Participation in Selected USDA Programs by Socially Disadvantaged Farmers in Selected Black Belt Counties in Georgia

This study examines the characteristics of African American Farmers (AAFs), a significant subgroup of socially disadvantaged farmers (SDFs) in the U.S. South, and their overall awareness of USDA programs. Specifically, these programs include the Farm Ownership Loan (FOL) and Operating Loan (OL) programs, the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), and the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program. It also investigates the main reasons for participation and non-participation in these programs, assesses the relationship between program application and the rate of approval, and examines the relationship between USDA program outreach to SDFs and program implementation. Using convenience sampling, data collected from respondents in southwest Georgia were analyzed and presented descriptively in tables and graphs. Results indicate that awareness was high with the FOL/OL programs but applications and approvals were low for FOL. Equally, awareness was high for EQIP but not the VAPG program, while participation was low for both. Reasons for non-participation were AAFs thinking they did not qualify for all programs, lack of collateral, complicated reporting requirements, and incomplete applications

STS-9 BET products

The final products generated for the STS-9, which landed on December 8, 1983 are reported. The trajectory reconstruction utilized an anchor epoch of GMT corresponding to an initial altitude of h 356 kft, selected in view of the limited tracking coverage available. The final state utilized IMU2 measurements and was based on processing radar tracking from six C-bands and a single S-band station, plus six photo-theodolite cameras in the vicinity of Runway 17 at Edwards Air Force Base. The final atmosphere (FLAIR9/UN=581199C) was based on a composite of the remote measured data and the 1978 Air Force Reference Atmosphere model. The Extended BET is available as STS9BET/UN=274885C. The AEROBET and MMLE input files created are discussed. Plots of the more relevant parameters from the AEROBET (reel number NL0624) are included. Input parameters, final residual plots, a trajectory listing, and data archival information are defined

Leadership Training for Transforming the Community: A Participatory Approach

The study described here examined the effects of the leadership training workshops on selected residents in Clayton, a rural Alabama city. Data were obtained from 40 participants by a survey questionnaire administered 6 months after the workshops. The results showed that the workshops were well received and that many participants are using the information gained for community development. The participatory approach to training has sound philosophical and practical implications for effective community development. When participants are involved in identifying their needs and are included in planning of the training process, they are more likely to receive and use information provided

Environmental Variability and Biodiversity of Megabenthos on the Hebrides Terrace Seamount (Northeast Atlantic)

We present the first remotely operated vehicle investigation of megabenthic communities (1004–1695 m water depth) on the Hebrides Terrace Seamount (Northeast Atlantic). Conductivity-temperature-depth casts showed rapid light attenuation below the summit and an oceanographic regime on the flanks consistent with an internal tide, and high short-term variability in water temperature, salinity, light attenuation, aragonite and oxygen down to 1500 m deep. Minor changes in species composition (3–14%) were explained by changes in depth, substratum and oceanographic stability, whereas environmental variability explained substantially more variation in species richness (40–56%). Two peaks in species richness occurred, the first at 1300–1400 m where cooler Wyville Thomson Overflow Water (WTOW) mixes with subtropical gyre waters and the second at 1500–1600 m where WTOW mixes with subpolar mode waters. Our results suggest that internal tides, substrate heterogeneity and oceanographic interfaces may enhance biological diversity on this and adjacent seamounts in the Rockall Trough

Final STS-11 (41-B) best estimate trajectory products: Development and results from the first Cape landing

The STS-11 (41-B) postflight data processing is completed and the results published. The final reconstructed entry trajectory is presented. The various atmospheric sources available for this flight are discussed. Aerodynamic Best Estimate of Trajectory BET generation and plots from this file are presented. A definition of the major maneuvers effected is given. Physical constants, including spacecraft mass properties; final residuals from the reconstruction process; trajectory parameter listings; and an archival section are included

An Analysis of Earned Income Tax Credit Filers and Earned Income Tax Credit Non-Filers in Rural Communities

This study focuses on assessing differences between earned income tax credit (EITC) filers and non-filers, specifically, identifying general characteristics, examining willingness to participate in asset building programs, and identifying key factors affecting EITC filing status. The data were obtained from a convenience sample of respondents in South Central Alabama, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that many respondents did not know that the EITC could be used as an asset-building tool. Also, the results revealed that socioeconomic characteristics played a role in whether or not one filed for the EITC. Since many respondents did not know that the EITC could be used as an asset-building strategy, it is recommended that financial education programs be created to encourage respondents to adopt the EITC as an asset-building tool. In addition, it is recommended that socioeconomic characteristics be taken into account when dealing with EITC policy

The Impact of Selected Socioeconomic Factors on Amount of Earned Income Tax Credit Received by Low-Income Rural Residents

This paper examines the impact of selected socioeconomic factors on amount of earned income tax credit (EITC) received by low-income rural residents. Using a questionnaire, data were obtained from a convenience sample of 82 respondents in South Central Alabama, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that the average amount of EITC received was $1470; a majority of recipients were females, younger, with lower education, lower household incomes, and single. In addition, gender had a statistically significant (p<0.05) effect on the amount of EITC received, with females receiving more EITC than males. Since females received more EITC than males, they could be specifically targeted to participate in programs, such as individual development accounts, that encourage low-income people to save. They could, at least, save part of their credit as they have relatively more disposable income and this will allow them to build wealth. Keywords: EITC, low-income, rural residents, socioeconomic factor

An Analysis of the Relationship Between Leadership Styles and Community Development in Selected Counties of the Alabama Black Belt

Leadership styles are surmised to influence community development. The study, therefore, assessed the relationship between leadership styles and community development in selected Black Belt Counties of Alabama. Data were collected from a purposive sample of 38 locally elected officials, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The most dominant leadership style selected was participating; followed by telling and selling, with identical ratings; delegating; autocratic, and democratic. The most preferred economic indicators were improving the physical infrastructure and constructing a 24-hour health facility. Additionally, participants indicated that constructing or improving of an industrial park; locating a manufacturing company, and locating a tier-1 automobile supplier are important facets of community development. Furthermore, the more preferred educational factor was providing after school programs, and the more preferred social factor was providing recreational facilities. The regression results revealed that of the economic indicators, democratic leadership style had the most relative importance; of the educational indicators, telling leadership style had the most relative importance, and of the social indicators, delegating leadership style had the most relative importance. For the overall community development indicator, democratic leadership style had the most relative importance. Keywords: Leadership Styles, Leadership, Community Development, Black Bel

An Analysis of the Relationship between Socioeconomic Factors and Leadership Styles in Selected Counties of the Alabama Black Belt

Socioeconomic factors are important to leadership styles and may have an influence on leadership styles. The study assessed the relationship between socioeconomic factors and leadership styles in selected counties of the Alabama Black Belt. Data were collected from a purposive sample of 38 locally elected officials, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that there were more male, Black, “older”, educated, moderate- to moderately high-income household, and low- to medium-tenured elected officials than otherwise. The most dominant leadership style was participating; followed by telling and selling. Gender and age had enhancing effects (i.e., positive relative impacts) on the participating leadership style; race had enhancing effects on the selling, delegating, and democratic leadership styles; education had enhancing effects on the selling, participating, and delegating leadership styles; household income had enhancing effects on all the leadership styles, and tenure had an enhancing effect on the autocratic leadership style. This suggests that the officials are more prone to use the said leadership styles vis-à-vis the particular socioeconomic factors. Keywords: Leadership styles, Leadership, Socioeconomic factors, Black Bel