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This paper presents the results of nondestructive integrity tests (NDTs) and axial static load tests on drilled shafts constructed in varved clay at the National Geotechnical Experimentation Site in Amherst, Mass. The shafts were constructed with built-in defects to study: (1) the effectiveness of conventional NDT methods in detecting construction defects and (2) the effect of defects on the capacity of drilled shafts. Defects included voids and soil inclusions occupying 5–45% of the cross section as well as a soft bottom. Nine organizations participated in a blind defect prediction symposium, using a variety of NDT techniques. Most participants located defects that were larger than 10% of the cross sectional area. However, false positives and inability to locate smaller defects and multiple defects in the same shaft were encountered. Static load tests indicated that (1) minor defects had little or no effect on skin friction; (2) a soft bottom resulted in a 33% reduction in end bearing relative to a sound bottom; and (3) reloading resulted in a 20–30% reduction in the geotechnical capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reflecting on 5 years of experience in an ongoing partnership between the University of Massachusetts and the Pskov region in Russia, this paper analyses the process of introducing Western style planning in a provincial region in Russia at the post-Soviet era. After describing the region, the participants, and some changes undergoing in Russia, the key elements of the project, its accomplishments and some problems encountered are reported. The distinguishing characteristics of this project are its attempt at a unified approach that combines academic, consulting and public policy elements, and its success as a partnership in which Americans and Russians together attempt to find the best way to introduce Western style planning in a country moving from a centralized to a free market economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human sexuality has been recognized as an important developmental, emotional, and medical concern on the college campus. The Peer Sex Education Program at the University of Massachusetts/Amherst has been developed as a model for the use of trained students in an educational, referral and counseling role. This paper describes the program and outlines the methodology used in the documentation and evaluation of various program aspects. Aspects described include the program's rationale and background, the recruiting process, roles and responsibilities, training and supervision models, community development, and delivery of service. Categories of documentation and evaluation considered include effort, performance, adequacy of performance, efficiency, and process. These are related to consumer acceptance and satisfaction, outcome measures of knowledge, attitude, and behavior, effectiveness of referral and other functions, and effect of program on the peer educators' growth and development. The allocation of energy and resources between program development, service delivery and evaluation needs is highlighted. INSET: Registration of Hogs and Babies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents proceedings of the Annual meeting of the Phycological Society of America at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, held between June 17-22, 1973. All sessions of the program at which contributed papers were presented are joint sessions of the Phycological Society of America and the Phycological Section of the Botanical Society of America. Various topics were covered in different sessions. Session one was on Taxonomy and Morphology while sessions two was on Physiology and Biochemistry.

The article focuses on the study titled "Can Younger Drivers Be Trained to Scan for Information That Will Reduce Their Risk in Roadway Traffic Scenarios That Are Hard to Identify as Hazardous?" from the researchers from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. It states that the study is aimed to reduce the risk of vehicle crashes for younger drivers. It notes that the study which won the 2010 Liberty Mutual Best Paper Award, is promoting excellence in safety and health research.

The article presents an update on Library of American Landscape History (LALH) Inc., a nonprofit organization in Amherst, Massachusetts, as of June 2006. The Summer 2006 issue of "View," the journal of LALH, is dedicated to Charles C. McLaughlin, a LALH trustee and founding editor of "The Papers of Frederick Olmsted" who died in September 2005. LALH launched two books in 2005, including "Henry Shaw's Victorian Landscapes." LALH expects to release a book by Robin Carson in the fall of 2007.