CUSTOM MACHINE WORK RATES IN MICHIGAN

Farm Management, Labor and Human Capital,

CROPS AND LIVESTOCK BUDGETS ESTIMATES FOR MICHIGAN

Agricultural Finance,

Dynamic characteristics of observed sudden warmings

The planetary wave dynamics of stratospheric sudden warmings in the Northern Hemisphere for a large number of observed events that occurred during winters from 1970 to 1975 and 1978 to 1981 are investigated. The analysis describes wave propagation and zonal flow interaction from the troposphere upwards to near 50 km, and in some years to near 80 km. Three primary topics are covered here: (1) the interaction of zonally propagating and quasi-stationary planetary waves during warming events; (2) planetary wave influence on zonal flow near the stratopause; and (3) planetary wave propagation to near 80 km as seen from Stratospheric and Mesospheric Sounder (SAMS) data

Effects of Physical Activity and Aquatics Programs on Problem Behaviors in Children with Diagnosed Disabilities and Behavior Disorders

The aim of this study was to determine the potential benefits physical activity, specifically aquatic based programs, could provide in minimizing problem behaviors that are common with certain disabilities or behavior disorders. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) were the two disabilities examined, as these are becoming more commonly diagnosed in our society. A literature review was completed examining the effects aquatics programs and physical activity in general could provide to typical problem behaviors, such as trouble with social interaction, self-stimulatory behaviors, attention, and communication. The aim of the program and how the program was administered, the qualifications and backgrounds of the instructors, and the size of groups in the programs were all factors considered when examining the successes of the programs in minimizing problem behaviors. Results showed the clear benefits of creating a legitimate and quality movement program, particularly an aquatics program, for children with ASD and ADHD to help minimize problematic behaviors and improve social behaviors. Proper structure along with designing the program to specifically benefit the previously stated populations were key factors in creating more success for the children

COST OF CHIP POTATO PRODUCTION IN CENTRAL MICHIGAN

This bulletin represents a tool that can help producers, consultants, educators, and agribusinesses working with producers estimate costs of production and expected profit based on "typical" chip potato production management strategies found in Montcalm County, Michigan. The budget included in this bulletin will allow users to revise inputs based on their management strategies and calculate their expected cost and profit. This flexibility provides a decision aid to search for systems that generate higher net returns to the farm's resource base.Crop Production/Industries,

Iron Melting Thermodynamics Demystified

Metal casting has historically been an industrial process performed by large foundries. In the 1950-60’s artists began to employ the technology of blast furnaces for small scale cast iron production. Much of the knowledge of building and running a small scale furnace has been obtained heuristically, with basic scientific understanding of what is happening thermodynamically inside the furnace. This presentation aims to broaden the knowledge of an iron caster by discussing the many processes inside an iron melting furnace. These thermodynamic and chemical processes will be explained with the aid of a computational program that models iron furnaces. With an intimate understanding of how iron melts the presentation will then address different fuels and furnace designs. The presentation will end with a group discussion about the successes and failures of alternative furnace designs and fuels

COST OF FRESH MARKET CELERY PRODUCTION IN SOUTHWESTERN MICHIGAN

This bulletin represents a tool that can help producers, consultants, educators, and agribusinesses working with producers estimate costs of production and expected profit based on "typical" celery management strategies found in southwestern Michigan. The budget included in this bulletin will allow users to revise inputs based on their management strategies and calculate their expected cost and profit. This flexibility provides a decision aid to search for systems that generate higher net returns to the farm's resource base.Crop Production/Industries,

Ergonomic exposure assessment: a study of rater reliability, method reliability, and sampling strategy

Department Head: Jac A. Nickoloff.2010 Summer.Includes bibliographical references.Poor characterization of exposures due to inadequately tested ergonomics exposure assessment tools contributes to the skepticism regarding the work-relatedness of musculoskeletal disorders. Due to their ability to capture individual exposures for large populations, observational methods have been commonly used to assess awkward postures in occupational settings. However, use of observation-based methods is complicated due to infrequent assessment of reliability and validity. While direct instrumentation is typically recommended for assessment of awkward postures, application of direct instrumentation in large field studies has been limited. Evaluation of reliability, validity, and sampling strategies are critical for ergonomic exposure assessment tools, particularly for research that attempts to establish a causal relationship between ergonomic risk factors and musculoskeletal outcomes. The results of this dissertation research addressed rater reliability, method reliability, and sampling strategy concerns for a computer-based observation tool and direct measurement devices known as an inclinometer. In general, the results from this dissertation research indicated: observation of postures using a video-based assessment tool demonstrated moderate to high inter- and intra-rater reliability for the majority of anatomical areas and body parts evaluated; comparison of a video-based posture assessment tool and inclinometry demonstrated moderate to high correlation for the majority of anatomical areas and body parts evaluated; and, evaluation of sampling strategies of posture assessment using inclinometry demonstrated that two to four hours of sampling may be sufficient when assessing postures of the upper arms and trunk. This dissertation research provided critical information regarding the need for improved exposure assessment techniques in the field of ergonomics

Periodic variations in stratospheric meridional wind from 20-65 km, at 80 deg N to 8 deg S

The variability of stratospheric meridional winds is examined in both space and time. Height-latitude sections for January along 70 deg E and 90 deg W show a divergence zone above 50 km near 60 deg N and an intense convergence zone 40 km near 50 deg N over North America. This latter structure, with southward winds in the Arctic and northward winds at mid-latitudes over North America, persists from October through April. Tidal winds dominate all other circulation features in summer at all latitudes, and throughout the year at low latitudes. To help understand the observed patterns of variability, long-term periodic features are analyzed. The quasi-biennial oscillation, annual wave, and four-month wave have amplitudes of about 10, 20, and 10 m/sec respectively in the Arctic near 45 km. The phase of the annual wave changes by nearly 180 deg in a narrow zone near 45 deg N. The semiannual wave has an amplitude of 10 m/sec. 50 deg N above 50 km equinoctial phase dates in the region of maximum amplitude. This polar semiannual wave corresponds closely to that previously found in the zonal wind

COST OF CABBAGE PRODUCTION IN MONROE COUNTY, MICHIGAN

This bulletin represents a tool that can help producers, consultants, educators, and agribusinesses working with producers estimate costs of production and expected profit based on "typical" cabbage management strategies found in Monroe County, Michigan. The budget included in this bulletin will allow users to revise inputs based on their management strategies and calculate their expected cost and profit. This flexibility provides a decision aid to search for systems that generate higher net returns to the farm's resource base.Crop Production/Industries,