The purpose of this thesis is to derive and compare asymptotic
performances of certain tests of independence, interchangeability
and equality of the distributions of_ratios Y/X for positive variates
and Y with joint c.d.f. H(x,y) of particular forms. Three bivariate
families, Morgenstern, Plackett, and Moran, are considered which permit
marginal c.d.f.'s...
The main focus was on developing an algorithm and supporting computer programs for use by extension personel to counsel farm managers on problems of enterprise choice. Investigation was initiated from the complete certainty viewpoint of linear programming. Upon introducing uncertainty, ramifications of changing expected income, variance and the correlation coefficient...
The behavior of individuals in decision making under risk was
investigated using choice structures of greater complexity than the
types examined in previous studies. The experiment performed consisted
of two phases. In Phase I a basic utility function for money
was derived for each subject using lotteries with two equally...
The success of civil engineering construction in cold regions often depends on the
assessment of the potential for frost heave. Over the past two decades two models have
been presented to the engineering community to identify the frost heave potential,
namely: (1) the segregation potential (SP), and (2) the discrete...
Treatment providers seek low-cost, high-impact means of engaging clients in care with the aim to enhance treatment delivery and outcomes. With improvements to mobile technology making cell phone accessibility and usage rates high across all socio-economic levels, text messaging is becoming more frequently utilized as a means of promoting provider-client...
Two direct elicitation of utility (D.E.U.) techniques
were used to estimate risk attitudes of a group of agricultural
producers. The two elicitation techniques used in the
study were 1) an error-in-response model using a modified
Ramsey method, and 2) stochastic dominance with respect to a
function (SDF). The primary objective...
Previous investigation showed that 20 mg/kg BCNU
caused inhibition of sulfobromophthalein (BSP) excretion
and inhibited bile salt independent bile flow (BSIF) in
rats by 48 h after treatment (Hoyt, 1984).
The present investigation demonstrated that BCNU
inhibited the canalicular step in the excretion of BSP.
This was indicated by the...
Lipid peroxidation is believed to be an important
process in the development of cellular injury. In
addition to the degradation of biological membranes,
increasing evidence indicates that lipid peroxidation can
alter the structure and function of DMA.
The present study examines the peroxidation of
nuclear membranes and the capacity of...
This dissertation integrates a process-based hydrological investigation with an
ongoing paired-catchment study to better understand how forest harvest impacts
catchment function at multiple scales. We do this by addressing fundamental questions
related to the stocks, flows and transit times of water. Isotope tracers are used within a
top-down catchment intercomparison...
A model of agricultural decision making is developed and tested in this thesis. The expected value of utility evaluated under alternative outcomes is directly maximized in a nonlinear programming model. Two features of the model distinguished it from traditional risk programming models. First, alternative attitudes towards the assumption of risk...