bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of heat resilient maize hybrids to different levels of fertilizers in Tungabhadra Project command area
Authors: U Pandu , Channabasavanna A. S. , Raddy Gurunath
Published: March 2023

The high temperature and heat stress are the main factors that limit the optimum yield of maize in tropical countries. Improvement in the agronomic practices is need of the hour to overcome heat stress in maize hence the experiment was conducted to study the response of heat resilient maize hybrids to different fertilizer levels on nutrient uptake, dry matter production and yield. It was laid out in split plot design and replicated thrice. Main plot includes genotypes (viz., RCRMH-2, RCRMH-3, RCRMH-11 and Cargill 900M Gold) and sub plots with three fertilizer levels (viz., 75 % Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF), 100 % RDF and 125 % RDF. The 100 % RDF was 187.5:75:37.5 kg NPK ha-1). Results revealed that significantly higher grain yield was recorded by genotype, RCRMH-3 (5841 kg / ha) and RCRMH-2 (5627 kg / ha) and suitable for summer seasons as compared to RCRMH-11 (5139 kg / ha) and Cargill 900M Gold (4695 kg / ha). Among the fertilizer levels, increase in fertilizer levels from 75 (4922 kg / ha) to 100 % (5365 kg / ha) increased the grain yield significantly and further increase to 125 % RDF (5689 kg / ha), there is no significant differences among the treatments. These treatments also showed similar effects with respect to growth and yield parameters contributing for the higher yield and monetary benefits.
Effects of different aqueous extraction techniques on physicochemical quality and oil recovery of sesame oil
Authors: Singh Gurpreet , Kumar Mohit , Zalpouri Ruchika , Potdar Pratik Pandit , Singh Kamalpreet , Kaur Kulwinder
Published: March 2023

Sesame is the oldest oilseed crop in agriculture, and it produces more oil than any other crop on the planet. This research aimed to investigate the impact of different oil extraction procedures on sesame seed oil physicochemical quality and oil recovery. The oil was extracted from the clean and healthy seeds using four extraction methods: aqueous, enzyme-assisted aqueous, ultrasound-assisted aqueous and solvent extraction using the Soxhlet apparatus. It was observed that ultrasound-assisted aqueous extracted oil had maximum saponification value and minimum acid value, refractive index, and lower free fatty acid value, compared with aqueous extracted oil and enzyme-assisted aqueous extracted oil. Ultrasound-assisted aqueous extraction method also yielded maximum oil, retrieval followed by enzyme-assisted aqueous extraction and aqueous extraction.
Influence of molybdenum application on soil nutrient status and uptake by cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) in an Acid Alfisol soil
Authors: Chakkal Anmoldeep Singh , Kumar Pardeep , Butail Nagender Pal , Sharma Munish , Kumar Praveen , Suri Deepika , Shukla Arvind Kumar
Published: March 2023

A field investigation was carried out to evaluate the impact of molybdenum (Mo) application on the yield and nutrient status of cauliflower in an acid Alfisol. The experiment comprised eleven treatments, replicated thrice in a randomized block design (RBD). The highest marketable yield of 558.8 g plant-1 was recorded in treatment with a recommended dose of NPK + FYM, with an increase of 29.1 percent over control (T1). The same treatment enhanced the uptake of macro-and micronutrients. Mo application positively influenced the curd productivity and soil nutrient status, with the conjoint application (soil plus foliar) out performing other treatments. In conclusion, cauliflower crop grown on Mo deficient soil responds positively to its conjoint application (soil plus foliar). However, the sole foliar application of Mo @0.1% recorded the highest apparent nutrient recovery (ANR) and bioaccumulation factor (BAF), with corresponding values of 2.2% and 41.2, respectively.
Imaging Phenotypes of Stress Based on Functional MRI
Authors: Kapoor Atul
Published: March 2023

Background: Stress is an adaptive response to daily challenges faced by the body to maintain its internal homeostasis. The pathophysiology of stress has been described based on the role of the sympatho-adrenergic system and the hypothalamic-pituitary- adrenal axis. Few studies have been done describing the role of functional MRI and PET to study the patterns of brain involvement in symptomatic patients. Methods: The author studied 50 post-acute covid-19 syndrome patients one year after the acute episodes along with 10 healthy control patients. Based on the patterns of stress on imaging the patients were phenotyped on the severity of the changes of stress into a classification system. Results: The results of the study showed a distinct temporal pattern of changes based on the severity of chronic stress. Class II and III Group patients on imaging formed the largest number 32(64%) and also showed good correlation with PCS-10 scores which were moderate in this group. The supra optic nucleus followed by para ventricular nuclei were the commonest affected during stress. The study showed that involvement of DMN and SALIEN was seen as the severity of stress progressed to a burn out stage IV which resulted in hypoactivation of all major networks and hypothalamic nuclei. Hippocampal and amygdala volumetric changes alongwith altered asymmetry was seen in class II-IV groups. Conclusion: The author concluded that functional MRI could detect the pattern of changes of stress and the findings not only can be helpful in the diagnosis but also in planning management of these patients.
Modeling Pesticide Use Behavior Among Farmers in the Upper East Region of Ghana: An Empirical Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Asante Isaac Kwasi , Ocran John Kwesi , Inkoom Emmanuel Wisgtos
Published: March 2023

