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Planning for Adaptation? Examining the Planning Integration for Hazard Risk Reduction
No full textA grant from the One-University Open Access Fund at the University of Kansas was used to defray the author's publication fees in this Open Access journal. The Open Access Fund, administered by librarians from the KU, KU Law, and KUMC libraries, is made possible by contributions from the offices of KU Provost, KU Vice Chancellor for Research & Graduate Studies, and KUMC Vice Chancellor for Research. For more information about the Open Access Fund, please see http://library.kumc.edu/authors-fund.xml.Integrated planning—including multiple planning practices for common purposes—is deemed essential for bringing stakeholders together for effective hazard risk reduction. Scholarly attempts to examine if and how distinct plans and planning processes are integrated have ebbed and flowed over time, with a recent resurgence in attention. Utilizing tools from network science, we analyzed four types of planning practices and uncovered considerable variations across local hazard risk-reduction support networks. Our findings reveal that certain communities relied heavily on a few critical actors for risk reduction, making them vulnerable to institutional turbulence. In turn, we point to growing needs for far-reaching and overlapping networks. Our study adds to the literature by integrating multiple planning practices to support more concerted local efforts in hazard risk reduction
Python Code for the Time-Varying Behavior (TVB) Model for Effects of Bridge Redecking
No full textTo run an analysis for one bridge, download and unzip the code file and then:
1. Create a folder with the name of the bridge. Example "1new".
2. Update the input data on the sheet "Data_Input" in the file "Inputs.xlsm" and store it in the folder created in step 1.
3. Open script "iteration.py" and change name of "count" variable to the name of the analysis folder. Example "count = '1new'".
4. Run the code. Analysis results will be stored in the same folder. Example: "1new/"A time-varying behavior (TVB) model was developed in python to assess the effects of deck replacement on the long-term behavior of precast/prestressed concrete girder bridges. The model can be used to estimate concrete bridge behavior over time using a time-step analysis approach to calculate incremental changes in girder behavior through several lifespan stages, which are delineated by changes in loading or boundary conditions. Model outputs include bridge deflections, prestress force, and concrete stresses over time. Model outputs can be accessed at different points along the bridge span and at different depths of the bridge. The model structure and underlying assumptions are described in Adhikari et al. (under review) and, for an earlier version of the model, in Adhikari, Lequesne, and Collins (2024)
A structure-dynamics relationship enables prediction of the water hydrogen bond exchange activation energy from experimental data
No full textIt has long been understood that the structural features of water are determined by hydrogen bonding (H-bonding) and that the exchange of, or "jumps" between, H-bond partners underlies many of the dynamical processes in water. Despite the importance of H-bond exchanges there is, as yet, no direct method for experimentally measuring the timescale of the process or its associated activation energy. Here, we identify and exploit relationships between water's structural and dynamical properties that provide an indirect route for determining the H-bond exchange activation energy from experimental data. Specifically, we show that the enthalpy and entropy determining the radial distribution function in liquid water are linearly correlated with the activation energies for H-bond jumps, OH reorientation, and diffusion. Using temperature-dependent measurements of the radial distribution function from the literature, we demonstrate how these correlations allow us to infer the value of the jump activation energy, , from experimental results. This analysis gives = 3.43 kcal mol, which is in good agreement with that predicted by the TIP4P/2005 water model. We also illustrate other approaches for estimating this activation energy consistent with these estimates
Physical exercise and cognition in older adults, a scientific approach scanty reported in Latin America and Caribbean populations
No full textThe advancement of public services, including the increased accessibility of health services, has led to a rise in life expectancy globally. As a result, aging populations are becoming more prevalent, raising concerns about cognitive decline. Fortunately, non-pharmacological methods, such as physical exercise, have been shown to mitigate the effects of aging on the brain. In this perspective article, we examined meta-analyses on the impact of physical exercise on cognition in older adults. The results indicate that combined exercise (i.e., aerobic plus strength training), has a significant positive effect on overall cognition and executive function. However, we found a lack of scientific studies on this topic in Latin American and Caribbean countries. Therefore, there is a pressing need for research to identify the feasibility of physical exercise interventions to improve cognitive skills in older adults from these regions
Long-term Implications of Redecking Bridges with Prestressed Concrete Girders
No full textPrecast/prestressed concrete girders with cast-in-place decks are commonly used for bridge construction throughout the United States. There is a need to replace concrete decks on many of these bridges because girders last much longer than concrete decks. This study surveyed United States Department of Transportation (DOT) engineers to determine common deck removal practices. Survey results showed that, although most states have a need to replace bridge decks, few states have comprehensive plans for assessing the long-term effects of deck replacement on girder behavior. This study developed a Python model to estimate girder behavior over its lifespan that accounts for the effects of deck replacement, changes in loading conditions, changes in restraint conditions, and concrete deformations. Time-step analysis was used to calculate incremental changes in girder behavior throughout time, considering several lifespan stages delineated by changes in loading or boundary conditions. The B4 model (Wendner et al., 2013) was used to estimate the creep and shrinkage strain in the concrete. The model was validated against examples in the literature and applied to an example bridge to illustrate function. Modelling results suggest that deck replacement had minimal effect on long-term girder behavior for the bridge considered. A parametric study was also conducted to evaluate the influence of input parameter variations on long-term prestress loss, deflections, and stresses and strains for the example bridge. Parametric study results showed that girder behavior varies widely based on input parameters, suggesting that more research is needed to determine whether other bridge configurations would also be insensitive to deck replacement.Kansas Department of Transportatio
Giving fruits and vegetables a tax break: lessons from a Dutch attempt
No full textObjective:
Food taxation can improve diets by making unhealthy foods more expensive and by making healthy foods cheaper. In the Netherlands, a political window of opportunity arose in December 2021 to reduce the value-added tax (VAT) on fruits and vegetables to zero percent. The policy is now facing institutional friction along several fronts, however, delaying and potentially averting its implementation. We analysed this institutional friction to inform future food tax policies.
