bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of immunization services with other health interventions in the developing world: what works and why? Systematic literature review
Authors: Wallace A. , Dietz V. , Cairns K. L.
Published: November 2008

Objective  To assess benefits, challenges and characteristics of integrating child and maternal health services with immunization programmes.

Methods  Literature review using journal databases and grey literature. Papers meeting the inclusion criteria were rated for the quality of methodology and relevant information was systematically abstracted.

Results  Integrated services were vitamin A supplementation, bednet distribution, deworming tablet distribution, Intermittent Preventive Therapy for infants and referrals for family planning services. Two key characteristics of success were compatibility between interventions and presence of a strong immunization service prior to integration. Overburdened staff, unequal resource allocation and logistical difficulties were mentioned as risks of integration, whereas rapid uptake of the linked intervention and less competition for resources were listed as two key benefits of integration.

Conclusion  The theoretical strengths of integrating other health services with immunization services remain to be rigorously proved in practice. When additional interventions are carefully selected for compatibility and when they receive adequate support, coverage of these interventions may improve, provided immunization coverage is already high. Evidence for the effectiveness of integration in increasing efficiency of resource use was insufficient and most benefits and challenges were not statistically quantified. More substantive information about the costs of integrated vs. vertical programmes and full documentation of the impacts of integration on immunization services should be published.
ExploringChenopodium albumadaptive traits in response to light and temperature stresses
Authors: MAHONEY K J , SWANTON C J
Published: November 2008

Weeds within canopies are depleted in photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) and red to far‐red light ratio (R/FR) throughout their lifespan. Growth cabinet studies isolated PPFD and R/FR effects and explored the adaptive traits of a model invasive weed,Chenopodium album, to light and temperature. Reproductive development progressed rapidly at high temperature, yet the rate of leaf appearance was insensitive to temperatures of 25:15 and 10:5°C (day:night). Low R/FR effects were detected early in the life cycle, but by seed set, growth was influenced by low PPFD.C. albumadapted to the simulated canopy environments by delaying seed set, growing taller and producing more leaf area per mol of accumulated incident PPFD. Low PPFD reduced seed number per plant and the carbon/nitrogen ratio of those seeds, but not seed weight. PPFD was a primary cue for many shade avoidance traits and only under low PPFD did R/FR modify the expression of these traits. This study elucidates the adaptive strategies that makeC. albuma persistent weed.
Hybridisation between wheat and Aegilops geniculata and hybrid fertility for potential herbicide resistance transfer
Authors: LOUREIRO I , ESCORIAL C , GARCÍA BAUDIN J‐M , CHUECA M‐C
Published: November 2008

Hybridisation between wheat and Aegilops geniculata was quantified in a 4‐year crossing experiment in the glasshouse, using three wheat cultivars as pollen donors and herbicide resistance as a phenotypic marker. Hybridisation rates ranged from 5% to 74%. Most of the hybrids were self‐sterile. However, seven F2 seeds were obtained from 165 A. geniculata–wheat hybrids. Hybrid seeds were found in all backcross (BC1) combinations at average rates of 4.2% (0–26.3%) and 5.88% (0–34%) under glasshouse and field experiments, respectively, with significant differences among years and cultivars. Wheat cultivars, F1 and BC1 plants, were resistant to herbicides while A. geniculata plants were susceptible. In the subsequent generations, although few plants were available, the BC1F1 had a certain degree of fertility and the fertility increased in the F2 plants, with one plant that reached 66.7%. The commercial growing of genetically modified herbicide‐tolerant wheat is expected to have the potential for the inserted gene to escape from the crop and become incorporated in a closely related wild species, conferring a competitive advantage to these conferring weeds. Determining the frequency of crop‐wild transgene flow and the fertility of the formed hybrids is a necessity for risk assessment. Data presented here provide new knowledge on the potential A. geniculata–wheat herbicide resistance transfer.
In vitro assays of allosensitization
Authors: Ekong Udeme D. , Miller Stephen D. , O’Gorman Maurice R.G.
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  Current approaches to the management of immunosuppression are largely empiric and reactive rather than proactive due to our inability to predict accurately how the recipient immune system will respond to a given organ allograft. The validation of simple, reliable, non‐invasive assays exploring allogeneic anti donor responsiveness or donor specific non‐responsiveness are of interest for several reasons: (i) it would allow for early and non‐invasive detection of acute or chronic allograft rejection such that intervention could be initiated before effector mechanisms and organ destruction occur, (ii) it would allow for individual immunosuppressive drug therapy thereby avoiding the unwanted consequences of over immunosuppression, and (iii) the identification of the immunological phenotype related to operational tolerance could allow for the complete cessation of immunosuppressants. This review will summarize in vitro assays of T cell reactivity that reflect allo‐antigen‐specific responses.
Bilateral Testicular Mixed Germ Cell‐sex Cord‐stromal Tumours in a Stallion
Authors: Brito LFC , Engiles JB , Turner RM , Getman LM , Ebling A
Published: November 2008