This study examined the pesticide use behavior of farmers along the White Volta Basin in the Upper East Region of Ghana, using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to explore the underlying factors. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 300 food crop farmers, from whom data was collected and analyzed using the frequency, percentage, means, standard deviation and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) techniques. The results revealed that attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control compositely accounted for approximately 29% of the variation in farmers’ intention towards the safe use of pesticides, whereas intention and perceived behavioral control explained 38% of the variation in farmers’ behavior towards safe pesticide use. Additionally, attitude and perceived behavioral control were found to significantly impact the intention and behavior of farmers towards safe pesticide use in the study area. Accordingly, it is recommended that stakeholders, including agricultural extension agents (AEAs), agricultural input retailers, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD), collaborate to develop training curricula aimed at improving the behavior of the farmers in the study area. The training regimes should incorporate extension training methods, for example, method and result demonstrations, which are known to improve the attitudes and behaviors of farmers.
Transabdominal ultrasound diagnostics of intestinal tumor diseases in adults
Authors: Koval О.V. , Zhaivoronok М.M.
Published: March 2023

Oncological diseases account for the largest share of all diseases of the colon, making up to 45% of all intestinal diseases. The colorectal cancer incidence is increasing every year in almost all countries, including Ukraine. Usually the endoscopic methods of examination and X-ray diagnostics play a key role in colon pathology diagnostics. Transabdominal ultrasound examination was considered a poor method to diagnose a cancer of hollow organs due to the presence of gas in the intestine. The potential possibilities of this method in assessment of the intestinal diseases as well as in studying the prevalence of pathological changes beyond the intestinal wall were underestimated. However, the development of ultrasound devices with high resolution determines the increasing use of transabdominal ultrasound examination to diagnose diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
The article is based on literature review as well as on authors’ own observations of ultrasound examination of benign and malignant diseases of the large intestine. The article goes on to analyze possibilities of transabdominal ultrasound diagnostics of pathological changes in the intestine. The results show that widespread use of ultrasound equipment, increasing the resolution of sensors can significantly complement the existing methods of colorectal cancer diagnostics. The use of transabdominal ultrasound examination in cases of colorectal cancer will allow to detect a colon cancer in the preclinical and mildly symptomatic stage, while excluding the influence of ionizing radiation.
Instituutioihin kohdistuvan luottamuksen ja koronapandemiaan liittyvien rajoitustoimenpiteiden dynamiikat Suomessa
Authors: Niskanen Ville-Pekka
Published: March 2023

Dynamics between trust in institutions and restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Finland
Governance of the COVID-19 pandemic is based on the premise that as many citizens as possible follow guidelines and restrictions set by authorities. Successful implementation of these has depended on citizens’ trust. This study examines the dynamics between changes in citizens’ trust in institutions, changes in COVID-19 related restrictions, and changes in the number of COVID-19 cases in Finland between May 2020 and January 2022 using a visual timeline. Changes in citizens’ trust in institutions are evident between surveys, but no clear link between changes in trust and restrictions is evident. Measuring citizen trust during crises is important, as changes can provide governments with information on citizens’ views of the legitimacy and success of crisis leadership, governance, and ultimately, the political system.
Prevention and Resolution of Constitutional Conflicts in the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation
Authors:   Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov, Teterin Aleksandr V.
Published: March 2023

Stable development and security of the Arctic zone of Russia demand effective resolution and prevention of conflicts. The purpose of this study is to determine the main parameters of the legal model for the prevention and resolution of conflicts, including the development of methodological foundations and the elaboration of the terminological field. The main research methods are legal modeling and special methods of conflict research conducted by general, legal and constitutional conflictology. The main conclusions of the study are that stable peace and civil harmony are the result of the processes of managing, preventing and resolving conflicts. The role of law is manifested in the fact that it not only resolves the conflict, but also performs an integrative, conciliatory and stimulating function. Due to the scale and public nature of the possible consequences, special attention should be paid to the prevention and resolution of constitutional conflicts, which predetermines the increasing role of constitutional law in ensuring peace in the Arctic zone. The results of the research indicate the presence of five interrelated levels, structural and direct conflict prevention should be carried out at every level. Conflict resolution is also a complex process, the methods and mechanisms of resolution need to be supplemented and adapted, taking into account the peculiarities of conflict in the Arctic zone. The author demonstrates the interrelation between the processes of socio-economic development and ensuring peace and civil harmony, presents recommendations for improving the existing legal model.
Challenges and Opportunities for the Development of Single-Industry Towns in the Russian Arctic
Authors:   Luzin Institute for Economic Studies — Subdivision of the Federal Research Centre “Kola Science Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Korchak Elena A.
Published: March 2023

