Three-dimensional zonal grids about arbitrary shapes by Poisson's equation

A method for generating 3-D finite difference grids about or within arbitrary shapes is presented. The 3-D Poisson equations are solved numerically, with values for the inhomogeneous terms found automatically by the algorithm. Those inhomogeneous terms have the effect near boundaries of reducing cell skewness and imposing arbitrary cell height. The method allows the region of interest to be divided into zones (blocks), allowing the method to be applicable to almost any physical domain. A FORTRAN program called 3DGRAPE has been written to implement the algorithm. Lastly, a method for redistributing grid points along lines normal to boundaries will be described

GRAPEVINE: Grids about anything by Poisson's equation in a visually interactive networking environment

A proven 3-D multiple-block elliptic grid generator, designed to run in 'batch mode' on a supercomputer, is improved by the creation of a modern graphical user interface (GUI) running on a workstation. The two parts are connected in real time by a network. The resultant system offers a significant speedup in the process of preparing and formatting input data and the ability to watch the grid solution converge by replotting the grid at each iteration step. The result is a reduction in user time and CPU time required to generate the grid and an enhanced understanding of the elliptic solution process. This software system, called GRAPEVINE, is described, and certain observations are made concerning the creation of such software

Static load versus settlement for geometric shapes on cohesionless soil

Static loading versus settlement for circular plate, cone, and sphere on cohesionless soil - spacecraft landing gear stud

A lattice analogy for the solution of some nonlinear stress problems

Nonlinear stress problem solution by lattice analogy techniqu

Inherently Governmental Functions and Other Work Reserved for Performance by Federal Government Employees: The Obama Administration’s Proposed Policy Letter

[Excerpt] On March 31, 2010, the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a proposed policy letter on inherently governmental functions and other “work reserved for performance by federal government employees.” While not final, the policy letter represents the Obama Administration’s proposed guidance for agencies determining (1) whether particular functions are inherently governmental and (2) when functions closely associated with the performance of inherently governmental functions and critical functions should be performed by government personnel. The proposed policy letter was, in part, issued under the authority of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for FY2009 (NDAA\u2709) and President Obama’s memorandum of March 4, 2009, on government contracting. Section 321 of NDAA\u2709 tasked OMB with (1) reviewing existing definitions of “inherently governmental function” to determine whether such definitions are “sufficiently focused” to ensure that only government personnel perform inherently governmental functions or “other critical functions necessary for the mission of a Federal department or agency;” (2) developing a “single consistent definition” of “inherently governmental function” that would address any deficiencies in the existing definitions, reasonably apply to all agencies, and ensure that agency personnel can identify positions that perform inherently governmental functions; (3) developing criteria for identifying critical functions” that should be performed by government personnel; and (4) developing criteria for identifying positions that government personnel should perform in order to ensure that agencies develop and maintain “sufficient organic expertise and technical capacity” to perform their missions and oversee contractors’ work. President Obama’s March 4, 2009, memorandum similarly charged OMB with clarifying when outsourcing is “appropriate.

The Schmitt Cave

Little has been written about the importance rockshelters and caves played in the life of prehistoric man in Northeast Iowa. This report attempts to provide additional information as a result of a recent rockshelter excavation in Dubuque County

Medication and Conduct Disorder: Professional\u27s Perceptions of its Helpfulness

This study explores the use of medication to treat children diagnosed with conduct disorder. The use of medication to treat this disorder is a controversial issue, and one that has been well researched in inpatient settings by psychiatrists. However, parents of these children and social workers serving these families need to be informed of its usefulness on a basis that can be applied to other settings, since many of these children are discharged from inpatient settings back into their families and original communities. This study surveyed 7 staff of a behavioral health unit where children diagnosed with conduct disorder were being treated. The survey used consisted of items borrowed from the Conners\u27 Rating Scales, as well as questions of this researcher\u27s own design (Conners, Sitarenios, Parker, and Epstein, 1998). Findings indicated that children most likely benefited from the inpatient environment and treatment rather than medications. The implications for practice are also outlined and include the importance of social workers being informed about interventions that are most effective in the treatment of this disorder

Laboratory Diagnosis of Pregnancy

Laboratory methods for early diagnosis of pregnancy have found their greatest application in the human where clinical symptoms of the condition are not manifest until approximately 6 weeks following conception. With domestic animals, the mare stands alone as the animal to which laboratory tests may be applied. Diagnosis of pregnancy by rectal palpation in the mare is desired over laboratory methods because it is faster, more accurate and can be applied earlier in the gestation period. However, laboratory tests are employed on those mares whose delicate rectal mucous membranes may not tolerate manipulation. In highly bred mares with nervous temperaments it may be impossible to perform rectal palpation due to incooperation and possibility of abortion