A technique for incorporating the NASA spacelab payload dedicated experiment processor software into the simulation system for the payload crew training complex

The feasibility of some off-the-shelf microprocessors and state-of-art software is assessed (1) as a development system for the principle investigator (pi) in the design of the experiment model, (2) as an example of available technology application for future PI's experiments, (3) as a system capable of being interactive in the PCTC's simulation of the dedicated experiment processor (DEP), preferably by bringing the PI's DEP software directly into the simulation model, (4) as a system having bus compatibility with host VAX simulation computers, (5) as a system readily interfaced with mock-up panels and information displays, and (6) as a functional system for post mission data analysis

WP 27 - Female income, the ego effect and the divorce decision: Evidence from micro data

During the 1960’s and 1970’s divorce rates in the United States rose dramatically. It soon became apparent that this phenomenon was not restricted to the geographic boundaries of the United States but affected most developed countries to varying degrees. This surprising social change led to rapid growth in the number of academic investigations seeking to quantify the causes and consequences of divorce. While there are undoubtedly many factors affecting the decision to dissolve a marriage, this research concentrates on three economic arguments that have persisted through the years. All three relate to the female’s ability to generate income in the labour market. The first argues that as the female increases her ability to generate income, she becomes financially more independent thereby making divorce more likely. The second argument contends that, as female earnings become a larger share of family income, marital friction results and the likelihood of divorce increases. Finally, it has also been argued that the family unit places a high value on the ability of the married female to earn income and, therefore, strives harder to avoid divorce as the female’s ability to earn income rises. The difficulty with quantifying these arguments is the very nature of the observable outcomes. It is possible to observe the income of married females. It is also possible to observe the income of divorced females. Unfortunately, it is not possible to simultaneously observe both outcomes for an individual female. This research attempts to resolve these difficulties by using micro data from the Current Population Survey in a sample selection procedure to estimate both income contingent on divorce and income contingent on marriage. This information is then used in a final “structural” procedure to test the validity of the income arguments. The statistical results indicate that the first two arguments clearly outweigh the third.

Towards Phytopia; A framework for reflection on phytosanitary policy

What is the ideal phytosanitary policy? The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture & Innovation has asked LEI to develop a framework based on which the government can review its role in phytosanitary policy. The framework should contain a step by step plan which can be used with regard to new developments and for a range of phytosanitary problems. This report contains the theoretical framework that can be used for this purpose. The 'Towards Phytopia' framework has been tested several times with representatives from the Ministry of EL&I. The framework has already played a role in the dialogue about phytosanitary responsibilities which the government is conducting with industry and social parties

From Sappho to De Sade:moments in the history of sexuality

Why was a homosexual relationship between two adults unacceptable in ancient Greece? Why did the prohibition of incest extend to the limits of kinship in the Middle Ages? Why was the nineteenth century terrified of masturbation? Why have the brothels with their madams virtually disappeared-in-western Europe? Psychiatrists like Freud and biologists like Kinsey would have been taken aback by these kinds of intriguing questions. Surely, people do 'it' now in the same way as they always have? ' Their approach was understandable for a time in which historians had not yet made sexuality an object of research. In fact, it is virtually only in the last decade that historians have started to study sexual practices, a field that has been all too long the playground of psychologists, biologists, and doctors with their (often wrong) ideas. And it is only now becoming possible to see that sexuality is not a biological constant but an ever-changing phenomenon, that is being continuously shaped by people themselves. Historians, therefore, should not only pay attention to the social, economic, or religious sides of sexuality but they should 1 also, as Gert Hekma argues in his contribution to this book, : become interested in the preliminaries of sexual behaviour, in the design of sexual manners, and in the choreography and architecture of sexuality. Only then shall we have a reasonably firm basis for our opinions on this fascinating side of human existence. This collection of studies is intended as a contribution to the historical debate on sexuality that is only now getting under way. The origin of the book lies in the largest historical congress that has ever taken place in Holland: 'Balance and perspective; on the nature and function of the knowledge of the past' (22-4 May 1986). At this congress, organized on the occasion of the 350th anniversary of the State University of Utrecht by a group of students from the Institute for History, numerous seminars were given on the most diverse aspects of history; the seminar on sexuality was assigned to the editor of this volume. He thought it a compelling task to illustrate the historical character of sexuality. For that reason, he made up the programme in such a way that successive papers discussed various aspects of sexuality in successive periods. When this plan attracted much attention during the congress and gave rise to many lively discussions, it seemed no more than reasonable to make the lectures accessible to a wider public. For this book all the papers have been revised and, in addition, some new contributions have been invited in order to give as varied as possible a picture of the history of sexuality. Successive contributors discuss homosexuality and lesbian love in antiquity, incest in the Middle Ages, sexual education and instruction in the Dutch Republic, voyeurism and French rococo art, de Sade, prostitution in fin-de-siècle Vienna, and mannish women of the Balkan mountains; an analysis of the rise of sexology closes the collection