Contents

An 18‐year‐old Friesian stallion was examined approximately one week after reportedly presenting scrotal swelling due to torsion of the spermatic cords. Upon presentation no scrotal swelling was noted, the testes were normally oriented, and no abnormalities of the spermatic cords were noted. However, both testes were smaller than expected for a mature stallion and deep palpation revealed that the consistency of the testes was nodular. Ultrasonographic evaluation of the testes revealed diffuse heterogeneous parenchyma with multiple hypoechoic nodular areas. Grossly, the testicular parenchyma was effaced by multiple gray‐tan nodules of varying consistency interspersed with gray‐white bands of tissue. Microscopic analysis revealed multiple pleomorphic neoplastic foci disseminated throughout both testes. Histological and immunohistochemical features were atypical and consistent with the diagnosis of bilateral testicular mixed germ cell‐sex cord stromal tumours. Bilateral testicular tumours and testicular mixed cell tumours are extremely rare in stallions and this is the first report of bilateral testicular mixed germ cell‐sex cord‐stromal tumours in a stallion. Our findings indicate that certain ultrasonographic characteristics are suggestive of testicular tumour and that immunohistochemistry markers can be used to better characterize testicular neoplasms in stallions.
Otago Glaucoma Surgery Outcome Study: long‐term results of 841 trabeculectomies
Authors: Bevin Tui H , Molteno Anthony CB , Herbison Peter
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Background:  To describe the long‐term outcomes of trabeculectomies performed at Dunedin Hospital and followed in the Otago Glaucoma Surgery Outcome Study.

Methods:  Prospective non‐comparative case series of 841 eyes of 607 patients who had first trabeculectomies for primary open‐ or closed‐angle glaucoma at Dunedin Hospital between 1976 and 2005 and followed for a mean of 7.5 years (standard deviation 6.0).

Results:  The probability of a trabeculectomy controlling the intraocular pressure at 21 mmHg or less at 1, 10 and 20 years was 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.95, 0.97), 0.86 (95% CI 0.83, 0.89) and 0.79 (95% CI 0.74, 0.83), respectively. Visual acuity was maintained or improved between preoperative assessment and final follow up in 68% of cases. The probability of not being blind following trabeculectomy at 1, 10 and 20 years was 0.98 (95% CI 0.96, 0.98), 0.83 (95% CI 0.80, 0.87) and 0.70 (95% CI 0.64, 0.76), respectively. The proportion of those with glaucomatous field loss increased during follow up from 16% (44/283) at 0–5 years to 50% (10/20) for those with 21 or more years of follow up. A repeat drainage procedure was required in 65 eyes (8%) (56 Molteno implant insertions and 9 repeat trabeculectomies).

Conclusions:  Intraocular pressure was well controlled by trabeculectomy; however, a steady decline in intraocular pressure control, visual acuity and visual field occurred during follow up.
The long‐term cost‐effectiveness of fetal monitoring during labour: a comparison of cardiotocography complemented with ST analysis versus cardiotocography alone
Authors: Heintz E , Brodtkorb T‐H , Nelson N , Levin L‐Å
Published: November 2008

Objective To assess the cost‐effectiveness of the use of cardiotocography (CTG) complemented with fetal electrocardiography and ST analysis compared with the use of CTG alone in term deliveries when a decision has been made to use fetal monitoring with a scalp electrode.

Design A cost‐effectiveness analysis based on a probabilistic decision model incorporating relevant strategies and lifelong outcomes.

Setting Maternity wards in Sweden.

Population Women with term fetuses after a clinical decision had been made to apply a fetal scalp electrode for internal CTG.

Methods A decision model was used to compare the costs and effects of two different treatment strategies. Baseline estimates were derived from the literature. Discounted costs and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) were simulated over a lifetime horizon using a probabilistic model.