Design:
We qualitatively analysed open-access fiscal and health experts’ position papers about benefits and downsides of the zero-rate that were discussed with members of parliament in June 2023.
Setting:
The Netherlands.
Participants:
Not applicable.
Results:
Health and fiscal experts expressed noticeably different viewpoints towards the utility of the zero-rate. One important argument fiscal experts based their negative advice upon pertained to the legal restrictions for distinguishing between healthier and unhealthier forms of fruits and vegetables (i.e. the principle of neutrality). A zero-rate VAT on unhealthier forms of fruits and vegetables, e.g. processed cucumber, mixed with salt and sugar, would be undesirable, but differentiating between raw and processed cucumber would offend the neutrality principle.
Conclusions:
The Dutch attempt to give fruits and vegetables a tax break highlights the need for crystal-clear food classifications when designing food tax policies. Public health nutritionists should combine classifications based on caloric density, palatability, degree of processing and nutrient content to provide a database for evidence-informed tax differentiation according to food item healthfulness
Social Identity and Voting Behavior in a Deeply Divided Society: The Case of Israel
No full textThis paper examines what best explains political behavior in a deeply divided society. Despite the democratic nature of the Israeli political system, we suggest that Israel’s society is characterized by social affiliations mainly defined by social identity that include race, ethnicity, and religion and amount to tribalism. Based on the results of the 2020 election, we examined whether these social affiliations or other socioeconomic characteristics better explain voting behavior. First, we found a significant correlation between tribalism and voting behavior in Israel and socioeconomic characteristics and voting behavior in Israel. When comparing tribalism’s correlation versus other socioeconomic characteristics, we found that the correlation between tribalism and voting behavior in Israel trumps the correlation between socioeconomic characteristics and voting behavior in Israel, except for the Ashkenazi Jews. In other words, voting behavior is better explained by affiliation to the social group, that is, by kinship, race, ethnicity, and religion, than by other socioeconomic characteristics such as education level, economic status, or geographic location. This extends the idea of “in-group favoritism”
Concise Introduction to Qualitative Research for Social Work
No full textThis handbook provides a concise introduction to qualitative research methods for social work and related social and behavioral sciences. It is intended as a resource for graduate level students, for others who are beginning to embark on qualitative research (QR), and for instructors of introductory level graduate courses on QR. The handbook includes lecture presentation outlines with brief explanations, assignments, an example syllabus, and guidelines for designing QR projects, and for writing qualitative research proposals and final reports. It discusses alternative paradigms for QR featuring empowerment-oriented approaches, rationales for using qualitative methods, procedures to support rigor and trustworthiness of research, advice for linking QR to a scholarly career path, and preparation for human subjects protection. The handbook provides a sample of data collection and analysis products to illustrate construction of an audit trail. Examples of QR projects highlight topics related to spiritual diversity
Resources for Teaching Introduction to Human Behavior Theory for Social Work
No full textThis handbook provides a concise introduction to theories of human behavior for social work and allied helping professions. It is intended as an aid for educators and students to `encourage teaching and learning about human behavior theories that are useful to guide social work practice. The handbook includes outlines of key ideas of systems theories, empowerment theories, and theories of personality and human development. Theories are presented in ways that facilitate comparison and critical reflection for their insights and limitations. Additional resources include a sample course syllabus, supplemental materials for assignments, learning exercises, and a list of selected publications that relate to cultural and spiritual diversity. The design of this course and its resources illustrate in detail one way to infuse the topic of spiritual diversity into teaching about theories of human behavior
Adult Sibling Relationships & Media Multiplexity Theory
No full textThese are the slides from a presentation given at National Communication Association on 11/22/2024.Sibling relationships are among the longest-lasting relationships in people’s lives. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), including voice calls, texting, and social media, help adult siblings keep in touch. The present study tests media multiplexity theory (MMT) in the context of adult sibling relationships. In the first study, a quota sample of American adults completed several name listing tasks to identify their most important relationship partners, ranging from 0 to 16 people, and 29% of participants listed at least one sibling. Multilevel modeling (MLM) results found that emotional closeness between siblings was positively associated with the frequency of phone calls and emails and negatively associated with the frequency of person-to-person media sharing. Showing mixed support for MMT, the number of ICTs used was negatively associated with emotional closeness, but the overall frequency of ICT use was positively associated with closeness. In the second study, a quota sample of American adults identified six of their closest friendships, and siblings constituted 2.9% of friends listed. MLM results found that the frequency of phone calls and text messages between siblings was positively associated with emotional closeness. The number of ICTs used was unrelated to emotional closeness, but the overall frequency of ICT use was positively associated with closeness, showing partial support for MMT. Both studies suggested that the frequency of communicating across ICTs was associated with greater life satisfaction, accounting for sibling closeness