Uniform stochastic orderings and total positivity

Uniform stochastic orderings of random variables are expressed as total positivity (TP) of density, survival, and distribution functions. The orderings are called uniform because each is a stochastic order that persists under conditioning to a family of intervals—for example, the family consisting of all intervals of the form (-∞,x]. This paper is concerned with the preservation of uniform stochastic ordering under convolution, mixing, and the formation of coherent systems. A general TP₂ result involving preservation of total positivity under integration is presented and applied to convolutions and mixtures of distribution and survival functions. Log-concavity of distribution, survival, and density functions characterizes distributions that preserve the various orderings under convolution. Likewise, distributions that preserve orderings under mixing are characterized by TP₂ distribution and survival functions.     

Long range planning for universities

Slower growth in the demand for university places, increasing volatility in the composition of this demand and governmental cut-backs in higher education have created new pressures on university managers. Universities have, however, not adopted long-term strategic planning as a means of handling these problems.

Despite obvious differences of mission and market, the university shares all the problems that business concerns have in adapting to a changing environment. A systematic approach to strategic planning in universities is outlined. The system represents an interesting case study of long range planning for non-profit making service institutions, an expanding sector of today's economy.     

Predictors of tree cover in residential open space: a multi-scale analysis of suburban Philadelphia

Urban Ecosystems - Tree cover is an important aspect of environmental quality and quality of life, but is declining in many metropolitan regions. This study examines tree cover and its relationship...     

Angry drivers: a test of state-trait theory

Tested hypotheses from state-trait theory applied to anger while driving. College student drivers high in trait driving anger were compared to drivers low in trait driving anger. High anger drivers were more frequently angered in day-to-day driving (frequency hypothesis). They reported more intense anger in their most angering driving situations, when visualizing provocative driving events, and in day-to-day driving (intensity hypothesis). Driving diaries and surveys showed they engaged in more aggressive behavior and expressed their anger through more verbal, physical, and vehicular means (aggression hypothesis). They reported handling of their anger less well when visualizing provocative events and on the Adaptive/Constructive Expression scale (reduced adaptive expression hypothesis). They engaged in risky behavior (risky behavior hypothesis) and experienced more moving violations, close calls, and losses of concentration, but not more major or minor accidents (partial support for crash-related outcomes hypothesis). High anger drivers were more generally angry and impulsive and employed more negative, less controlled forms of general anger expression. Results supported state-trait theory and added to the literature showing that high anger drivers have some other psychological and behavioral characteristics that may interact negatively with anger behind the wheel.     

A touch of luck and a “real taste of Vegas”: a sensory ethnography of the Montreal Casino

ABSTRACT

In recent years, there has been an explosion of “experiential design” in casinos, driven in part by research suggesting that curating gambling sensescapes can lure patrons to spend more time – and money – inside the casino. Building on the promise of existing casino ethnographies, this paper argues that a sensory ethnographic approach to the study of gambling environments can offer valuable insight into the experiential design and mood management of the casino. We use sensory ethnography to explore the ambiance of the Montreal Casino, particularly during the casino’s “Vegas Nights” promotion. How does the casino feel (and how does it touch back)? What rhythms flow through its neon labyrinth? What does “getting a real taste of Vegas,” well … taste like? Moreover, we position this ambiance at the center of the casino’s “push-and-pull” approach to problem gambling – where this government-affiliated sensory extravaganza must toe a tenuous line between attraction and responsibilisation. In addition, we examine how the ambiance of the casino is co-produced by patrons and employees. Ultimately, we argue that the casino floor is unlike a sensory research laboratory – for here, sensations mix and mingle, and it takes a sensory ethnographer to quite literally “make sense” of the casino ambiance and its impact on visitor experience.     

Software Review: Linksys Wireless Network

This follow-up longitudinal study examined 86 social service agency websites that were previously examined in 2000. The websites were examined on dimensions of the language, readability, and disability access over a 10-year period. Data were gathered in 2000, 2005, and 2010. The results indicate that agencies are not creating websites that are user-friendly for diverse populations. This is due to complex reading and comprehension levels and a lack of language opportunities on the websites. Agencies may be able to better serve clients by a decrease in the sophistication of the agency website, namely reading comprehension levels.     

Expansion of psychiatric services to the community

This paper describes an experiential model for teaching final year social work students how to deal with feeling issues in practice. It focuses on the middle phase of intervention primarily, using an outside person role playing a client in a classroom setting. The aim of the model is to enhance the students' ability in learning advanced empathic skills.