An Evaluation of Multiple Imputation for Meta-Analytic Structural Equation Modeling

A simulation study was used to evaluate multiple imputation (MI) to handle MCAR correlations in the first step of meta-analytic structural equation modeling: the synthesis of the correlation matrix and the test of homogeneity. No substantial parameter bias resulted from using MI. Although some SE bias was found for meta-analyses involving smaller numbers of studies, the homogeneity test was never rejected when using MI

Improving the chances for developing coastal country success in adapting to climate change

There is an unequivocal scientific consensus that increases in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere drive warming temperatures of air and sea, and acidification of the world’s oceans from carbon dioxide absorbed by the oceans. These changes in turn can induce shifts in precipitation patterns, sea level rise, and more frequent and severe extreme weather events (e.g. storms and sea surge). All of these impacts are already being witnessed in the world’s coastal regions and are projected to intensify in years to come. Taken together, these impacts are likely to result in significant alteration of natural habitats and coastal ecosystems, and increased coastal hazards in low-lying areas. They can affect fishers, coastal communities and resource users, recreation and tourism, and coastal infrastructure. Approaches to planned adaptation to these impacts can be drawn from the lessons and good practices from global experience in Integrated Coastal Management (ICM). The recently published USAID Guidebook on Adapting to Coastal Climate Change (USAID 2009) is directed at practitioners, development planners, and coastal management professionals in developing countries. It offers approaches for assessing vulnerability to climate change and climate variability in communities and outlines how to develop and implement adaptation measures at the local and national levels. Six best practices for coastal adaptation are featured in the USAID Guidebook on Adapting to Coastal Climate Change and summarized in the following sections. (PDF contains 3 pages

The Comparison of Model Selection Criteria When Selecting Among Competing Hierarchical Linear Models

Little is known about the use and accuracy of model selection criteria when selecting among a set of competing multilevel models. The practices of applied researchers and the performance of five model selection criteria are examined when selecting the correct multilevel model using simulation techniques

Additions to the Vascular Plant Type Collection of the Ohio State University Herbarium

Author Institution: Department of Botany, The Ohio State UniversityFifty-three type specimens of vascular plants are reported as additions to the type collection of The Ohio State University Herbarium, bringing the total number to 276. These include both recent acquisitions and newly recognized type material already in the collection. For each specimen, the name of the taxon, collection data, kind of type specimen, and source are provided

How claim specificity can improve claim credibility in Green Advertising: Measures that can boost outcomes from environmental product claims

This study establishes claim specificity as a conceptually distinct message characteristic and a robust antecedent of claim credibility. The relationship between the specificity and the credibility of green claims is examined by way of a 2 × 2 online experiment, with a broad sample of consumers. The results show that being specific increased the perceived credibility of green claims across a range of products, regardless of their perceived environmental relevance. Theoretical, practical, and research implications are discussed

Examining Fear of Negative Evaluation in Oral Contraceptive Users and Naturally Cycling Women

Oral contraceptive use has gained popularity over recent decades and is currently the most used form of contraception. However, women who take oral contraceptives may experience significant side effects that impact their bodies, moods, and emotions. The current study examined fear of negative evaluation in women taking oral contraceptives and women who were naturally cycling following a social stress test. I hypothesized oral contraceptive users would have a higher fear of negative evaluation in comparison to naturally cycling women following the Trier Social Stress Test. Results did not support this hypothesis. There was marginal support for the opposite effect. Following exploratory analysis, the naturally cycling women were divided into two groups based on menstrual phase: follicular and luteal. There was a significant group difference between women in the luteal phase and oral contraceptive users. This study further emphasizes the need for future research on women’s reproductive health and the effects of hormonal contraception

Frances Furlow to Dr. Silver, 7 August 1963

Professional correspondenc

Analyzing the Effectiveness of Helmet Laws in Reducing Motorcycle Fatalities in the United States: A State-Level Study in 2020

Motorcycle fatalities are a significant public health issue in the United States. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable than other motorists and have a higher risk of injury and death in the event of an accident. To reduce the number of preventable motorcycle fatalities, some states have implemented mandatory helmet laws. However, the effectiveness of helmet laws in reducing fatalities remains a topic of debate. For this study, state-level data on motorcycle fatalities, motorcycle registrations, and helmet laws in the United States was collected for the year 2020. The data was obtained from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration\u27s (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) database, the Federal Highway Administration\u27s (FHWA) motorcycle registration database, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website. Chi-square tests were conducted to examine the relationship between helmet laws and motorcycle fatalities and motorcycle registrations, with a significance level of p \u3c 0.05. Data analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel. The chi-square tests on the data for both motorcycle fatalities and registration proved the statistical significance of this analysis. For motorcycle fatalities, the sigma value was 3.45 with a chi-square comparison value of 5.99, indicating a significant correlation between fatalities and helmet laws. Similarly, the sigma value for motorcycle registration was 3.35 with a chi-square comparison value of 5.99, indicating a significant association between registration and helmet laws. My study has several limitations, including the use of cross-sectional data and the exclusion of other potential variables that may affect motorcycle safety outcomes, such as road infrastructure and weather conditions. Future research could address these limitations and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between helmet laws and motorcycle safety. Despite these limitations, my findings suggest that universal helmet laws are an effective way to reduce motorcycle fatalities at the state level