Combined State and Parameter Estimation for a Static Model of the Maypole (Hoop-Column) Antenna Suface

Parameter and state estimation techniques are discussed for an elliptic system arising in a developmental model for the antenna surface of the Maypole Hoop/Column antenna. A computational algorithm based on spline approximations for the state and elastic parameters is given and numerical results obtained using this algorithm are summarized

Identifying Audience Needs to Effectively Communicate about the Cost of Implementing Sustainable Farming Practices

Water is a complex issue across the globe and is largely affected by a growing world population and higher standard of living. Within the United States, the security of the freshwater supply is an increasing concern and water resource protection may increase if residents are knowledgeable about the issue. Sustainable farming systems will lessen the impact of agriculture on water resources but may cost the end user more to ensure sustainability. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if rural, urban, and suburban audiences differ in their willingness to pay for sustainable farming practices that protect water resources so that communication messages can be tailored. Audience segmentation was used to guide the study. Data were collected with a researcher-developed online survey instrument. The results found water consumers’ overall willingness to pay for more sustainable farming practices was fairly high. Statistically significant differences were found between urban and rural residents’ willingness to pay for sustainable farming practices. Thus, the findings imply residents with differing rurality need tailored communication messages delivered through specific channels

Identifying Respondent Group Representation in Extension Capacity Assessments: A Meta-Synthesis of the Literature and a Primary Study

A key factor in determining the future of agricultural extension efforts is ensuring that the voices of those who need to be heard are represented at all stages of the decision-making process. As agricultural extension becomes increasingly globalized, it is critical that the diversity of voices represented within capacity assessments likewise increases. Using two distinct approaches, the present study attempts to address a current gap within the extension literature specifically related to extension assessment respondent groups. First, 97 extension related assessment manuscripts were identified during a literature review and analyzed for respondent group. The results indicated most studies included only one respondent group. Among these assessments Clientele and Beneficiaries and Formal Power Roles were the respondent group categories most frequently examined. Next, a primary study was conducted to identify which respondent groups should be represented in capacity assessment according to agricultural extension experts. The panelists had the highest level of agreement regarding the inclusion of extension clientele and beneficiaries within capacity assessments. However, panelists agreed that representation from outside influences and formal power roles were also important to include in the capacity assessment process. The results indicate extension networks should purposively include a diverse set of respondents when conducting assessments to ensure a comprehensive perspective is represented

Identifying Respondent Group Representation in Extension Capacity Assessments: A Meta-Synthesis of the Literature and a Primary Study

A key factor in determining the future of agricultural extension efforts is ensuring that the voices of those who need to be heard are represented at all stages of the decision-making process. As agricultural extension becomes increasingly globalized, it is critical that the diversity of voices represented within capacity assessments likewise increases. Using two distinct approaches, the present study attempts to address a current gap within the extension literature specifically related to extension assessment respondent groups. First, 97 extension related assessment manuscripts were identified during a literature review and analyzed for respondent group. The results indicated most studies included only one respondent group. Among these assessments Clientele and Beneficiaries and Formal Power Roles were the respondent group categories most frequently examined. Next, a primary study was conducted to identify which respondent groups should be represented in capacity assessment according to agricultural extension experts. The panelists had the highest level of agreement regarding the inclusion of extension clientele and beneficiaries within capacity assessments. However, panelists agreed that representation from outside influences and formal power roles were also important to include in the capacity assessment process. The results indicate extension networks should purposively include a diverse set of respondents when conducting assessments to ensure a comprehensive perspective is represented

Development and Validation of the International Extension Network Advocacy Capacity Scale

Extension is sometimes viewed globally as less important than academic research and innovation, even though these networks are crucial to agricultural development. Using Lewin’s (1947) organizational change theory as a conceptual background, an instrument to measure advocacy capacity within international extension networks was developed. The resulting scale was analyzed for content validity, response process validity, internal structure validity, and consequential validity. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed on the proposed scale. The underlying structure of the scale was found to load onto five factors. The five extracted factors were labelled: 1) network support of advocacy, 2) network integration of advocacy, 3) network influence in advocacy, 4) network visibility in advocacy, and 5) network advocacy performance. The overall International Extension Network Advocacy Capacity (IENAC) scale, and associated subscales were all found to have acceptable levels of validity

Development and Validation of an Empirical Instrument to Measure Organizational and Institutional Functioning Capacity Within International Extension Networks

International extension networks provide vital services to stakeholders using a variety of organizational structures. To continue offering services desired by stakeholders, it is important that both public and private extension networks develop effective organizational functioning capacities. Despite this need, an instrument to empirically examine the perceived capacities of effective international extension network organizational and institutional functioning was unavailable in the literature. The present study developed and validated the International Extension Network Organizational Functioning (IENOF) scale. Scale development included validation of content, response process, internal structure, and consequential utility. Structural analysis indicated the 21-items loaded on four factors, including: network structure and relevance, network management and activities, network strategy and guidance, and network leadership. The results of the study indicate the IENOF may provide an empirical instrument to examine the capacities of international extension network organizational functioning. Furthermore, the analysis provides insights into the nuance and unique characteristics associated with international extension network organizations. Replication studies and further statistical analyses are recommended to examine the nature of the instrument and associated outcome variables of interest. From a practical perspective the IENOF is recommended to be considered as an input to the theory of co-innovation to aid international extension networks in fostering a culture of innovation. Utilizing IENOF insights to inform the theory of co-innovation should better enable extension networks to provide services and programming that meet the needs of network stakeholders

Plus-Minus-Interesting Exercises To Encourage Student Reflection

It can be difficult to include time for reflection in a problem-solving course, and even more difficult to ensure that students reflect on their problem-solving strategy in a meaningful way. We have found the “plus-minus-interesting’’ or PMI scheme, to be a quick and effective framework for structuring brief, in-class reflection exercises that are completed by teams of students