Main outcome measures QALYs, incremental costs, and cost per QALY gained expressed as incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER).

Results The analysis found an incremental effect of 0.005 QALYs for ST analysis compared with CTG; the ST analysis strategy was also moreover associated with a €56 decrease in costs, thus dominating the CTG strategy. The probability that ST analysis is cost‐effective in comparison with CTG is high, irrespective of the willingness‐to‐pay value for a QALY.

Conclusions Compared with CTG alone, ST analysis is cost‐effective when used in term high‐risk deliveries in which there is a need for internal fetal monitoring.
Characterising the local immune responses in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: a cross‐sectional and longitudinal analysis
Authors: Woo YL , Sterling J , Damay I , Coleman N , Crawford R , Van Der Burg SH , Stanley M
Published: November 2008

Introduction  Immunological competence influences the progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) to invasive cancer. Information on the local immunological changes during the natural course of CIN is central for the development of new therapies.

Objective  This study defines the populations of tissue‐infiltrating immune cells in a cross‐sectional cohort of different grades of CIN and also in a longitudinal cohort of regressing, persistent and progressing low‐grade (LG)‐CIN.

Design  A cohort of 125 women with LG cytological atypia was recruited, of which 64/125 (51%) women with LG‐CIN were followed prospectively for 1 year. Paraffin‐embedded entry and exit cervical biopsies were used for immunohistochemistry analysis (CD4, CD8, CD56, FOXP3, CD1a and granzyme B).

Results  At recruitment, 74/125 (59%), 39/125 (31%) and 12/125 (10%) women referred with LG smears had histologically proven LG‐CIN, high‐grade (HG) and normal biopsies, respectively. Seventeen of 64 (24.6%) women with LG‐CIN progressed to HG‐CIN within 1 year. In both LG‐CIN and HG‐CIN, the predominant intraepithelial cell population were cytotoxic T cells, while CD4+ and FOXP3+ T cells predominated the stromal compartment. Women with LG‐CIN who later on regressed displayed a significantly higher number of cytotoxic (granzyme B+) cells in their entry samples. In addition, the ratio between CD8+ cells and granzyme B+ cells was close to 1, suggesting that all infiltrating CD8+ T cells were highly active. In contrast, this ratio was three‐fold lower in women, in whom the lesions persisted or progressed.

Conclusions  This study suggests that the early infiltration of lesions by highly cytotoxic effector cells protects against progression.
Changes in the ST‐interval segment of the fetal electrocardiogram in relation to acid–base status at birth
Authors: Melin M , Bonnevier A , Cardell M , Hogan L , Herbst A
Published: November 2008

Objective  To assess the occurrence of ST‐interval segment changes of the fetal electrocardiogram (ECG) and cardiotocographic (CTG) abnormalities preceding acidaemia at birth.

Design  Case–control study.

Setting  University hospital labour ward.

Sample  Newborns with severe cord artery metabolic acidaemia (pH < 7.00 and lactate ≥ 10 mmol/l; n= 24), moderate metabolic acidaemia (pH 7.00–7.09 and lactate ≥ 10; n= 48), acidaemia (pH 7.00–7.09; n= 52), pre‐acidaemia (pH 7.10–7.19; n= 265), and controls (pH ≥ 7.20; n= 117).

Methods  Monitoring traces were assessed blinded to outcome.

Main outcome measures  CTG and ST changes.

Results  Any ST event occurred significantly more often among cases with severe (79%) and moderate (75%) metabolic acidaemia than among controls (50%). The difference was restricted to baseline T/QRS rises and to the second stage of labour, during which any event only occurred significantly more often among cases with severe metabolic acidaemia (62%) than among controls (38%). ST events coincided with abnormal CTG patterns in 67, 44, 40, and 28% of cases with severe and moderate metabolic acidaemia, acidaemia, and pre‐acidaemia, respectively, and in 12% of controls. ST events with intermediary CTG were similarly frequent in the case groups (0–6%) as in the controls (4%). The ST guidelines stated intervention in 96, 62, 73, and 49% of case groups and 23% of controls.