Broad context of the dynamics and prospects of Russian Arctic development within the framework of achieving its strategic objectives indicates the magnitude of the tasks, the solution of which consists in the actualization of, firstly, the risks and opportunities for environmental and social responsibility of vertically integrated companies, whose production branches conduct their activities in the Arctic, and, secondly, the supportive role of the state as the regulator of conditions for the development of business initiatives. The aims of the study are to identify significant factors that influence the dynamics of socio-economic development and to determine the prospects for the development of single-industry towns in the Russian Arctic. Research methods include bibliographical, comparative, economic and statistical analysis. The study substantiates the critical factors limiting the development opportunities of single-industry towns in the Russian Arctic. The first group is represented by the state of mineral resource base, which determines natural limits and cyclicality of production activities of city-forming enterprises. The second group is the global crisis phenomena, producing the dependence of production of city-forming enterprises on the external conjuncture of prices for raw materials and main export items. The third group includes risks of fulfilment of budgetary obligations. Taken together, these factors limit the opportunities for economic diversification of single-industry towns in the Russian Arctic and the development of entrepreneurial activity there. It has been revealed that the promising opportunities for the development of single-industry towns in the Russian Arctic are limited by the priority areas of investment activities of vertically integrated companies and imperfect state instruments of development support. The practical significance of the study is determined by the current trajectory of territorial development within the framework of the global strategy for sustainable development of extractive industries of a city-forming nature that takes into account not only risks, but also opportunities.
2022: The Russian Arctic in Times of Change
Authors:   Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov, Lukin Yury F.
Published: March 2023

The purpose of the article is to comprehend the problems of the Russian Arctic against the background of a special military operation in Ukraine in 2022. The research methodology is based on interdisciplinarity, general scientific methods, priority use of primary sources. The author investigates the current topics of determining the outer limits of the Russian continental shelf in the Arctic, Russia’s participation in the Arctic Council, the US Arctic strategy in 2019, 2022 and the US Arctic strategy in 2022. The volume of freight traffic in the Northern Sea Route and the Arctic Basin over the past few years, the activities of the newly established in 2022 FSBI “Glavsevmorput”, the creation of a single platform of digital services are analyzed. Due to Russia’s ongoing Asian turn in international relations to the east, the increase in the vol-ume of cargo transportation to Asia and the sanctions of the collective West, there is an urgent need to bring existing regulations, navigation rules in line with the current reality in the economy and politics, to ensure the security of the entire Russian Arctic. In perspective, the transformation of the NSR water area into the sea transport corridor from Murmansk in the west to Vladivostok in the east becomes quite possible. In 2022, a modified procedure for identifying existing names of geographical objects was approved. An important aspect is the appearance on the map of the names of the Russians participated in the study of the Arctic. The complex of external and internal challenges in the Russian Arctic is not limited to the problems mentioned in the article and requires further research.
The Project “Arctic Oral Memory” as an Audiovisual Resource on the History of the Arctic Exploration and Exploitation
Authors:   Arctic Research Center, Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (Kunstkamera), Filin Pavel A. ,   Museum and Exhibition Center for Technical and Technological Development of the Arctic
Published: March 2023

The research group of the Arctic Museum and Exhibition Center, Peter the Great Museum of An-thropology and Ethnography, in cooperation with the Marine Heritage Association and the media group of the Marine Technical College in St. Petersburg are implementing the Arctic Oral Memory project, supported by the Presidential Grants Fund. The project involves the creation of an open Internet resource https://arcticmemory.ru/ with video recordings of oral histories of famous Russian polar explorers. The article is devoted to the results and experience of the implementation of this project, which is at the intersection of journalism (popularization), cultural anthropology and history, providing the opportunity to see and hear first-hand information from those who personally participated in the study and development Arctic.
Key Aspects of the Economic Potential Development of the Agro-Industrial Complex of the Northern Regions (Case Study of the Komi Republic)
Authors:   Institute of Socio-Economic and Energy Problems of the North, Komi Scientific Centre, Ural Branch RAS, Mustafaev Aziz A. , Naydenov Nikolay D. ,   Russian University of Cooperation, Naydenova Tatyana A. ,   Pitirim Sorokin Syktyvkar State University
Published: March 2023

