Preliminary Validation of the Spanish Version of the Multiple Stimulus Types Ambiguity Tolerance Scale (MSTAT-II)

Despite widespread interest in ambiguity tolerance and other informationrelated individual differences, existing measures are conceptually dispersed and psychometrically weak. This paper presents the Spanish version of MSTAT-II, a short, stimulus-oriented, and psychometrically improved measure of an individual’s orientation toward ambiguous stimuli. Results obtained reveal adequate reliability, validity, and temporal stability. These results support the use of MSTAT-II as an adequate measure of ambiguity tolerance.A pesar del amplio interés en la tolerancia a la ambigüedad y a otras diferencias individuales relacionadas con la información, las medidas existentes son conceptualmente dispersas y presentan deficiencias psicométricas. El propósito de este trabajo es presentar la versión española del MSTAT II, un instrumento de medida de las orientaciones de un individuo respecto a estímulos ambiguos con mejoras psicométricas sustanciales, independiente del contexto y suficientemente corto para ser utilizado junto con otras medidas. Los resultados obtenidos en cuanto a consistencia interna, estabilidad temporal y validez son satisfactorios. Estos resultados apoyan el uso del MSTAT-II en su versión española como una medida adecuada de tolerancia a la ambigüedad.Junta de Andalucía proyecto SEJ 267

Ambiguity tolerance in organizations: definitional clarification and perspectives on future research

Ambiguity tolerance is an increasingly popular subject for study in a wide variety of fields. The definition of ambiguity tolerance has changed since its inception, and accompanying that change are changes in measurement and the research questions that interest researchers. There is a wealth of opportunity for research related to ambiguity tolerance and recent advances in neuroscience, measurement, trait research, perception, problem solving, and other fields highlight areas of interest and point to issues that need further attention. The future of ambiguity tolerance research is promising and it is expected that future studies will yield new insights into individual differences in reactions to the complex, unfamiliar, confusing, indeterminate, and incomplete stimuli that fall within the conceptual domain of ambiguity

LRFD for Engineered Wood Structures - Connection Behavioral Equations

A new design specification for engineered wood structures has been proposed in load and resistance factor design (LRFD) format. This paper provides an overview of the proposed LRFD connections design criteria. The connections design provisions are, in part, calibrated from allowable stress design provisions. Major changes from historic practice, however, result from a change in behavioral equations to a theoretical base for predicting the lateral strength of connections using bolts, screws, and nails. New provisions for axial withdrawal of driven and turned fasteners, as well as combined axial and lateral loading criteria are also proposed. Safety levels were calibrated to historic practice, but some change in design capacity is expected due to format change, conversion to new behavioral equations. and the selection of a calibration point. The LRFD document contains substantial improvement in code clarity. simplification. and structure over the historic allowable stress specification. A clear mechanism for including design with new wood-based engineering materials is provided

Revision of Madagascar's Dwarf Lemurs (Cheirogaleidae:Cheirogaleus): Designation of Species, Candidate Species Status and Geographic Boundaries Based on Molecular and Morphological Data

The genus Cheirogaleus, the dwarf lemurs, is a radiation of strepsirrhine primates endemic to the island of Madagascar. The dwarf lemurs are taxonomically grouped in the family Cheirogaleidae (Infraorder: Lemuriformes) along with the genera Microcebus, Mirza, Allocebus, and Phaner. The taxonomic history of the genus Cheirogaleus has been controversial since its inception due to a paucity of evidence in support of some proposed species. In this study, we addressed this issue by expanding the geographic breadth of samples by 91 individuals and built upon existing mitochondrial (cytb and COII) and nuclear (FIBA and vWF) DNA datasets to better resolve the phylogeny of Cheirogaleus. The mitochondrial gene fragments D-loop and PAST as well as the CFTR-PAIRB nuclear loci were also sequenced. In agreement with previous genetic studies, numerous deep divergences were resolved in the C. major, C. minor and C. medius lineages. Four of these lineages were segregated as new species, seven were identified as confirmed candidate species, and four were designated as unconfirmed candidate species based on comparative mitochondrial DNA sequence data gleaned from the literature or this study. Additionally, C. thomasi was resurrected. Given the widespread distribution of the genus Cheirogaleus throughout Madagascar, the methodology employed in this study combined all available lines of evidence to standardize investigative procedures in a genus with limited access to type material and a lack of comprehensive sampling across its total distribution. Our results highlighted lineages that likely represent new species and identified localities that may harbor an as-yet undescribed cryptic species diversity pending further field and laboratory work.We are most grateful to the Ahmanson Foundation, the Theodore F. and Claire M. Hubbard Family Foundation, the Primate Action Fund / Conservation International, the Margot Marsh Biodiversity Foundation, and the National Geographic Society, for financial assistance

Predicting the Effect of Moisture Content on the Flexural Properties of Southern Pine Dimension Lumber

Current procedures for adjusting lumber properties for changes in moisture content are based on trends observed with the mean properties. This study was initiated to develop analytical procedures for adjusting the flexural properties of 2-inch-thick southern pine dimension lumber applicable to all grades and sizes as well as all levels of the cumulative frequency distribution. Equations are derived for adjusting modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), moment capacity (RS), and flexural stiffness (EI) for changes in moisture content. The best of these equations are significantly more accurate than current procedures for adjusting strength properties (MOR and RS). Because MOE and EI are less affected by changes in moisture content, most of the equations, including the current American Society for Testing and Materials procedure, work well for these properties

Urban Foraging and the Relational Ecologies of Belonging

Through a discussion of urban foraging in Seattle, Washington, USA, we examine how people\u27s plant and mushroom harvesting practices in cities are linked to relationships with species, spaces, and ecologies. Bringing a relational approach to political ecology, we discuss the ways that these particular nature–society relationships are formed, legitimated, and mobilized in discursive and material ways in urban ecosystems. Engaging closely with and as foragers, we develop an ethnographically grounded ‘relational ecologies of belonging’ framework to conceptualize and examine three constituent themes: cultural belonging and identity, belonging and place, and belonging and more-than-human agency. Through this case study, we show the complex ways that urban foraging is underpinned by interconnected and multiple notions of identity, place, mobility, and agency for both humans and more-than-human interlocutors. The focus on relational ecologies of belonging illuminates important challenges for environmental management and public space planning in socioecologically diverse areas. Ultimately, these challenges reflect negotiated visions about how we organize ourselves and live together in cosmopolitan spaces such as cities

SHIELDING OF DEMINERALIZERS AND FILTERS IN THE HFIR PRIMARY COOLANT SYSTEM

S> Thicknesses of ordinary concrete required to shield the demineralizers and filters in the HFIR primary water system were computed for normal operating conditions and for abnormal conditions such as a meltdown of the fuel within the reactor. About 4 1/2 ft, 3 1/4 ft, and 4 1/4 ft of concrete are required to shield the cation exchange unit, the anion exchange unit, and the filter unit, respectively, to the most stringent of the following radiation levels: (a) 0.75 mr/hr for normal reactor operation or reactor operation with one defective fuel plate; (b) 1 r/hr immediately following the meltdown of 1% of the fuel; and (c) 1 r/hr 24 hours following a total fuel meltdown. Shielding thicknesses may be estimated for other tolerances fro