Conclusions  Only two of three cases with severe and less than half of cases with moderate metabolic acidaemia were preceded by ST events coinciding with CTG abnormalities. It is therefore important to intervene for long‐lasting, rapidly deteriorating or marked (preterminal) CTG abnormalities, also in the absence of ST events.
Factors affecting decidual IGFBP‐1 levels in the vagina and cervix in the first and mid‐second trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Rahkonen L , Unkila‐Kallio L , Rutanen E‐M , Paavonen J
Published: November 2008

Objective  The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of and factors associated with decidual insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein‐1 (IGFBP‐1) in the lower genital tract in early‐ and mid‐gestation in singleton pregnancies.

Design  Prospective population‐based cohort study.

Setting  Maternity Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.

Population  A total of 1702 unselected pregnant women undergoing the first‐ and the second‐trimester ultrasound screening between April 2005 and December 2006.

Methods  The vaginal and cervical swab samples for assay of decidual IGFBP‐1 and vaginal pH measurement were taken before transvaginal ultrasonography in the first trimester and in the mid‐second trimester. Use of antibiotics, history of vaginal bleeding, and the history of sexual intercourse were questioned on both occasions. The concentration of IGFBP‐1 was measured by a quantitative immunoenzymometric assay, which detects the decidual phosphoisoforms of IGFBP‐1 (phIGFBP‐1). The concentration of 10 micrograms/l was used as a cutoff when factors influencing phIGFBP‐1 levels were analysed.

Main outcome measures  The phIGFBP‐1 concentrations in the vagina and the cervix and associations between the levels of ≥10 micrograms/l and selected factors.

Results  In the first trimester, the median (range) concentrations of phIGFBP‐1 in vaginal and cervical samples were <0.3 micrograms/l (<0.3–176 micrograms/l) and 4.8 micrograms/l (<0.3–174 micrograms/l), respectively. During the second trimester, the corresponding values were <0.3 micrograms/l (<0.3–55 micrograms/l) in the vagina and 3.6 micrograms/l (<0.3–126 micrograms/l) in the cervix. In the vaginal samples, the frequency of phIGFBP‐1 concentrations ≥10 micrograms/l was 5.8% in the first trimester and 1.5% in the second trimester (P < 0.001). In the cervical samples, the corresponding rates were 34.3 and 28.4%, respectively (P < 0.001). Of the factors studied, nulliparity (P < 0.001) and history of vaginal bleeding (P < 0.001) were independently associated with cervical phIGFBP‐1 concentrations ≥10 micrograms/l during both trimesters. In addition, short cervical length (<30 mm) was associated with phIGFBP‐1 concentration ≥10 micrograms/l in both vaginal and cervical samples in the second trimester in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions  The rate of phIGFBP‐1 concentrations ≥10 micrograms/l, both in the vagina and in the cervix, was significantly lower during the second trimester compared with the first trimester. The low rate of levels ≥10 micrograms/l in vaginal samples compared with cervical samples during both trimesters indicates that the exact site of sampling is important when phIGFBP‐1 is used as a decidual marker. Nulliparity and history of vaginal bleeding were independently associated with phIGFBP‐1 concentrations ≥10 micrograms/l in cervical samples during both trimesters.
A prospective cohort study of maternal and neonatal morbidity in relation to use of episiotomy at operative vaginal delivery
Authors: Macleod M , Strachan B , Bahl R , Howarth L , Goyder K , Van de Venne M , Murphy DJ
Published: November 2008

Objective  To evaluate the maternal and neonatal morbidity of operative vaginal delivery in relation to the use of episiotomy.

Design  Prospective cohort study.

Setting  Two urban maternity units in Scotland and England.

Population  All nonrandomised nulliparous women delivered by forceps or vacuum during the recruitment period of a clinical trial evaluating the use of episiotomy at operative vaginal delivery.

Methods   Use of episiotomy was compared to no episiotomy for all operative vaginal deliveries with sub‐group analyses for forceps or vacuum deliveries.

Main outcome measures  The primary outcome was anal sphincter tearing (third or fourth degree). Secondary outcomes included postpartum haemorrhage, neonatal trauma and pelvic floor symptoms up until 10 days postpartum.

