Fencing and Watering Systems: Simpler is Better

Sustainability and Grazing Management have taken on a new importance in the Americana farm community. The key components of the sustainable approach, profitability, agronomic, social and ecological responsibility and quality of life are becoming obtainable goals for this and future farming generations

Ending Extreme Poverty and Sharing Prosperity: Progress and Policies

To guide its work toward a "world free of poverty," the World Bank Group in 2013 established two clear goals: end extreme poverty by 2030 and promote shared prosperity. Along with the requirement to pursue these goals sustainably -- economically, environmentally, and socially -- the two goals are comprehensive in nature. They are fully aligned to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations to replace the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). To evaluate progress, the two goals are measured by two overall indicators: a reduction in the global headcount ratio of extreme poverty (the population share of those whose income is below the international poverty line) to 3 percent by 2030, and the promotion of income growth in the bottom 40 (B40) percent of the population in each country.This Policy Research Note updates the assessment of progress toward these two goals in a sustainable manner. The poverty goal is examined through three lenses: the evolution of income poverty based on the new international poverty line that has been re-estimated at $1.90 a day; an assessment of person-equivalent income poverty, a new intuitive indicator that combines the incidence with the depth of poverty; and a review of the breadth of poverty, recognizing that income shortfalls often coexist with multiple non-income deprivations. The shared prosperity goal is examined on the basis of the latest comparison of (comparable) household data on B40 income growth. As part of its analysis of the two goals, this note also comments on the status of defining and monitoring sustainability in its economic, environmental and social aspects

Through a Mirror Dimly: Social Constructionism Through the Lens of Faith

Postmodernism has often been excoriated in Christian circles for its departure from commonly recognized principles of truth seeking. How can we, as educators, help students grapple wisely with this pervasive worldview in the context of encouraging a biblical and vibrant development of their faith? Are there components within postmodernism that might help inform students’ faith development? This article will examine social constructionism, a variant of postmodernism, from the lens of Christian faith and spirituality, and will attempt to answer some of those questions

Developing Jewish Awareness Seminars: A Model Implemented in Adventist Churches in Michigan

Problem Many Jewish people are finding Jesus as their Messiah, but few are uniting with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. In its Global Missions emphasis, the Adventist Church has not prepared church members to effectively witness to the Jewish people. Michigan Conference has about 0.29 percent (16,000) of the nation’s Jewish population, but no organized plan is in place to train members for Jewish soul-winning. Approximately 22 of Michigan’s 83 counties have one or more synagogues, which is sufficient Jewish presence to warrant an interfaith outreach. A lay-training program is needed. Method After researching literature, a questionnaire was devised, and a sociological survey was conducted on a sample group of Seventh-day Adventists in Michigan. Results were compared with data from three Adventist focus groups. From the information, a tentative guide-manual was constructed for conducting Jewish Awareness Seminars. Two pilot lay-training seminars were held to sensitize, educate, equip, and empower Adventists for sharing their faith with Jewish neighbors. Results were used to refine a final guide-manual. Related historical and theological issues were addressed in the completed document. Results The analysis of the surveys indicated that Adventists had stereotypical perceptions of Jewish people, but that they were willing to be taught and equipped for an intelligent and effective ministry to Jews. The information from the seminar assessments and evaluations indicated that all participants greatly increased their knowledge of and sensitivity toward Jewish neighbors. Attitudes were changed in support of Jewish outreach. Approximately 85 people were educated and equipped for ministry. Follow-up suggestions were recommended. Shabbat Shalom subscriptions were funded and sent to many Jewish homes in each community. Michigan now has a written guide-manual to help local congregations reproduce the training seminars. Conclusions Attitudes of Michigan Adventists toward Jewish people are generally influenced by lack of familiarity, ignorance, or stereotypes. Due to theological and professional concerns, the clergy seems less open to Jewish outreach than is the laity. Consequently, pastoral and lay training seminars are needed to assure the perpetuation of a viable ministry. This study has been successful in showing that the laity is willing to reach Jewish souls, when adequately prepared

Legume silage and artificially dried hay for dairy cattle

The purpose of this experiment was to determine the feeding value of Lespedeza sericea silage, preserved with molasses and phosphoric acid, as compared to that of corn silage. The Lespedeza sericea was put up by the University of Tennessee and the Tennessee Valley Authority, as described on page 20

FIESTA: An operational decision aid for space network fault isolation

The Fault Tolerance Expert System for Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) Applications (FIESTA) is a fault detection and fault diagnosis expert system being developed as a decision aid to support operations in the Network Control Center (NCC) for NASA's Space Network. The operational objectives which influenced FIESTA development are presented and an overview of the architecture used to achieve these goals are provided. The approach to the knowledge engineering effort and the methodology employed are also presented and illustrated with examples drawn from the FIESTA domain