The article presents a scientific approach to the actual problem of the formation of a full-fledged economic potential (industrial and consumer) of the agro-industrial complex of the northern regions. The key premise of the study is that the content of the economic potential makes it possible to identify not only the dynamics of the accumulation of production capacities, but also to determine the trends and prospects for socio-economic, environmental, infrastructural, demographic and market transformations. The principle of conducting a systematic analysis of the state, composition and structure of the agro-industrial complex of the regions of the North of potential was chosen as the main prerequisite for the study. The most reliable method that reveals the directions of the prospective development of the agro-industrial complex of the regions of the North is a retrospective analysis of the state of their technical, economic and other indicators. Given the interrelated and interdependent properties of the economic potential, it is proposed to develop the production and consumer potentials of the agro-industrial complex of the regions of the North in a single context of relevant economic relations and development strategies. Emphasis should be placed on the constant renewal of the elements of the economic potential of the agro-industrial complex of the Northern regions. An important role in increasing the economic potential of the agro-industrial complex of the Northern regions should be played by the formation of regular state financial, economic, legal and other support for the agro-industrial complex of the regions of the North. The long-term strategic line for the development of the agro-industrial complex of the regions of the North should be determined not only by the level of production and sales of marketable products, but also by the combination of state and non-state program measures into a clear and coordinated effective system of strategic measures. It is recommended to regularly transform the elemental structures of the agro-industrial complex of the Northern regions from a passive state into an active carrier of intellectual capital, fixed assets and investments.
Síndrome de opsoclonus myoclonus ataxia idiopático
Authors: Suclla Lutgarda
Published: March 2023

Resumen:

Objetivo: Reportar un caso de síndrome de opsoclonus- myoclonus- ataxia en paciente pediátrico y de etiología idiopática, con ausencia de secuelas neurológicas a largo plazo, radicando su importancia al ser la incidencia del OMAS estimada en alrededor de 1/5.000.000, siendo en pediatría el 50 % o más de estos casos de etiología paraneoplásica y un número muy limitado no descrito en la literatura de etiología idiopática, además de que el 70 al 80% de pacientes que sufre dicho síndrome presenta secuelas neurológicas posteriores.

Resumen de caso clínico: Se presenta el caso de una niña de 7 años con diagnóstico de síndrome de opsoclonus mioclonus ataxia descartándose la presencia de tumoraciones en especial neuroblastoma, e infecciones asociadas, por lo que se define como de origen idiopático, en el que se realizó el tratamiento con metilprednisolona en pulso e inmunoglobulina, seguido de uso de corticoesteroides orales los meses siguientes, presento una recuperación casi completa a los dos meses de iniciado el tratamiento.

Conclusiones: El síndrome opsoclonus- mioclonus- ataxia es un desorden neurológico raro en pediatría siendo aún menos frecuente la etiología idiopática como en el caso de nuestra paciente. Siempre se debe descartar primero la presencia de tumores asociados entre ellos el más importante el neuroblastoma y tener en cuenta que si bien se puede limitar solo a los 4 meses de tiempo de enfermedad, el pilar de su tratamiento es el uso de dosis altas de corticoesteroides para evitar que se agrave y posibles secuelas neurológicas en el futuro.

Palabras clave: ataxia, opsoclonus, mioclonus, kinsbourne.
Manual de procesamiento estadístico para la investigación con SPSS
Authors:   Universidad Privada Norbert Wiener, Rivera Lozada Oriana , Yangali Vicente Judith Soledad ,   Universidad Privada Norbert Wiener, Ipanaqué Zapata Miguel Angel ,   Universidad Privada Norbert Wiener, Rodríguez López José Luis
Published: March 2023

El presente manual abarca temáticas realizadas dentro del programa estadístico SPSS —de uso frecuente—, que, como se menciona en los próximos capítulos, es una buena plataforma para estudiantes o profesionales que se inician dentro del rubro de procesamiento y análisis de datos. Asimismo, dentro de cada capítulo se les ofrece una explicación general de las técnicas estadísticas, para conocer cuándo y cómo utilizarlas.
On the Methodological Flaws in the Scientific Study of the Industrial Internet of Things
Authors:   Synergy University, Kovalenko Alexander I.
Published: March 2023