Results  A total of 1360 women were included in the study, of whom 294 (21.6%) did not receive an episiotomy. Vacuum delivery was associated with less use of episiotomy than forceps (56.1 versus 89.4%, OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.11–0.20). Anal sphincter tear rates were not statistically different with use of episiotomy compared with no episiotomy (9.9 versus 7.1%, adjusted OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.66–1.87). Episiotomy use was associated with higher rates of postpartum haemorrhage (28.5 versus 18.4%, adjusted OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.21–2.45), need for moderate or strong analgesia (90.5 versus 67.6%, adjusted OR 3.70, 95% CI 2.60–5.27), perineal infection (5.1 versus 1.4%, adjusted OR 4.04, 95% CI 1.44–11.37) and neonatal trauma (38.1 versus 22.0%, adjusted OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.20–2.27). Use of episiotomy did not reduce the risk of shoulder dystocia (3.5 versus 1.7%, adjusted OR 1.42, 95% CI 0.53–3.85).

Conclusions  The use of episiotomy did not reduce or greatly increase anal sphincter tears and was associated with greater maternal and neonatal morbidity. This may reflect the complexity of deliveries. The role of episiotomy at operative vaginal delivery should be evaluated in a randomised controlled trial.
A series of 3190 laparoscopic hysterectomies for benign disease from 1990 to 2006: evaluation of complications compared with vaginal and abdominal procedures
Authors: Donnez O , Jadoul P , Squifflet J , Donnez J
Published: November 2008

Objective  The aim of this study was to evaluate the complication rate after laparoscopic total hysterectomy and laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy (LASH) in case of benign disease.

Design  All complications were prospectively recorded at the time of surgery and analysed retrospectively.

Setting  University hospital.

Population  Among 4505 hysterectomies performed by the same team using the same techniques between 1990 and 2006, 3190 were performed by laparoscopy, 906 by the vaginal route and 409 by laparotomy.

Methods  Laparoscopic hysterectomies, defined as laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy (LASH) and total laparoscopic hysterectomy [laparoscopy‐assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) switched to total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) in 2000], were compared with vaginal and abdominal hysterectomies.

Main outcome measures and results  Since the early 1990s, the number of laparoscopic procedures has continued to grow, while the number of abdominal and vaginal procedures has decreased. Both minor complications (fever >38.5°C after 2 days, bladder incision of <2 cm and iatrogenic adenomyosis) and major complications (haemorrhage, vesicoperitoneal fistula, ureteral injury, rectal perforation or fistula) have been observed during the surgical procedure itself and postoperatively. In the LASH group (n = 1613), the minor complication rate was 0.99% (n = 16) and the major complication rate 0.37% (n = 6). In the total laparoscopic hysterectomy (LAVH/TLH) group (n = 1577), the minor complication rate was 1.14% (n = 18) and the major complication rate 0.51% (n = 8). In the vaginal hysterectomy group (n = 906), minor and major complication rates were 0.77% (n = 7) and 0.33% (n = 3), respectively. In the abdominal hysterectomy group (n = 409), minor and major complication rates were 0.73% (n = 3) and 0.49% (n = 2), respectively.

Conclusion  The results from our series of 4505 women clearly show that, in experienced hands, laparoscopic hysterectomy is not associated with any increase in major complication rates.
ATTEMPTS TO EXPAND AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS THROUGH UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT ACTION
Authors: HILLMAN JIMMYE S. , MENZIE ELMER L.
Published: November 2008

The historical rise in importance of United States agricultural exports, and the attempts of government to maintain or expand them, are the main concern of this article. The development of this setting is intended to assist in explaining the present large scale actions used to promote exports through subsidies, special sales, and barter arrangements.
EXTENSION ECONOMICS—THE NEXT TEN YEARS1
Authors: PURNELL G. R.
Published: November 2008

In summary, let me emphasize a few highlights of the subject—Extension Economics—the next ten years.

Changing farm problems will require major adjustments by agriculture and its advisors.

Structural reform in farming and marketing arrangements of one kind or another will lead these adjustments.

Clientele of extension economists will include producers (in two basic groups), agri‐business, non‐agricultural rural residents and consumers.

Our approach should be on the basis of educators and we must keep up‐to‐date in the teaching methods and media used. Agricultural extension could logically become the center for a new broad program of continuing adult education.

Subject matter areas of concern to the economist must be broadened to actively include marketing, processing and public affairs.

A sound program of physical and economic research must be provided as a companion to effective extension work. Greater collaboration is necessary—both ways.

Personnel for extension economics will be forthcoming only if salary adjustments are made and university curricula revised to better train extension people.

Extension economists must use care and diplomacy in their relationships with University, Federal and Provincial officials.

