Estimating Vessel Efficiency Using a Bootstrapped Data Envelopment Analysis Model

Technical efficiency, which measures how well a firm transforms inputs into outputs, gives fishery managers important information concerning the economic status of the fishing fleet and how regulations may be impacting vessel profitability. Data envelopment analysis (DEA), and the stochastic production frontier (SPF) have emerged as preferred methods to estimate efficiency in fisheries. Although each of the approaches has strengths and weaknesses, DEA has often been criticized because it is "deterministic" and fails to account for noise in the data. This paper presents a method for examining the underlying statistical structure of DEA models using bootstrap methods and readily available software. The approach is then applied to a case study of the U.S. mid-Atlantic sea scallop dredge fleet. Results show that the 95% confidence interval for technically efficient output is well above the maximum sustained yield (MSY) level of output.Bootstrap methods, data envelopment analysis, technical efficiency., Research Methods/ Statistical Methods, C44, Q22,

A queueing model of pilot decision making in a multi-task flight management situation

Allocation of decision making responsibility between pilot and computer is considered and a flight management task, designed for the study of pilot-computer interaction, is discussed. A queueing theory model of pilot decision making in this multi-task, control and monitoring situation is presented. An experimental investigation of pilot decision making and the resulting model parameters are discussed

Clinical relevance and treatment possibilities of bipolar rapid cycling

Bipolar rapid cycling (RC) is defined as 4 or more affective episodes within 1 year. It has been postulated that RC is related to a poor response to lithium, to the same extent as mixed episodes or other atypical symptoms of the illness. This article reviews the current status of alternative pharmacological or otherwise supportive therapies of RC. Biological parameters and characteristics of the illness associated with RC like gender prevalence in women, hyperthyroid ism, catecholamine-O-methyltransferase allele, the influence of sleep, different subtypes of bipolar disorder and the risk of antidepressant-induced cycling will be discussed in detail. Copyright (C) 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel

Pilot interaction with automated airborne decision making systems

An investigation was made of interaction between a human pilot and automated on-board decision making systems. Research was initiated on the topic of pilot problem solving in automated and semi-automated flight management systems and attempts were made to develop a model of human decision making in a multi-task situation. A study was made of allocation of responsibility between human and computer, and discussed were various pilot performance parameters with varying degrees of automation. Optimal allocation of responsibility between human and computer was considered and some theoretical results found in the literature were presented. The pilot as a problem solver was discussed. Finally the design of displays, controls, procedures, and computer aids for problem solving tasks in automated and semi-automated systems was considered

Study of the Mutual Interaction Between a Wing Wake and an Encountering Airplane

In an effort to increase airport productivity, several wind-tunnel and flight-test programs are currently underway to determine safe reductions in separation standards between aircraft. These programs are designed to study numerous concepts from the characteristics and detection of wake vortices to the wake-vortex encounter phenomenon. As part of this latter effort, computational tools are being developed and utilized as a means of modeling and verifying wake-vortex hazard encounters. The objective of this study is to assess the ability of PMARC, a low-order potential-flow panel method, to predict the forces and moments imposed on a following business-jet configuration by a vortex interaction. Other issues addressed include the investigation of several wake models and their ability to predict wake shape and trajectory, the validity of the velocity field imposed on the following configuration, modeling techniques and the effect of the high-lift system and the empennage. Comparisons with wind-tunnel data reveal that PMARC predicts the characteristics for the clean wing-body following configuration fairly well. Non-linear effects produced by the addition of the high-lift system and empennage, however, are not so well predicted

Self-Reference Effect and the Group-Reference Effect in the Recall of Shared and Unshared Information in Nominal Groups and Interacting Groups

We investigated how variables that have been studied at the individual level may apply at the group level. Specifically, we examined how the self-reference effect (SRE) and the group-reference effect (GRE) impacted total information recall by examining the difference between interacting groups and nominal groups. Additionally, we also examined how the SRE and GRE might impact upon the recall of shared and unshared information by comparing nominal and interacting groups. Results were supportive for the SRE affecting the total recall of information as well as the recall of shared and unshared information. However, the impact of the GRE on group recall was mixed. Theoretical and applied implications are considered

When rice was king teacher's guide

This hour-long program recounts the fascinating story of the rise and fall of rice-growing in South Carolina and its profound impact on the state. When Rice Was King follows the evolution and decline of the plantation system, and the efforts today to preserve the natural wetlands that were once lush rice fields. This guide includes curriculum standards, program summary, suggested activities, student handouts and suggested resources

Alvin titanium electrical penetrator design, manufacture, and testing : interim report

Under the U.S. Navy's Project TITANES a new titanium alloy pressure hull has been designed, built, and installed for use in the deep-submersible ALVIN. The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution was assigned the task of designing, procuring and testing the through-hull electrical penetrators for the new sphere. This interim report traces the progress of this Woods Hole program from the initial design stage, through the various phases of manufacture and electrical testing, to the installation of the units in the completed hull, and the numerous laboratory~ pressure tank, and at-sea tests conducted to verify the satisfactory performance of the new penetrators. The results of all laboratory and in-service testing done to date support the conclusion that the performance of the titanium penetrators meets all of the original specifications.Office of Naval Research Contract No. NOr014-73-C-0097 NR 265-10

The Constitution through history teacher guide

This teacher's guide accompanies a video series of five programs covering the personalities and events surrounding the writing of the United States Constitution and various events throughout history that have shaped the Constitution. The Constitution Through History is delivered in five programs, and the Pre-Teaching Materials and the Video Synopses are repeated for each video