This work is debatable and is devoted to revealing the methodological flaws of scientific research, often observed in Russian-language scientific periodicals. With the conclusion of an effective contract, the teaching staff of universities is artificially stimulated to scientific and publishing activities, which increases the relevance of the study of mental actions performed by young scientists to obtain new scientific knowledge. In this context, the question arises as to whether the researcher obtained new scientific knowledge as a result of committed methodological errors, committed research negligence. Using the example of a single article devoted to the application of a systematic approach to the Industrial Internet of Things, the author highlights a number of methodological flaws and reveals the importance of the depth of the literature review as a key characteristic of the accumulation of basic knowledge. The author also emphasizes the importance of a clear definition of the subject and object of the study, and recommends describing the research methodology not only in a single paragraph, but more specifically in relation to each stage and section of the study. In order to reveal the methodological flaws of scientific research, the author has to return to the definition of scientific methodology, system analysis and the industrial Internet of things. Using the example of a specific work, the author emphasizes the need for a strict and clear application of general scientific research methods, as well as the importance of a depth review of the literature, which should not reflect the subjective ignorance of the scientist. The author also emphasizes the danger of changing the direction of scientific research regarding the specialty of higher education of a young scientist, which can lead to confusion of subjective and objective ignorance due to a superficial review of the literature
Competition in the Russian Market of Healthy Drinks in 2012–2021
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Yakimova Ekaterina A. , Zabegaeva Varvara E. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University
Published: March 2023

The growing interest in a healthy lifestyle among Russian consumers leads to an increase in demand for healthy food products and beverages, which is reflected in the rather high growth rates of this market and its increased attractiveness for manufacturing companies. In this article, the purpose of the study is to assess the dynamics of the level of competition in the segments of the Russian market of healthy drinks (“Better for You”, “Fortified/Functional”, “Naturally healthy” and “Organic”) and throughout the market as a whole from 2012 to 2021. To achieve the goal, the following tasks are set: 1) to identify the dominant group of players, the degree of differentiation within the group itself; 2) to determine the level of market concentration; 3) to analyze the dynamics of the level of competition from 2012 to 2021. To determine the degree of concentration of market segments, the Herfindahl – Hirschman index (HHI) is used, to identify a group of dominant players and its size – the Lind index (IL) and the concentration coefficient (CRSV), to determine the degree of differentiation between the leading players – a modified version of the Hall – Tideman index (HTSV), to analyze the dynamics of the level of competition, – matrix SV (Strength/Variety). The conducted research shows that for 2012–2021 in all segments of the healthy drinks market, one or another trend of leaving the RO quadrant occurs either by increasing the total market share of leaders, or by increasing the level of differentiation between players. In each of the market segments, there is a tightening of monopolization, in the market as a whole – a complete departure from free competition to natural oligopolization. The composition of the dominant groups in large market segments strongly intersects and includes major international players, although there is a noticeable decrease in their share in the market under consideration.
The Use of Innovative Tools to Promote a New Product in the Competitive Environment
Authors:   Synergy University, Tindova Maria G. , Ledneva Olga V. ,   Synergy University
Published: March 2023

The article is devoted to the consideration of modern, innovative methods of promoting a new product on the market, which is a tool for strengthening the competitiveness of an enterprise, its efficiency in a dynamic economy. At the first step of the work, the authors consider and analyze practical methods and tools for creating and promoting new goods and services on the markets that meet modern consumer needs. The considered tools are aimed at expanding existing and developing new market niches. The article substantiates their ability to increase brand loyalty, while reducing possible risks. The next step of the work was the development of a model for promoting a new product in the company’s marketing system using the example of a specific enterprise, namely JSC NPP Almaz, the first stage of which was an analysis of the financial and economic activities of the enterprise in order to determine the possible costs of creating and promoting a new product. The authors draw attention to the possible risks when creating a new product and give recommendations on how to reduce them. Based on the analysis, the last stage of the work was the development of specific recommendations for modifying the tools for promoting a new product in the enterprise marketing system. The main base of the modification is the synthesis of traditional channels of product promotion, such as personal sales, participation in exhibitions, radio advertising with innovative Internet tools, among which are SEO optimization, SMM management, contextual advertising. The authors give arguments justifying the use of community marketing functionality in order to improve the quality of promotion of new products through social networking channels. As a result, an assessment is made of the possible economic effect of the proposed scheme for promoting a new product on the market and occupying new product niches.
Rural Labor Outmigration and Gender Dimension in an Assessment of Farm Technical Efficiency: A Case Study in Selected Rice Villages in the Philippines
Authors:   Social Sciences Division, International Rice Resaerch Institute, Luis Joyce , Paris Thelma ,   Social Sciences Division, International Rice Resaerch Institute, Pede Valerien ,   Social Sciences Division, International Rice Resaerch Institute, Rola-Rubzen Maria Fay ,   Research and Development, Curtin Business School, Crtin University, Pert, Western Australia
Published: March 2023

