Quantifying angular clustering in wide-area radio surveys

We quantify the angular clustering of radio galaxies in the NVSS and FIRST radio surveys using the two-point correlation function and the moments of counts-in-cells - both important points of comparison with theory. These investigations consistently demonstrate that the slope of the correlation function for radio galaxies agrees with that for optically-selected galaxies, gamma = 1.8. We describe how to disentangle the imprint of galaxy clustering from the two observational problems: resolution of radio galaxies into multiple components and gradients in source surface density induced by difficulties in processing "snapshot" radio observations (significant in both surveys below 15 mJy). This study disagrees in some respects with previous analyses of the angular clustering of radio galaxies.Comment: 26 pages, 13 figures, accepted for publication in MNRA

An exploration of the motivational basis of take-some and give-some games

Surprisingly little research has investigated the particular motives that underlie choice behavior in social dilemma situations. The main aim of the present research was to ask whether behavior in take-some games (such as the multiple-person Commons Dilemma Game and the two-person Bandit Game) and give-some games (such as the multiple-person Public Goods Dilemma Game and the two-person Dictator Game) is differently affected by proself and prosocial motives. Two experimental studies were conducted. Our first experiment used a trait-based assessment of the motives, whereas in our second experiment the motives were measured as state variables. The results of both experiments revealed that proself and prosocial motives did not explain much difference between taking and giving when comparing the Commons Dilemma Game and the Public Goods Dilemma Game. Yet, our second experiment revealed that these motives did differentiate choices in the Bandit Game and the Dictator Game. More specifically, prosocial motives are more strongly related to giving behavior in the Dictator Game than to taking behavior in the Bandit Game. As such, it can be concluded that in dyadic games (but not in multiple-person games) prosocial motives (but not proself motives) predict choice behavior in a game-specific way

Religion and prejudice across cultures : a test of the threat-constraint model

The present set of studies investigated the role of being religious in the prediction of various forms of prejudice. Following the threat-constraint model, we predicted that contexts characterized by high threat attenuate—or constrain—the relationship between individual differences in being religious on the one hand and antigay prejudice and sexism on the other. A worldwide investigation of these regional constraints was conducted in the Americas Barometer (125,984 individuals nested in 20 countries; Study 1), the World Values Survey (69,798 individuals nested in 45 countries; Study 2), and the European Social Survey (44,386 individuals nested in 274 Nomenclature des Unités Territoriales Statistiques regions; Study 3). Results identify a key moderating role of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, revealing strong associations between religion and prejudice in regions low in power distance, uncertainty avoidance, masculinity, and collectivism, whereas the religion–prejudice association is constrained (i.e., weaker and often absent) in regions high on those cultural dimensions

Training Curricula for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Highways

Most state departments of transportation (DOTs) offer their employees professional development opportunities (e.g., training courses) so they can build their expertise and in doing so facilitate agency efforts to fulfill their business mandates. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is no different in this regard. While professional development opportunities are invaluable, and while the Cabinet offers a number of trainings to its staff, currently there exists no comprehensive training curricula to help professionals and paraprofessionals systematically grow their knowledge and skills and ensure KYTC maintains a robust portfolio of technical competencies across the organization. The inconsistent and ad hoc manner in which trainings are made available in turn produces unevenness in the distribution of knowledge and skills across the Cabinet. To address the challenge, researchers at the Kentucky Transportation Center (KTC) were asked to develop training curricula for different subject-matter areas. Before devising these curricula, researchers examined practices and programs in place at other state DOTs which are designed to improve professional development as well as the trainings currently available from at or through the Cabinet. Additionally, previous course offerings and attendance figures were analyzed to understand which trainings have proven the most valuable. Based on these analyses, researchers prepared training curricula for five categories: construction, maintenance, roadway design, project management, and section engineers. Within each category, curricula identify training opportunities for personnel classified as entry, mid-level, and advanced. Undoubtedly, the curricula outlined in this report serve only as a starting point; they will need to undergo refinement as the needs of both KYTC and its employees continue to evolve

