Summary of the Orbiter mechanical systems

Major mechanical systems of the Orbiter space vehicle are summarized with respect to general design details, manner of operation, expected performance, and, where applicable, unique features. A synopsis of data obtained during the five atmospheric flight tests of spacecraft OV-101 and status of the systems for the first orbital spacecraft STS-1 are presented

RIVER BASIN SIMULATION: AN INTERACTIVE ENGINEERING-ECONOMIC APPROACH TO OPERATIONAL POLICY EVALUATION

Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

Decision Support System for Soybean Rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi) Management using QnD

The objective of this project is to design a decision support system for soybean rust management using gaming software that incorporates farmer's decision making in the face of risks from soybean rust. Learning from past actions and neighbor's actions are also incorporated. Farmers observe rust outbreak in the current and past periods and decide over how much of land to allocate between soybean, corn and other crops. This decision is influenced by maximization of expected profits criterion which entails crop rotation choices that are based upon perceived risks, yield drags and input costs from altering optimum rotation patterns. Adoption of new technology in terms of selecting better rust management practices is also analyzed in an adaptive management framework. The software meets the need of guiding policy formulation besides training stakeholders in making economically sound choices in the absence of empirical data over pest infestation.Research Methods/ Statistical Methods,

Future Livestock Systems: Scenario-guided policy review workshop

The recent CCAFS and the LSIL scenarios process focuses on contextual drivers of change for agriculture and food security – climate change and socio-economic changes (e.g. in markets, governance, broad economic developments, infrastructure)

PRODUCER GAS FUELED IRRIGATION: EVALUATING THE POTENTIAL OF A TECHNOLOGY

Development and commercialization of technologies that utilize on-farm energy sources are beset by uncertainty. Producer gas, a technology that allows wood to be converted to a gaseous fuel which can power internal combustion engines, is evaluated for irrigation systems using simulation modeling and stochastic efficiency analysis. For many market conditions, producer gas stochastically dominates diesel fuel for powering a center pivot irrigation system in terms of lower cost. Commercial potential exists, but experience with pilot installations is required to further reduce uncertainty.Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies,

FINANCIAL ANALYSIS OF ON-FARM GRAIN DRYING

Artificial drying of corn in the Southeastern Coastal Plain was shown to be financially feasible for average annual per farm production levels of greater than 10,000 bushels. Net present values for four types of drying systems were evaluated using simulation modeling in which weather conditions, yield levels, and prices were entered as stochastic variables. Scale of production and irrigation substantially influenced crop drying potential. Stochastic efficiency analysis was used to evaluate the riskiness of the investment.Crop Production/Industries,

WATER ALLOCATION UNDER ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION: SOME ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS

Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,