Several studies have shown that labor outmigration is one of the livelihood strategies of poor farming households. However, no studies have shown its effect on rice crop production including a gender dimension on technical efficiency in rice farming. This paper attempts to improve the understanding of the relationship between male and female labor migration and farm technical efficiency in selected rice-based farming villages in the Philippines. Using cross-section data from 670 farm households in the Luzon area in the Philippines, results indicate that the type of migration, experience of the migrant, and frequency of home visits enhance farm technical efficiency; however, sex of the migrant increases inefficiencies. The average technical efficiency is 0.74. This implies that, in the short run, there is scope for increasing rice productivity by about 26 percent by conducting formal and informal trainings among the adult household members and providing them access to technical knowledge on the use of improved rice varieties and associated crop and resource management practices.
Field-Level Evidences of Climate Change and Coping Strategies of Smallholder Farmers in Molawin-Dampalit Sub-Watershed, Makiling Forest Reserve, Philippines
Authors:   Institute of Agroforestry, University of the Philippines Los Banos, Landicho Leila , Visco Roberto ,   Institute of Agroforestry, University of the Philippines Los Banos, Paelmo Roselyn ,   Institute of Agroforestry, University of the Philippines Los Banos, Cabahug Rowena ,   Institute of Agroforestry, University of the Philippines Los Banos, Baliton Romnick ,   Institute of Agroforestry, University of the Philippines Los Banos, Espaldon Marya Laya ,   World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines, Lasco Rodel ,   World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines
Published: March 2023

This article confirms that climate change is indeed a real phenomenon as observed and experienced by smallholder farmers in the Molawin-Dampalit Sub-Watershed. Using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, the smallholder farmers articulated their own indications of climate change. These include increasing temperature, stronger and more frequent typhoons, excessive rainfall, drought, early rainy season, and delayed dry season. Among the effects of climate change on their agricultural production include stunted growth of crops, aborted fruiting of trees, incidence of pests and diseases, and growth of unknown weeds. These have led to increase in the use and dosage of farm inputs, particularly pesticides and fertilizers; decline in crop yield; and ultimately, decline in farm income. To cope with these impacts, the farmers employed strategies such as replanting, use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers to control pests and improve crop growth, pruning, watering and diversion of water source, changing crops, and harvesting their crops earlier to minimize crop loss. Considering the vulnerability of smallholder farmers, the results suggest the need to enhance their adaptive capacities for climate change impacts using a holistic approach via human capital development, improvement of physical capital, and building their social capital.
The ASEAN Economic Community 2015 and Regional Trade: Some Prospects for ASEAN Agriculture
Authors:   Department of Economics University of the Philippines Los Banos, Daite Richard
Published: March 2023

The establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community 2015 (AEC) is seen as a bold effort to promote regional cooperation among the ASEAN member states. It covers not only the usual trade policy prescriptions of lowering tariffs and other trade barriers, but other policy measures to create a single market for unhampered flow of goods, services, investments, labor, and capital. With the ASEAN countries' extensive intra- and extra-regional trade in agricultural products, the AEC can help further facilitate trade under its first pillar of economic integration. There also remains greater prospects for cooperation on technology transfer, facilitating regional investments in agricultural industries, strengthening agricultural cooperatives, trade in services allied with modern agricultural sectors, and food and nutrition security.
Performance of Soybean's Farmer Field School-Integrated Crop Management in Central Java and West Nusa Tenggara Provinces, Indonesia
Authors:   Institute for Agricultural Technology Transfer (IIATT), Indonesian Agency for Agricultural Research and Development (IAARD), Dewi Yovita Anggita ,   Indonesian Center for Agricultural Technology Assessment and Development
Published: March 2023

Indonesia is challenged by a shortage of soybean production to meet local demand. The Ministry of Agriculture has developed a strategy to increase soybean production through an integrated crop management (ICM) program, which was implemented through a farmer field school (FFS) approach in 2008. This paper aims to evaluate the performance of FFS-ICM implementation in two of the main areas for soybean production—Grobogan Regency in Central Java Province and West Lombok Regency in West Nusa Tenggara Province. Primary data was collected through in-depth interviews of 120 farmers. The before and after performance of the FFS-ICM program was evaluated using paired sample t-tests. The study found that FFS-ICM has increased soybean productivity significantly both in Grobogan Regency (1,854 kg/ha) and West Lombok Regency (1,492 kg/ha). However, this was less than the optimal productivity, which can reach 2,490 kg/ha in Grobogan Regency and 1,680 kg/ ha in West Lombok Regency, therefore a soybean productivity gap remains. In order to improve the implementation of soybean FFS-ICM, four policy recommendations were suggested: improving the understanding of extension workers and participant farmers on the philosophy of FFS to dispel the perception that FFS-ICM is "an aid distribution" project; intensive assistance and monitoring by field extension workers during the FFS-ICM implementation; ensuring that inputs (especially seeds) are available on time by strengthening breeding institutions at the local level; and strengthening the research and dissemination of new high-yielding varieties that are suited to local agroecosystems and in accordance with market demand.
Agriculture Is Still the Engine of Economic Growth: Empirical Evidence from Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors:   Institute of Economic Growth, University of Delhi Enclave, Delhi - 110007, Tripathi Amarnath
Published: March 2023