2+1 Roadway Design Guidance Update

The frequency and severity of crashes on rural two-lane roadways have increased in the US relative to other road types. This trend can be explained by the growing number of vehicles, higher speeds, narrow shoulders, and vehicle mixes. One solution for improving traffic flow and safety outcomes on rural two-lane roadways is to adopt a 2+1 design, which confers the benefits of four-lane highways but at a lower cost. Transportation agencies throughout Europe — and increasingly the US — have seen good results from 2+1 layouts. Crash data from Sweden, Germany, Finland, and Denmark reveal better safety outcomes following the implementation of 2+1 designs, with reductions in fatal and fatal and injury crash rates of 25 – 80 percent. Studies in the United States have found crash declines of 35 – 44 percent following the transition to 2+1 layouts. Over the past 10 years, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has built several 2+1 roadways. Evaluations of three 2+1 segments in the state found lower crash rates on two segments, however, not enough crash data are available to draw definitive conclusions. Despite this lack of confirmatory data, there is consensus among practitioners that 2+1 designs hold considerable promise for improving rural roadway operations. Building off of 2+1 guidance originally issued by KYTC in 2013, this report outlines updated policies that account for lessons learned at the agency during the design and construction of 2+1 roadways as well as best practices adopted by other states

Impact of the New Context Functional Classifications for KYTC

State transportation agencies are adopting an expanded context classification system to inform project development and delivery. This system classifies roadways into one of five categories based on factors such as level of development, building densities and setbacks, multimodal user patterns and requirements, network permeability, and speed. Compared to functional classification, context classification better captures the types of mobility, travel patterns, and user mixes observed in specific contexts. The expanded context classification system is found in AASHTO’s A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (7th Edition). The forthcoming 8th edition will deepen integration of context classification throughout the design process. Based on knowledge of roadway context, agencies can plan and design context-appropriate facilities that accommodate a wide range of users. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) current planning and design activities rely on functional classification (categorizing roads as arterials, collectors, or local and indicating if they are located in an urban or rural area). Functional classification categorizes roads based on their position in a transportation network and the type of service they provide to motor vehicles. KYTC plans to supplement functional classification with context classification so it can better address the needs of different communities and user groups. To facilitate KYTC’s agencywide introduction of context classification, this report documents its impacts on project development and delivery, outlines an implementation plan focused on KYTC-specific uses of context classification, and recommends updates to the agency’s manuals and guidance

Measurement of the angular correlation function of radio galaxies from the NRAO VLA Sky Survey

We quantify the angular distribution of radio sources in the NVSS by measuring the two-point angular correlation function. By careful consideration of the resolution of radio galaxies into multiple components, we are able to determine both the galaxy angular clustering and the size distribution of giant radio galaxies. The slope of the correlation function for radio galaxies agrees with that for other classes of galaxy, gamma = 1.8, with a 3D correlation length r_0 = 6 h^-1 Mpc (under certain assumptions). Calibration problems in the survey prevent clustering analysis below 10 mJy. About 7 per cent of radio galaxies are resolved by NVSS into multiple components, with a power-law size distribution. Our work calls into question previous analyses and interpretations of the angular correlation function from radio surveys.Comment: Accepted for publication as an MNRAS letter, 5 page

Diversity in Digital Pill Systems: Differences in Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Use of a Digital Pill System for HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Men Who Have Sex With Men with Diverse Racial and Ethnic Identities

Nonadherence, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM) with substance use disorders increases the risk of both HIV acquisition in those who are uninfected and the risk of disease progression and transmission in those with HIV. Measuring adherence to HIV pre-exposure chemoprophylaxis (PrEP) and antiretroviral therapy (ART), and responding to suboptimal adherence or changes in adherence behavior, remains a challenging public health problem. Despite the importance of accurate adherence measurement, there remains no gold standard for detecting medication ingestion events in HIV research. Technologies have been developed that indirectly infer ingestion events (e.g., via smart pill bottles) or directly measure adherence over periods of time (e.g., via drug concentration in plasma and red blood cells), yet such approaches fail to provide direct confirmation of ingestions and contextual information surrounding adherence and nonadherence. The use of a digital pill system (DPS) – a novel tool that leverages ingestible radiofrequency sensors to measure actual ingestion events – has the potential to advance adherence measurement in HIV research. In this study, we examined the willingness of MSM across racial and ethnic identities to operate a DPS in the context of PrEP adherence measurement and suggest potential future applications of this technology