A Theoretical Model for Optimization of SALD Parameters

This paper addresses the need to conduct theoretical work concerning an economical way of Solid Freeform Fabrication rendering by using selective Area Laser Deposition (SALD). The part in SALD rendering process is formed layer by layer that, in turn, is composed of stripes of material produced in the path of a laser. There are three situations in which such a stripe can be rendered: a) alone, b) with one neighbor on one side, and c) with neighbors on both sides. Residual thermal stresses in the part are expected to be affected by how a stripe is rendered. Furthermore, the residual thermal stress and the mechanical property of the part are also dictated by other processing variables such as laser scanning patters, laser input power, scanning speed, scanning spacing, deposition temperature, gas precursor pressure, intrinsic thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of the rendered material. A theoretical approach is proposed to address the minimization of residual thermal stresses and rendering times and the maximization of the strength of the part. It is proposed that such multiple optimizations that are dictated by many decision variables can be solved by minimizing and/or maximizing object functions dePending on the design criteria for each attribute of the rendered partMechanical Engineerin

CONSUMER SELECTION OF RETAIL OUTLETS IN BUYING PECANS

The study identifies differences in consumer characteristics and the selection of the type of a retail outlet in pecan purchases. Within the framework of utility maximization, an empirical model is specified and estimated using multinomial logit. The estimation is based on data collected through a nationwide survey. Calculated marginal probabilities show the importance of age, household income, and household size among the important consumer characteristics that influence the selection of a retail outlet. Employment and the timing of pecan purchases also influence the use of a specific type of retail outlet. In particular, mail-order purchases are made by older persons with higher incomes and larger households in comparison to purchases at grocery stores or other outlets. The study provides knowledge needed to improve marketing strategies for different outlets and suggests that various strategies can be developed to reach different groups of pecan buyers by type of retail outlet.Consumer/Household Economics,

The Road to Financial Sustainability. Comparative Analysis of Russia and the Caucasus Region

This paper examines delinquency, profitability, and outreach determinants of microfinance institutions’ (MFIs) performance in Russia and the Caucasus. The estimation is done using the Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) technique. The estimation results suggest that Russian and Caucasian MFIs are profit-driven but are expected to improve outreach in the long-run.Microfinance institution, SUR, Financial sustainability, Delinquency, Profitability, Social outreach, Agricultural Finance, Financial Economics, G20, G21,

INCOME REMINDER AND THE DIVERGENCE BETWEEN WILLINGNESS-TO-PAY ESTIMATES ASSOCIATED WITH DICHOTOMOUS CHOICE AND OPEN-ENDED ELICITATION FORMATS

This study investigates whether an income reminder can reduce the divergence between the willingness-to-pay (WTP) estimates associated with the open-ended (OE) and dichotomous choice (DC) elicitation formats. Results show that without an income reminder, WTP estimate associated with DC elicitation format is about 1.66 times as large as that associated with OE elicitation format. With an income reminder, the WTP estimate associated with DC format decreased while the WTP estimate associated with OE format increased, and the divergence between the WTP estimates was almost eliminated.dichotomous choice, open-ended, income reminder, water quality improvement, willingness-to-pay, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods,

Consumer Willingness to Pay for Improved Attributes of Fresh Vegetables: A Comparison Between Atlanta and Berlin

Crop Production/Industries, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety,

Landau-gauge condensates from the quark propagator on the lattice

We compute the dimension-2 condensate, , and the dimension-4 mixed condensate, , from the recent quenched lattice results for the quark propagator in the Landau gauge. We fit the lattice data to the Operator Product Expansion in the "fiducial" region 1.2 GeV < Q < 3 GeV. Our result for the dynamical gluon mass at the scale of 10 GeV^2 is m_A=600-650 MeV, in agreement with independent determinations. For the mixed Landau gauge condensate of dimension-4 we get alpha_s = (-0.11 +/- 0.03) GeV^4. This value is an order of magnitude larger than the gluon condensate.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, references adde

FACTORS AFFECTING THE PROFITABILITY OF GOLF COURSES IN GEORGIA

Land Economics/Use,

PUBLIC ATTITUDES IN THE NORTHEAST REGION TOWARD RECOMBINANT PORCINE SOMATOTROPIN

This study explored the attitudes of consumers regarding the use of recombinant porcine somatotropin (PST) in the production of pork, and the association between the attitudes and individual socioeconomic characteristics. The data were collected from surveys of households located in the New York and Philadelphia metropolitan area. The results show that both gender and education may play a role in the level of concern regarding the use of PST. Education programs which address the safety of pork produced with PST need to target the lower-educated and female consumers. More-over, the education program should be developed by organizations which are trusted by the public, such as universities and public agencies.Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety,