Contra Epstein, Good Explanations Predict

Epstein has argued that an explanation\'s capacity to make predictions should play a minor role in its evaluation . This view contradicts centuries of scientific practice and, at least, decades of philosophy of science. We argue that the view is not only unfounded but seems to arise from a mistaken fear that ABM models are in need of defense against the criticism that they don\'t necessarily forecast events in the natural or social world.ABM, Agent Based Model, Modeling, Prediction, Explanation, Philosophy of Science

Effect of temperature on the fracture behavior of lead-free solder joints

The objective of the present study is to examine the effect of temperature on the fracture behavior of Cu-SAC305-Cu joints. To this end, double cantilever beam (DCB) specimens, consisting of a thin layer of Sn96.5Ag3.0Cu0.5 (SAC305) solder sandwiched between two copper bars, fabricated under standard surface mount (SMT) processing conditions are fractured under various temperatures with a MTS machine equipped with an environment chamber. The load-displacement behavior corresponding to crack initiation and the subsequent toughening before ultimate failure and the displacements near crack tip are recorded and used to calculate the fracture energy release rates. The fracture surfaces and the crack path analyses are conducted with a scanning electron microscope to understand the effect of temperature on the mechanism of fracture. These results provide new information to manufacturers of microelectronics packages, which could be used to further improve package reliability

Here today, gone next week: some lessons for the delivery of itinerant primary schooling of a distance education program designed for the children of the Showmen's Guild of Australasia

This paper presents initial results of research on a distance education program developed in 1989 for the children of the Showmen's Guild of Australasia. The program accommodates the mobility of children and their parents who are rarely in any town for more than a week during the show circuit. The children complete correspondence lessons in various subjects and are assisted by their parents or home tutors. Several times a year, distance education teachers join the children during the show circuit and work intensively with them for several weeks. Unlike many other groups involved in the distance education program, the Showmen's Guild is well organized. It has a very supportive parent base and has campaigned over the years to establish favorable political support for a program to meet the special needs of its children. A literature review reveals that high mobility can place students at an educational disadvantage while placing an enormous burden on those providing the education for the mobile group. Interviews conducted with parents, children, home tutors, and teachers revealed close and trusting relationships between parents and distance education teachers and between students and distance education teachers. In addition, there is typically an intimate relationship between the mother and her children as it is the mother who takes on the responsibility for organizing and managing her children's education during a hectic working day. This paper concludes that the uniqueness of each mobile group must be taken into account when implementing an educational program, and delivery must respond to the socioeconomic and cultural attributes of each group. (LP

Biofuels: Impact of Selected Farm Bill Provisions and other Biofuel Policy Options

Agricultural and Food Policy, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

US BIOFUEL AND CLIMATE POLICIES DUEL OVER CELLULOSIC BIOMASS

Agricultural and Food Policy, Crop Production/Industries, Environmental Economics and Policy, International Relations/Trade, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

Model of the US Ethanol Market

This report estimates the effects of public policy options and external conditions on ethanol and agricultural commodity markets, farm income and government costs.Agricultural and Food Policy, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

The Occupational Work Ethic of University Path and Career Path Secondary School Students

The purpose of this study was to determine, using the Occupational Work Ethic Inventory (OWEI), if there were any significant differences in the work ethic of secondary high school students enrolled in vocational program of study, university program of study, and level of grade attended. The population of this study consisted of high school students in a rural secondary school in East Tennessee. English Teachers, licensed in the state of Tennessee administered the OWEI survey during a one-class period. The researcher collected surveys as they are completed. Based on an ex post factor design this study will use an alpha of .05 to test for significant differences. All statistical calculations were performed using the appropriate statistical software package. Null hypothesis was tested using an analysis of variance for each independent variable to determine whether significant differences can be shown for the dependent variables. It was found for the population of this study, there were no significant differences between the two programs of study. There were differences in females reporting stronger work ethics than males. Also, there were interactions between demographic background information and programs of study. Implication of the results are discussed