History and Outlook for Farm Bill Conservation Programs

Agricultural and Food Policy,

Kinetics of diffusional droplet growth in a liquid/liquid two-phase system

This report contains experimental results for the interdiffusion coefficient of the system, succinonitrile plus water, at a number of compositions and temperatures in the single phase region of the phase diagram. The concentration and temperature dependence of the measured diffusion coefficient has been analyzed in terms of Landau - Ginzburg theory, which assumes that the Gibb free energy is an analytic function of its variables, and can be expanded in a Taylor series about any point in the phase diagram. At most points in the single phase region this is adequate. Near the consolute point (critical point of solution), however, the free energy is non-analytic, and the Landau - Ginzburg theory fails. The solution to this problem dictates that the Landau - Ginzburg form of the free energy be replaced by Widom scaling functions with irrational values for the scaling exponents. As our measurements of the diffusion coefficient near the critical point reflect this non-analytic character, we are preparing for publication in a refereed journal a separate analysis of some of the data contained herein as well as some additional measurements we have just completed. When published, reprints of this article will be furnished to NASA

Hand in hand we learn together: Service-learning changing pre-service teachers\u27 perceptions of Aboriginal people and culture.

This research explored the experiences of pre-service teachers at a Catholic university who undertook a service-learning program working with secondary students at an Aboriginal College. Specifically, a qualitative phenomenological study was conducted that focused on the pre-service teachers’ attitudes, knowledge and pedagogy of teaching Aboriginal students. Data were gathered from the pre-service teachers prior to, during and at the completion of the service-learning program. At the heart of the program was the building of relationships that became the catalyst for a change in attitudes and perceptions of the pre-service teachers towards Aboriginal people. It is hoped that this study will provide further insight into service-learning as a pedagogical strategy, supporting pre-service teachers to be better prepared and culturally competent to address the needs of Aboriginal students. Through this service-learning experience, pre-service teachers were also challenged to put their Catholic faith in action, demonstrating compassion and empathy towards others less fortunate than themselves

A three-dimensional simulation of transition and early turbulence in a time-developing mixing layer

The physics of the transition and early turbulence regimes in the time developing mixing layer was investigated. The sensitivity of the mixing layer to the disturbance field of the initial condition is considered. The growth of the momentum thickness, the mean velocity profile, the turbulence kinetic energy, the Reynolds stresses, the anisotropy tensor, and particle track pictures of computations are all examined in an effort to better understand the physics of these regimes. The amplitude, spectrum shape, and random phases of the initial disturbance field were varied. A scheme of generating discrete orthogonal function expansions on some nonuniform grids was developed. All cases address the early or near field of the mixing layer. The most significant result shows that the secondary instability of the mixing layer is produced by spanwise variations in the straining field of the primary vortex structures

Exploring a cardio-thoracic hospital ward soundscape in relation to restoration

Hospitals can provide stressful experiences for both patients and medical staff. A well-designed hospital soundscape should avoid adding to negative emotional states (e.g. stress), limit any detrimental cognitive effects (e.g. attentional fatigue), and enable restoration. Experiences of the cardio-thoracic ward soundscape, in a UK public University hospital, were explored via semi-structured interviews with 11 patients and 16 nurses. Thematic coding analysis resulted in 11 key themes including notions of restoration and emotional responses. The themes were used to develop a conceptual model to describe the processes involved in the perception and evaluation of the soundscape. The language used by patients and nurses indicated the emotional response to the soundscape was at times stressful and at others potentially restorative. Coping methods of accepting and habituating to individual sounds were noted. The impact of the patients' and nurses' ability to maintain these coping strategies are discussed in relation to restoration and the temporal variation of the soundscape. A period of 'quiet time' was in operation at the hospital and the importance of this was noted through various responses relating to emotion and restoration. The results suggest the soundscape has potentially, a beneficial role in facilitating restoration thus helping patients' recovery and medical staff's ability to remain productive. This research supports the need to study hospital soundscapes further so that design implications can be considered for the production of a more restorative environment, possibly through the masking/removal of unwanted sounds and optimising positive sounds

Exploring the Complex Dynamics of ‘Bringing Your Whole Self to Work’: Implications for Black Americans in the United States

This manuscript investigates the impact of the concept “bringing your whole self to work” on underrepresented minorities, focusing on Black workers. It critiques the idea of workplace authenticity for overlooking the adverse effects on those from marginalized backgrounds. The alignment of professionalism with white cultural norms has perpetuated inequality and suppressed Black cultural identities. Black employees often resort to code-switching, modifying language and behavior to fit into dominant organizational cultures, to avoid negative stereotypes. This adaptation, however, can hinder job prospects and advancement. The paper examines the challenges of presenting authentic selves for underrepresented individuals, exploring code-switching as a coping strategy. It suggests methods for employers and practitioners to foster true inclusion and aims to stimulate discussion and promote equitable practices in organizations