Everett's "Many-Worlds" Proposal

Hugh Everett III proposed that a quantum measurement can be treated as an interaction that correlates microscopic and macroscopic systems—particularly when the experimenter herself is included among those macroscopic systems. It has been difficult, however, to determine precisely what this proposal amounts to. Almost without exception, commentators have held that there are ambiguities in Everett’s theory of measurement that result from significant—even embarrassing—omissions. In the present paper, we resist the conclusion that Everett’s proposal is incomplete, and we develop a close reading that accounts for apparent oversights. We begin by taking a look at how Everett set up his project—his method and his criterion of success. Illuminating parallels are found between Everett’s method and then-contemporary thought regarding inter-theoretic reduction. Also, from unpublished papers and correspondence, we are able to piece together how Everett judged the success of his theory of measurement, which completes our account of his intended contribution to the resolution of the quantum measurement problem

Indicator Bacteria in Beach Environments

Bacterial presence in the environment has become a growing concern in recent years. The exposure of the public to elevated levels of microbes in the environment has been linked with respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses. It is important to understand the behavior of bacteria in the environment in order to address public health concerns. This project was intended to improve our understanding of bacteria in the environment that are used as indicators for fecal pollution. Using the standard indicator species E. coli and Enterococci data was collected at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin throughout the summer months of 2013 and 2014. In order to better understand enumeration of these species from sand samples an experiment was conducted comparing the effectiveness of PBS and DI water as eluents. This experiment found that on average DI water served as a more effective eluent for E. coli while PBS was somewhat better for eluting Enterococci. Another investigation included the impact of algae on bacteria levels. It was found that indicator bacteria are elevated in water and sand directly adjacent to algal mats but no significant differences were found at larger distances. Other factors investigated were the effects of rain, temperature, and time on indicator bacteria levels in water. Moderate positive correlations were found for rain and temperature while no significant temporal correlations were found

An Economic Performance Analysis of the Beef Cow-herd Enterprise Using a Stochastic Frontier Function

Standardized Performance Analysis (SPA) data from Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico were used to examine the economic performance of beef cow herd operations in the Southern Plains region by measuring their technical efficiency index. Factors that make significant impacts on the production are herd size, machinery investment per breeding cow, and rainfall. Little technical inefficiency among the Southern beef cattle operations that participated in the SPA data was found.beef, cattle, cost, cow-calf, production, stochastic production function., Farm Management, Livestock Production/Industries, Production Economics,

Cow-Calf Enterprise Standardized Performance Analysis

Cattlemen are challenged to reduce production costs, be more competitive, and increase market share and profits. The first step to lowering the cost of production is to clearly determine the current unit cost of production and make comparisons to alternative production system