The organization and administration of engineering extension

Thesis (M.E.)--University of Illinois, 1916.Typescript

Simple and accurate modelling of the gravitational potential produced by thick and thin exponential discs

We present accurate models of the gravitational potential produced by a radially exponential disc mass distribution. The models are produced by combining three separate Miyamoto–Nagai discs. Such models have been used previously to model the disc of the Milky Way, but here we extend this framework to allow its application to discs of any mass, scalelength, and a wide range of thickness from infinitely thin to near spherical (ellipticities from 0 to 0.9). The models have the advantage of simplicity of implementation, and we expect faster run speeds over a double exponential disc treatment. The potentials are fully analytical, and differentiable at all points. The mass distribution of our models deviates from the radial mass distribution of a pure exponential disc by <0.4 per cent out to 4 disc scalelengths, and <1.9 per cent out to 10 disc scalelengths. We tabulate fitting parameters which facilitate construction of exponential discs for any scalelength, and a wide range of disc thickness (a user-friendly, web-based interface is also available). Our recipe is well suited for numerical modelling of the tidal effects of a giant disc galaxy on star clusters or dwarf galaxies. We consider three worked examples; the Milky Way thin and thick disc, and a discy dwarf galaxy

Cost analysis of the CTLB Study, a multitherapy antenatal education programme to reduce routine interventions in labour

Objective: To assess whether the multitherapy antenatal education ‘CTLB’ (Complementary Therapies for Labour and Birth) Study programme leads to net cost savings. Design: Cost analysis of the CTLB Study, using analysis of outcomes and hospital funding data. Methods: We take a payer perspective and use Australian Refined Diagnosis-Related Group (AR-DRG) cost data to estimate the potential savings per woman to the payer (government or private insurer). We consider scenarios in which the intervention cost is either borne by the woman or by the payer. Savings are computed as the difference in total cost between the control group and the study group. Results: If the cost of the intervention is not borne by the payer, the average saving to the payer was calculated to be $A808 per woman. If the payer covers the cost of the programme, this figure reduces to$A659 since the average cost of delivering the programme was $A149 per woman. All these findings are significant at the 95Conclusion: The CTLB antenatal education programme leads to significant savings to payers that come from reduced use of hospital resources. Depending on which perspective is considered, and who is responsible for covering the cost of the programme, the net savings vary from$A659 to $A808 per woman. Compared with the average cost of birth in the control group, we conclude that the programme could lead to a reduction in birth-related healthcare costs of approximately 9%. Trial registration number: ACTRN12611001126909

Linking Ecosystem Nitrogen Retention with Soil Microbial Community Structure

Understanding the mechanisms behind nitrogen loss in soil through leaching of inorganic nitrogen helps us beWer understand mechanisms for retenMon. Hypothesis: we should see different levels of soil inorganic nitrogen in various agricultural treatments, due to the effects these treatments have on soil microbial communities. Fungi use N less efficiently than bacteria. Fungal-dominated soils should have more inorganic N than bacterial-dominated soils

The Changing Financial Structure of the U.S. Farm Sector

Agricultural Finance,

Building Sustainable Success in Art Galleries: An Exploratory Study of Adaptive Strategies

Historically, art galleries have operated in a cottage industry that placed a premium on building unique relations with artists and clients. Recent economic and technological trends threaten the viability of this model. Art galleries now face a very challenging environment, demanding careful attention to strategy formulation and execution. However, more questions than answers can be found in the literature about management practices, art gallery performance, and factors affecting gallery success. This paper reports findings on these issues from an exploratory survey of Colorado art galleries. Results suggest that art gallery owners and mangers are not overly concerned about external pressures influencing their organizations. This attitude could adversely affect efforts to build sustainable success and value through adaptive strategies

Fusarium wilt of banana: Global problems and perspectives

Fusarium wilt of banana is recognized as one of the most destructive diseases of banana worldwide. In addition to an overview of the history of research into fusarium wilt of banana, a precis of the current global problems posed by this disease to producers and consumers of bananas is presented in this paper. Key issues and opportunities facing scientific researchers in their attempts to find solutions to the management of this disease are also discussed, with reference to the notion of sustainable agriculture

The Conopidae (Diptera) of British Columbia

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