On the piecewise-concave approximations of functions

The piecewise-concave function may be used to approximate a wide range of other functions to arbitrary precision over a bounded set. In this short paper, this property is proven for three function classes: (a) the multivariate twice continuously differentiable function, (b) the univariate Lipschitz-continuous function, and (c) the multivariate separable Lipschitz-continuous function.Comment: 4 pages; written as a supplement to submitted journal pape

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES BETWEEN ACADEMIA AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR: EXAMPLES FROM THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

Partnerships can be effective tools for engaging universities with their communities. Examples from the Texas A&M University System Agriculture Program are used to discuss the use of partnerships and the use of university-industry partnerships in particular. The characteristics of successful partnerships and impediments to be overcome are discussed, along with the special challenges facing public-private arrangements. Potential partners should ask themselves: Why do we want this arrangement, do we have the commitment, and what will we learn?Teaching/Communication/Extension/Profession,

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES BETWEEN ACADEMIA AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR: EXAMPLES FROM THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

Teaching/Communication/Extension/Profession,

THE CASE FOR AND COMPONENTS OF A PROBABILISTIC AGRICULTURAL OUTLOOK PROGRAM

An operational program to develop and disseminate probabilistic outlook information for agricultural commodities would allow decision makers to better comprehend the degree of uncertainty associated with future prices. While there are psychological limitations to the estimation or probabilities, this is a skill that can be taught and developed, particularly among experienced forecasters such as outlook specialists. Techniques are available for eliciting probabilities, and weather forecasting experience demonstrates that experts can quantify probabilities in a reliable manner. The components of a program to develop and disseminate outlook probabilities should include a survey of user needs, training programs for participating outlook specialists, and user educational programs. Further research is needed to develop elicitation techniques, and to evaluate costs and benefits.Teaching/Communication/Extension/Profession,

Teaching Agricultural Producers to Consider Risk in Decision Making

Risk and Uncertainty,

TEACHING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS TO CONSIDER RISK IN DECISION MAKING

The 1996 FAIR Act has emphasized the importance of teaching agricultural producers to understand and respond rationally to risk. The following are guidelines for considering risk: (1) analyze decisions using a payoff matrix, (2) estimate the probabilities of events, (3) consider individual attitudes about taking risks, and (4) adopt management strategies to control risk. Much still remains to be learned about how to teach risk management.Risk and Uncertainty,