This paper assesses intersectoral linkages in Uttar Pradesh to identify the lead sector in its economy. It is based on time series data spanning 1980/81 to 2009/10 and used the vector autoregression framework to examine intersectoral linkages. The results suggest that agriculture is the main sector driving the other sectors (industry and services) in the state. Agriculture supports both the industry and service sectors through demand and production linkages. Despite being the leading sector in the economy, the performance of agriculture is far from satisfactory. The findings underscore the need to revive the agriculture sector to achieve high economic growth in the overall economy of the state. Further, the paper recommends developing the emerging food processing industry because of the state's strong potential for competitive advantage.
Devolution of Power and Community-Based Fishery Governance in the Bay of Blongko, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors:   Political Science Department Bakrie Language Centre Universitas Bakrie, Jakarta, Indonesia Gelanggang Mahasiswa Soemantri Brodjonegoro, Suite GF-22, JL HR Rasuna Said Kav C-22, Kuningan, Jakarta Selatan 12920, Indo, Meilasari-Sugiana Astrid
Published: March 2023

Natural resource governance in modern Indonesia is marked by the tension between the centralized policy strategy of the Suharto period and the reactive strategy of post-Suharto decentralization. To some extent, decentralization led to devolution of power and opportunities for local resource users to make consequential decisions over the natural resources upon which they depend. Nonetheless, this approach rested upon the capacity of communities to reach a consensus untainted by local politics, commercial imperatives, and traditional power structures. Moreover, decentralization had not given the majority strategic and structural decision-making power. Power disparity could lead to contentions, unfettered competition, open access, and resource overutilization. In the case of Blongko Bay's marine and fishery resources in Minahasa, North Sulawesi, social institutions and local rules came into play and some people were recognized to protect the resource on behalf of the community. These social institutions took the form of neighborly ties, collective identity, reciprocity, and social and ecological responsibilities. Blongko's marine and fishery resources were not free access but governed by local and informal rules to maintain its benefits for the good of the community. Individuals evolved behavior, which commensurated with their responsibilities, leading to innovative power structures which were more locally sensitive and environmentally appropriate.
Nature and Extent of Extension Delivery on Postharvest Handling of Horticultural Perishables in the Philippines
Authors:   University Researcher Postharvest Horticulture Training and Research Center, PSSD, CSC, CA, UP Los Banos, del Carmen Dormita , Bautista Ofelia ,   Postharvest Horticulture Training and Research Center University of the Philippines Los Baños
Published: March 2023

While postharvest operations account for more than 55 percent of the economic value of the agricultural sector, losses are high, the science or technology is relatively new, and the postharvest horticulture extension delivery system in the Philippines has not met the challenge. Thus, the delivery of extension services to the people involved needed to be assessed. Primary data from key informant interviews and secondary data from available publications and reports were analyzed. The two major extension providers for postharvest handling of fresh fruits, vegetables, and cut flowers are the Postharvest Horticulture Training and Research Center (PHTRC) of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), and the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA). From 2000–2010, the PHTRC implemented 93 percent of national extension projects and services in terms of training (51 training programs with 1,132 participants), technical assistance, production and dissemination of information (24 extension materials with 21,105 copies), and a few action research projects. On the other hand, out of the remaining 7 percent of the extension projects, which were implemented by PhilMech, 99 percent were related to development and establishment of tramlines, cold chain facilities, and facilities support for hot water tanks and packinghouses including 16 training programs with 437 participants. The number of extension workers, who have been trained over the last three decades and who could be potential trainers of growers and traders, was only 4.8 percent of the total number of participants of training programs of both institutions. The number of personnel in extension delivery was also reduced due to budget constraints for PHTRC and rationalization moves for PhilMech. Twenty-five personnel, 10 from PHTRC and 15 from PhilMech rendered extension services. All PHTRC staff and three from PhilMech were trained on perishables handling. Government support for the extension delivery of postharvest handling of horticultural perishables remains negligible. The major recommendations to improve the extension delivery system on postharvest horticulture sector are training of more extension workers in this field and establishment of zonal centers on postharvest research and extension.
Book Review | Genetically Modified Crops and Agricultural Development by Matin Qaim
Authors:   Evans School of Public Policy & Governance University of Washington, Traxler Greg
Published: March 2023

Farmers have been growing GM crops for 20 years and planted 180 million hectares to GM crops in 2015. Qaim provides a thorough and unbiased review of the accumulated research on the risks, benefits, and policy issues surrounding the use of GM crops in developing countries. The book will be valuable for anyone looking for a readable and credible source that summarizes a vast and complex literature on the impact and policy implications of GM crops.
Consumer Preference of Table Banana Quality by Income Groups in the Philippines: Hedonic Price Analysis
Authors:   Agricultural Economics, College of Business, Development Economics and Management, University of Southern Mindanao, 9407, Kabacan, Cotabato, Basan Romiel John
Published: March 2023

