A near-selection theorem

AbstractA near-selection theorem is proven for carriers defined on spaces that are the countable union of finite dimensional compacta. As an application a new proof is given of the fact that the space of homeomorphisms on a compact piecewise linear manifold is locally contractible. In addition a new criterion is given to determine if the space of homeomorphisms on a compact n-manifold is an l2-manifold

Rapporteur\u27s Report

The agenda for the Statewide Conference places a number of important challenges for Virginia’s colleges and universities on the table. The new licensure requirements in the areas of mathematics and science for prospective K-8 teachers represent a major, and very much needed, change in current practice. It will be extremely difficult for those of us in the science, mathematics, and education departments to make the necessary changes to respond to this challenge. This report will attempt to measure the magnitude of the changes needed to produce the requisite numbers of adequately prepared teachers, the extent to which individual colleges and universities have begun to respond to this challenge and our collective capacity to respond to this challenge

Farm size adjustments in Iowa and cost economies in crop production for farms of different sizes

The relation of cost economies to size of farm has been a subject of considerable speculation in Iowa. Farmers are interested in farms of different sizes because cost advantages or disadvantages have an important bearing on farm profits. Other segments of the population have also been interested in size and scale economies in farming. Many people put forth the hypothesis that modern farming methods give very great cost economies to the large acreage. The supposition is: Mechanization results in very low per-acre costs for large units and a danger exists that these cost advantages will give rise to large-scale units which cause the liquidation of family-farm units. Whether or not a threat of this nature actually exists depends on the costs associated with farms of different sizes. Discussion of farm size has gone on with very little knowledge of the cost economies realized in different types of agriculture. Certain aspects of cost are, however, evident: (1) Cost economies are likely greatest in grain and crop farming systems; mechanization has been developed particularly around these enterprises. Important changes have taken place in production of livestock. fruit and vegetable crops. However, the adaptation of mechanization to these enterprises has not been great. (2) If foods and fibers are to be produced efficiently, and farm families are to have favorable incomes, the size of the farm must be great enough to attain some of the efficiencies inherent in mechanization. Farms that are too small will result in low income