Computer program for compressible flow network analysis

Program solves problem of an arbitrarily connected one dimensional compressible flow network with pumping in the channels and momentum balancing at flow junctions. Program includes pressure drop calculations for impingement flow and flow through pin fin arrangements, as currently found in many air cooled turbine bucket and vane cooling configurations

Suppression of intrinsic neutron background in the Multi-Grid detector

One of the key requirements for neutron scattering instruments is the Signal-to-Background ratio (SBR). This is as well a design driving requirement for many instruments at the European Spallation Source (ESS), which aspires to be the brightest neutron source of the world. The SBR can be effectively improved with background reduction. The Multi-Grid, a large-area thermal neutron detector with a solid boron carbide converter, is a novel solution for chopper spectrometers. This detector will be installed for the three prospective chopper spectrometers at the ESS. As the Multi-Grid detector is a large area detector with a complex structure, its intrinsic background and its suppression via advanced shielding design should be investigated in its complexity, as it cannot be naively calculated. The intrinsic scattered neutron background and its effect on the SBR is determined via a detailed Monte Carlo simulation for the Multi-Grid detector module, designed for the CSPEC instrument at the ESS. The impact of the detector vessel and the neutron entrance window on scattering is determined, revealing the importance of an optimised internal detector shielding. The background-reducing capacity of common shielding geometries, like side-shielding and end-shielding is determined by using perfect absorber as shielding material, and common shielding materials, like B$_{4}$C and Cd are also tested. On the basis of the comparison of the effectiveness of the different shielding topologies and materials, recommendations are given for a combined shielding of the Multi-Grid detector module, optimised for increased SBR.Comment: 26 pages, 18 figures, revise

Predicting Small Bank Failure

There are many studies of bank performance and bank failure in the literature. Most of these studies used banking ratios as variables in their models without giving consideration to their appropriateness, nor was much consideration given to the stability of those ratios through time and across asset size. Many studies also failed to recognize that bank structure may differ by asset size. This study evaluates a large number of banking variables in order to identify stable ratios. These ratios are then used in disaggregated logistic models to predict bank failure. The study finds that the disaggregated models with stable variables were better predictors of bank failure than aggregated models used in earlier studies

Areas Of Cross-Cultural Difference In The Workplace

In the last 30 years, there has been a shift towards using multicultural management strategies. The constant shifts taking place in multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multinational workforces indicate that both administrators of these organizations and higher education practices must evolve to adapt to needs for changing skill sets. A multicultural workforce offers advantages in that businesses may reach out effectively to various stakeholders. Leaders do well to cultivate an organizational culture that incorporates flexibility, understanding, and acceptance of alternate values, especially when working in foreign locations or multi-national organizations. Understanding of differences in cultural values and customs may reduce conflict and increase collaboration. To meet these challenges, leaders must be trained and educated to develop flexibility, understanding, and acceptance of alternate values when working in foreign locations or multi-national organizations. This article points out important areas of difference for organizations to address

Simulation of farm transition strategies across multiple U.S. farm prototypes

Approximately 30% of family-owned U.S. farms and ranches will survive a generational transition; when transitioning to subsequent generations, the likelihood of success continues to decline. Reed et al. (2019) simulated the effects of five commonly used farm transition strategies on a prototypical Oklahoma farm to determine the probability of successful transition under each strategy. This project expands upon Reed's work by creating seven additional prototypical farms to represent the predominant production systems and regions in US agriculture to determine how those same strategies impact each farm type by simulating each farm using the Reed model. The California specialty crops, Illinois corn, and Iowa hog operations all had very high rates of success. However, the Kansas wheat, Texas cattle, Georgia poultry, and Wisconsin dairy operations had significantly lower probabilities of success. A high asset-turnover ratio, as well as high net farm income, is an indicator for success, as the operation generates enough cash flow to meet the demands of most strategies. Federal and state tax structures will influence the rates of successful transition, as well as government payments to farming operations. Moving forward, many of the things that are held constant in this model can be changed to evaluate the outcome: the age of death of the primary operator, the number of heirs, and narrowing the scope of the prototypical farm