Income has been found to be a strong determinant of consumers’ demand for agricultural commodity such as banana, and has been strongly correlated with consumer preference. However, literature on consumer preferences vis-à-vis fruit quality as segmented by income group is lacking. This study aims to determine the table banana preferred by consumers in low-, middle-, and high-income groups and its effect on price. Descriptive statistics and hedonic regression were used to analyze the data. Results revealed that high-income consumers were more discriminating than low- and middle-income consumers in terms of cluster size and fruit length. This means that high-income consumers are willing to pay premium price for banana quality. Consumer under different income class in the society have their own preferences when making purchase decisions with respect to the embodied attributes of banana. A well-informed clientele can be chosen and proper market segmentation and marketing plan can be prepared. Taking into account quality considerations will enable both farmers and traders to further increase their profit.
Seasonal Migration and Moving Out of Poverty in Rural India: Insights from Statistical Analysis
Authors:   ICRISAT, Venkata Anupama Guvyala , Deb Uttam Kumar ,   ICRISAT, Bantilan Ma. Cynthia ,   ICRISAT, Vajjha Haragopal ,   Osmania University
Published: March 2023

Rural households in many countries have used temporary or seasonal migration as a strategy to cope with natural shocks such as drought, means of employment and income generation during lean season, and to move out of poverty. This paper studies the linkages between migration, employment in economic activities, asset accumulation, and poverty reduction among rural households in a droughtprone village of India over the last four decades. The Dokur Village of Mahbubnagar District in Telangana State of India experienced persistent drought over a decade. To cope with this situation, many households of the village temporarily migrated to the nearby and faraway cities. ICRISAT had conducted household surveys in Dokur under the Village Level Studies (VLS) and Village Dynamics Studies (VDS) program since 1975. The present study has used the VLS-VDS dataset (1975–2012) and reorganized sample households into 46 dynasty households. Based on their participation in migration, sample households were grouped into two categories: migrant and non-migrant households. Household income was computed by sources for all households for all the study years. Contribution of migratory income and remittances to the total household income was quantified. To identify the factors responsible for migration decision, probit analysis was carried out. For each year, sample households were grouped into poor and non-poor category using both lower (USD 1.25 ppp per day per person) and upper (USD 2.00 ppp per day per person) poverty line. The study revealed that seasonal out-migration helped many households to come out of poverty even though they had experienced a decade of drought. In-depth analysis of asset accumulation behaviour of the households over time revealed important insights regarding their coping mechanism and the process of moving out of poverty.
Does MGNREGS Promote Inclusive Growth? What do Evidence Indicate?
Authors:   Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai 88, Arumugam Mahendran , Sulibhavi Indrakant
Published: March 2023

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in India seeks to provide a specified number of days of employment at a specified wage rate to interested rural households, and ensures equal wages between male and female workers. MGNREGS will benefit wage seekers directly by providing assured employment and pay, which will enhance their purchasing power; and indirectly by increasing the rural market wage rate. The nature of work of some employment opportunities under MGNREGS will likely improve the infrastructure at both community and individual levels, mostly of small-scale and marginal farmers, which is expected to improve the income levels of the poor. Using evidence from Andhra Pradesh before its bifurcation, the present study sought to determine if MGNREGS promotes inclusive growth. The empirical study used both primary and secondary data. The analyses reveal that MGNREGS promotes inclusive growth by augmenting openmarket wages, reducing gender wage differentials, increasing the proportion of Scheduled Castes among the participating households, improving the employment and income levels of wage seekers, and deriving substantial benefits compared to government expenditure on the Scheme.
Financial Capacity of Rice-based Farming Households in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Authors:   Mekong Delta Development Research Institute, Can Tho University, Vietnam, Tuan Vo Van , Dung Le Canh , Ha Vo Van , Nhan Dang Kieu , Ward John , Brown Peter
Published: March 2023

This study examines financial capacity of various types of rice farming households in the Mekong Delta. Household financial capacity was elicited and quantified through interviews with 449 households practicing rice-based farming systems in four agro-ecological zones of the Mekong Delta. Household net income, long-standing debt, and savings represent the three key parameters of household financial capacity. Analysis of farm size classes revealed that financial capacity was weak, especially among households with farms that were less than one hectare. Agricultural production was the primary component of household net income. The level of diversity of non-rice crops did not contribute significantly to increased household income. Net household income was positively correlated with farm size, land use circle (i.e., number of crops in a field), and non-farm activities. Mean household savings accounted for 27 percent of total net household income, and mean long-term debt was 11 percent of household savings. The low financial capacity of rice-based farming households introduces substantial challenges for Mekong Delta farmers to recover production costs caused by irregular weather patterns associated with climate change.