Sodium-sulfur Cell Technology Flight Experiment (SSCT)

The sodium-sulfur battery is emerging as a prime high-temperature energy storage technology for space flight applications. A Na-S cell demonstration is planned for a 1995-96 NASA Space Shuttle flight which focuses on the microgravity effects on individual cells. The experiment is not optimized for battery performance as such. Rather, it maximizes the variety of operating conditions which the Na-S cell is capable of in a relatively short 5-day flight. The demonstration is designed to reveal the effects of microgravity by comparison with ground test control cells experiencing identical test conditions but with gravity. Specifically, limitations of transport dynamics and associated cell performance characteristics should be revealed. The Na-S Cell Technology Flight Experiment consists of three separate experiments designed to determine cell operating characteristics, detailed electrode kinetics and reactant distributions

Evaluating Motivational Interviewing in the Physician Assistant Curriculum

Purpose Motivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based technique that enables clinicians to help patients modify health behaviors. Although MI is an essential tool for physician assistants (PAs), the extent to which it is addressed in PA curricula in the United States is unknown. This study is a comprehensive description of MI education in PA programs in the United States. Methods Data are from the 2014 Physician Assistant Education Association Annual Program Survey. Descriptive statistics were conducted on de-identified data from all 186 PA programs in the United States. Results Of the 186 PA programs surveyed, 72.58% (n = 135) reported at least one course providing MI training. Availability of courses providing training in skills essential to the MI process varied. Having a course with verbal communication training was most frequently endorsed, and having a course with training in developing discrepancy was least frequently endorsed. The most popular teaching modality was lecture (84.95%, n = 158), whereas only 41.40% (n = 77) and 58.60% (n = 109) reported role play with evaluation and standardized patient exercises with evaluation, respectively. Conclusions More than 70% of programs included at least one course in their curriculum that provided training in MI, suggesting that PA programs recognize the importance of MI. Instruction in change talk was not provided in nearly half of the programs. Role-play and standardized patient exercises with evaluation were underused methods despite their proven efficacy in MI education. As the first comprehensive benchmark of MI education for PAs, this study shows that although most programs address MI, opportunities exist to improve MI training in PA programs in the United States

THE ECONOMICS OF ETHANOL PRODUCTION AND ITS IMPACT ON THE MINNESOTA FARM ECONOMY

Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

CONGRUENCE OF THE HATCH FUNDED REGIONAL RESEARCH PORTFOLIO WITH NATIONAL AND REGIONAL RESEARCH PRIORITIES

The major focus of this report is on evaluation of the extent to which the allocation of regional research funding support, particularly the allocation of Hatch Regional Research Funds (RRF), is congruent with national and regional research priorities. Other objectives are to evaluate the appropriate duration of regional research projects and to recommend a process for the selection and development of National Research Projects (NRPs) and National Research Support Projects (NRSPs).Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies,

RURAL ROADS, INVESTMENT AND DISINVESTMENT IN A MINNESOTA COUNTY

Public Economics,

CRP ENTRY COSTS ON SOUTHERN MINNESOTA FARMS

Farm Management,

BARGE MOVEMENTS ON THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER: TRENDS AND PROJECTIONS 1963-2002

Marketing,

AN ANALYSIS OF CANADIAN RAIL MOVEMENTS TO THE UNITED STATES USING THE 1992 PUBLIC USE WAYBILL SAMPLE

International Relations/Trade,

USE OF THE 1992 ICC PUBLIC USE WAYBILL SAMPLE TO ANALYZE CORN MOVEMENTS BY RAIL

Crop Production/Industries, Marketing,