall, linear growth through age 12 y was associated with 0.4-3.4% of the variance in achievement scores. HAZ at 1 y was positively and significantly associated with the test score in 11 of the 12 models. This association was significantly mediated through HAZ at 5, 8, and 12 y in 9 of the models. HAZ at 5, 8, and 12 y was positively and significantly associated with test scores in 8, 8, and 6 models, respectively. These associations were mediated through HAZ at older ages in 6 of the HAZ at 5-y models and in 6 of the HAZ at 8-y models.ConclusionChild relative linear growth between ages 1 and 12 y was weakly but consistently associated with language and math achievement at age 12 y in 4 LMICs

Succeeding with Problem Faculty: A 6-Step Guide

Dr. Crookston’s research in academic leadership includes a national survey in which 3,000 department chairs and deans identified “dealing with problem faculty” as their stand-alone top concern. Problem colleagues in any organization include bullies, jerks, passive-aggressives, poor performers and those who are emotionally distressed. Drawing from best-selling business and leadership literature, Dr. Crookston identifies six steps for effectively dealing with a challenging colleague. Participants leave this workshop with sound practical guidance on how to act when things go wrong, but more importantly how to ensure that things go right

John Locke on Obligation: Sensation, Reflection, and the Natural Duty to Consent

DISSERTATION ABSTRACT: John Locke on Obligation: Sensation, Reflection, and the Natural Duty to Consent By Emily Marie Crookston Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy Washington University in St. Louis, 2009 Professor Larry May, Chairperson Locke\u27s theories of moral and political obligation are instructive both in their successes and in their failures. Writing during a time in which previous assumptions were being widely challenged, Locke judiciously accepts the wisdom of his predecessors as a firm foundation upon which to build his own arguments. Of course, Locke also was not immune to criticism. On the moral obligation side, Locke faces the charge of internal inconsistency: his theory of natural law cannot meet the standards set by his naturalist empiricism. On the political obligation side, critics complain that consent theory is descriptively inadequate: if citizens could consent to their governments, then they would be morally bound. The problem is that most citizens have never consented. So two of Locke\u27s crucial arguments seem to be in trouble. In my dissertation, I take another look at these criticisms. First, I argue that though Locke\u27s natural law theory is too vague to count as a decisive theory of moral obligation, he could enrich his account using features of a Kantian approach in order to develop a coherent and internally consistent theory of moral obligation. In the second half of the dissertation, I build upon this comprehensive theory of moral obligation in order to argue for a more charitable interpretation of Locke\u27s theory of political obligation. According to my view, although consent is necessary and sufficient for political obligation, there are nonetheless universal moral constraints upon the individual choice to consent. Thus, though it is true that individuals are bound to obey only those political institutions to which they have consented, there is a natural moral duty to consent when certain conditions are met. If I am correct, Locke comes closer to having a unified theory of obligation than most scholars give him credit for. By developing a credible theory of moral obligation, which Locke can then use to defend himself against critics of his consent theory of political obligation, I provide Locke with the tools to save both projects

Three Essentials for Making Effective Decisions

In this workshop he shares three essential “ways-of-being” that govern all successful decisions: 1) be proactive, 2) be humble, and 3) be composed. Whether making group or individual decisions, whether following the classical process of multi-step deliberations or relying on one’s gut – alignment with these three essentials gives decision-makers confidence that their choices will be sensible and sustainable

Huntington North Dam Outlet Works Modification and Carriage of Non-Project Water through Emery County Project Facilities Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact

This document is an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the conveyance of 14,074 acre-feet per year of non-project water through Huntington North Reservoir and the related outlet works modification and spillway construction. Huntington Cleveland Irrigation Company (HCIC) has requested Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) authorization for HCIC to convey non-project water through Emery County Project facilities

Navigating the Trauma of Change

In a recent national survey, academic leaders identifies “dealing with change as their second topmost concern. Crookston has researched, and interacted first-hand with the “change characters” that emerge from within any group faced with restructuring or innovation. Participants leave this workshop better able to anticipate, understand, and work effectively with the range of personalities that react and adapt differently to change

Navigating the Trauma of Change

Academic leaders have identified “dealing with change” as the second of their top concerns. Dr. Crookston researched and experienced first-hand the “change characters” that emerge from within any group faced with restructuring or innovation. Participants leave this workshop better able to anticipate, understand, and work effectively with the range of personalities that react and adapt differently to change