Testing An Identification Algorithm for Extragalactic OB Associations Using a Galactic Sample

We have used a Galactic sample of OB stars and associations to test the performance of an automatic grouping algorithm designed to identify extragalactic OB associations. The algorithm identifies the known Galactic OB associations correctly when the search radius (78 pc) is defined by the observed stellar surface density. Galactic OB associations identified with a 78 pc search radius have diameters that are $\sim$3 times larger than OB associations identified with a 22 pc search radius in M33. Applying the smaller search radius to the Galactic data matches both the sizes and the number of member stars between the two galaxies quite well. Thus, we argue that this and similar algorithms should be used with a constant physical search radius, rather than one which varies with the stellar surface density. Such an approach would allow the identification of differences in the giant molecular cloud populations and star formation efficiency under most circumstances.Comment: accepted to AJ; 16 pages, aas latex, 9 postscript figures; available at http://www.physics.mcmaster.ca/Wilson_Preprints/index.htm

A new framework for the design and evaluation of a learning institution’s student engagement activities

In this article we explore the potential for attempts to encourage student engagement to be conceptualised as behaviour change activity, and specifically whether a new framework to guide such activity has potential value for the Higher Education (HE) sector. The Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) (Michie, Susan, Maartje M van Stralen, and Robert West. 2011. “The Behaviour Change Wheel: A New Method for Characterising and Designing Behaviour Change Interventions.” Implementation Science : IS 6 (1): 42. doi:10.1186/1748-5908-6-42) is a framework for the systematic design and development of behaviour change interventions. It has yet to be applied to the domain of student engagement. This article explores its potential, by assessing whether the BCW comprehensively aligns with the state of student engagement as currently presented in the HE literature. This work achieves two things. It firstly allows a prima facie assessment of whether student engagement activity can be readily aligned with the BCW framework. It also highlights omissions and prevalence of activity types in the HE sector, compared with other sectors where behaviour change practice is being successfully applied

Is Sex Like Driving? Risk Compensation Associated with Male Circumcision in Kisumu, Kenya

Mass adult male circumcision campaigns for HIV prevention are underway across much of Sub-Saharan Africa. However, concern remains about risk compensation associated with the reduction in the probability of HIV transmission per risky act. This paper examines the be- havioral response to male circumcision in Kisumu, Kenya. Contrary to the presumption of risk compensation, we find that the response due to the perceived reduction in HIV transmission appears to have been a reduction in risky sexual behavior. We suggest a mechanism for this finding: circumcision reduces fatalism about acquiring HIV/AIDS and increases the salience of the tradeoff between engaging in additional risky behavior and avoiding acquiring HIV. We also find what appears to be a competing effect that does not operate through the circumcision recipient's belief about the reduction in the risk of acquiring HIV.HIV/AIDS, male circumcision, risk compensation, beliefs, Kenya

Valuing Farm Financial Information

Despite the merits of good farm record keeping, little is known about the value farmers place on their farm financial records. This study uses a willingness-to-accept experimental second price auction to elicit such values from farmers. Results indicate farm records are extremely valuable and that some diversity in values is explained by the characteristics of the records and farmers. We find that experimental auctions can be used to elicit values for extremely high-valued goods, and we demonstrate how they can be used to value a complex good comprised of many sub-components.Farm Management,

Reliability

This special volume of Statistical Sciences presents some innovative, if not provocative, ideas in the area of reliability, or perhaps more appropriately named, integrated system assessment. In this age of exponential growth in science, engineering and technology, the capability to evaluate the performance, reliability and safety of complex systems presents new challenges. Today's methodology must respond to the ever-increasing demands for such evaluations to provide key information for decision and policy makers at all levels of government and industry--problems ranging from international security to space exploration. We, the co-editors of this volume and the authors, believe that scientific progress in reliability assessment requires the development of processes, methods and tools that combine diverse information types (e.g., experiments, computer simulations, expert knowledge) from diverse sources (e.g., scientists, engineers, business developers, technology integrators, decision makers) to assess quantitative performance metrics that can aid decision making under uncertainty. These are highly interdisciplinary problems. The principal role of statistical sciences is to bring statistical rigor, thinking and methodology to these problems.Comment: Published at http://dx.doi.org/10.1214/088342306000000664 in the Statistical Science (http://www.imstat.org/sts/) by the Institute of Mathematical Statistics (http://www.imstat.org

THE EFFECTS OF FOOD SAFETY ISSUES ON DIVERSIFIABLE AND NONDIVERSIFIABLE AGRIBUSINESS RISK

This effects of food safety issues on food and agribusiness firm financial risk and return are quantitatively examined using a Bayesian switching model. A capital asset pricing model is estimated to examine the pre- and post-issue on the firm. In addition, the diffusion process on other firms in the industry is also analyzed.Agribusiness, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety,

The Effects of Successful Completion of Dialectical Behavior Therapy on Reduction of High Cost Emergency Service Utilization

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is one of the most highly researched evidence-based practices for the treatment of personality disorders as well as functional deficits in emotional regulation, distress tolerance and interpersonal skills (Brazier et al., 2006). These symptoms untreated often lead to the utilization of crisis management mental health treatment including inpatient hospitalizations and emergency department visits (Lieb et al., 2004). This research study examined whether DBT is an effective treatment modality to reduce high cost emergency service usage. This research study is a secondary analysis of data that has been collected by a community mental health organization. Aggregate data was analyzed using a t-test to determine if there is a statistically significant difference in the amount of emergency services participants used in the six months prior to beginning DBT and the six months after completion of DBT. Completion of the DBT program was found to be effective in reducing the number of days of inpatient stay as well as emergency department visits

Extreme CO Isotopic Abundances in the ULIRG IRAS 13120-5453: An Extremely Young Starburst or Top-Heavy Initial Mass Function

We present ALMA $^{12}$CO (J=1-0, 3-2 and 6-5), $^{13}$CO (J=1-0) and C$^{18}$O (J=1-0) observations of the local Ultra Luminous Infrared Galaxy, IRAS 13120-5453 (dubbed "The Yo-yo"). The morphologies of the three isotopic species differ, where $^{13}$CO shows a hole in emission towards the center. We measure integrated brightness temperature line ratios of $^{12}$CO/$^{13}$CO $\geq$ 60 (exceeding 200) and $^{13}$CO/C$^{18}$O $\leq$ 1 in the central region. Assuming optical thin emission, C$^{18}$O is more abundant than $^{13}$CO in several regions. The abundances within the central 500 pc are consistent with enrichment of the ISM via a young starburst ($<$7Myr), a top-heavy initial mass function or a combination of both.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures, accepted for publication in ApJ