Hispanic/Latino/a farmers in Pennsylvania : characteristics, farming challenges, and engagement barriers with non-formal educators

The number of Hispanic/Latino/a farmers is on the rise in the United States, and Pennsylvania is not an exemption. However, research about the characteristics and needs of Latino/a farmers in Pennsylvania has not been explored. Similarly, there are no previous research studies about the challenges and opportunities that Cooperative Extension personnel experience when attempting to connect with Latino/a farmers and respond to their agricultural needs. Through semi-structured personal interviews with both groups, this study gathered qualitative data to assess the needs to achieve improved programming for Latino/a farmers in Pennsylvania.Includes bibliographical reference

Predicting Future Deterioration of Hydraulic Steel Structures with Markov Chain and Multivariate Samples of Statistical Distributions

Combined effects of several complex phenomena cause the deterioration of elements of steel hydraulic structures on the nation’s lock systems: loss of protective systems, corrosion, cracking and fatigue, impacts, and overloads. This paper presents examples of deterioration of steel hydraulic structures. A method for predicting future deterioration based on current conditions is also presented. This paper also includes a procedure for developing deterioration curves when condition state data is available

Biomimetic flow fields for proton exchange membrane fuel cells: A review of design trends

Bipolar Plate design is one of the most active research fields in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) development. Bipolar Plates are key components for ensuring an appropriate water management within the cell, preventing flooding and enhancing the cell operation at high current densities. This work presents a literature review covering bipolar plate designs based on nature or biological structures such as fractals, leaves or lungs. Biological inspiration comes from the fact that fluid distribution systems found in plants and animals such as leaves, blood vessels, or lungs perform their functions (mostly the same functions that are required for bipolar plates) with a remarkable efficiency, after millions of years of natural evolution. Such biomimetic designs have been explored to date with success, but it is generally acknowledged that biomimetic designs have not yet achieved their full potential. Many biomimetic designs have been derived using computer simulation tools, in particular Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) so that the use of CFD is included in the review. A detailed review including performance benchmarking, time line evolution, challenges and proposals, as well as manufacturing issues is discussed.Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades ENE2017-91159-EXPMinisterio de Economía y Competitividad UNSE15-CE296

On the Infinite Loch Ness monster

summary:In this paper we introduce the topological surface called {Infinite Loch Ness monster}, discussing how this name has evolved and how it has been historically understood. We give two constructions of this surface, one of them having translation structure and the other hyperbolic structure