We still have responsibility to more completely demonstrate the usefulness of our knowledge to other extension workers, administrators, and the farm public. Recognition must also be given to working closely with advisors in agri‐business and private consulting firms.

Program evaluation, internal and external, are essential for a healthy program in extension economics.
Economies Of Vertical Integration In The Canadian Poultry Meat Industry
Authors: HILL J. T.
Published: November 2008

The law of “survival of the fittest” states that those organisms tend to survive which are best fitted to utilize the environment for their own purposes. — Alfred Marshall.
FOOD MARKETING —WHY THE DEARTH OF CONTROVERSY?
Authors: WINTER G. R.
Published: November 2008

Evaluation of performance in food marketing requires an examination of governmental and judicial agencies as well as a thorough delving of industrial secrets. A preliminary evaluation of performance suggests failure due to insufficient feedback of information to allow for adequate system anointer and control. Publications based on powers of search, subpoena, and seizure also suggest a history of inadequate performance and the weakness or absence of control variables. Since no ideal market institutions are known, and since we have reason to believe market performance is less than perfect, any absence of economic debate and controversy would signets the profession was relinquishing the field of market policy formulation to an economically unsophisticated judiciary and the aroused, if uninformed, housewives.
Evaluating The 1966 Agricultural Census1
Authors: GRAHAM J.E. , MUIRHEAD R. C.
Published: November 2008

The extent and direction of both coverage and content errors in the 1966 Census of Canadian Agriculture are of prime interest to the user of the resultant statistics. This paper outlines the general concepts involved in Census evaluation and methods of analysis used to measure quality. Results for the Maritime provinces indicate a statistically significant under‐enumeration in farm numbers, total acreage, cropland acreage, hayland, and unimproved land including woodland in the 1966 Agricultural Census.
Branch Line Abandonment: Death Knell For Prairie Towns?
Authors: HODGE GERALD
Published: November 2008

The possible abandonment of numerous branch rail lines in the prairies is often viewed as a spectre for towns in the region. But the presence of a hospital, high school, or good highways are also said to be vital to a town's existence. In order to determine which factors are important in sustaining a community it is necessary to get at the underlying structure of community environment. A structural (factor) analysis and a multiple regression model testing factors affecting community performance in population growth and grain shipment has been applied to Saskatchewan centers. Variations in population growth were adequately explained by the presence of certain structural features. The grain shipment function showed little association with community structure or even with population growth or increases in retail firms. Most prairie communities would appear to have a better‐than‐even chance of not turning into “ghost towns” as had been suggested.
Projecting Canadian Grain Shipments
Authors: BJARNASON H. F.
Published: November 2008

The magnitude of future grain exports will profoundly affect many segments of the Canadian economy besides agriculture. Changes in structure of the existing grain transportation system, for example, may be required because of substantial increases in grain movement from country elevators to terminal positions. Grain trade projections are reviewed and the implications discussed. Results indicate that Canadian grain exports may increase from the past five‐year average of 534 million bushels to a 1980 level of 811 million bushels and with the possibility of a billion bushel export level being achieved. All segments of the economy affected by the Canadian grain industry must be prepared to adjust their future operations to efficiently accommodate the increased level of grain exports.
SOME ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF PEST CONTROL IN AGRICULTURE1
Authors: FISCHER LEWIS A.
Published: November 2008

This article deals with agricultural losses attributable to insects, diseases and weeds with estimates of percentage rates of losses in crops presented for both Canada and the United States. Analysis of the economic effect of potential elimination of losses in Canadian wheat and fresh apples are discussed. In general, the effect of elimination of losses by means of improved techniques depends upon the elasticity of demand of the individual commodity studied. The particular market position of Canadian wheat created an exception for this product. Emphasizing the need for further scientific investigation, subjects and methods for forthcoming research are outlined.
Cross‐Cultural Incompatibilities Complicating Economic Development
Authors: Rackham T. S.
Published: November 2008

This paper suggests that aid to areas of lagging development has not often been effective in generating fully corrective economic activity. The author draws on observations in a number of countries and refers to other analyses of economic development factors to hypothesize that cultural obstacles in the receiving society impede or block the intended economic impact of the aid.

This is a problem of cultural incompatibility, it is thought, arising from aid programs modelled on techniques, successful in the donor environment, but unsuitable to the receiving culure. The solution is, it is suggested, to catalogue the cultural characteristics of lagging societies and devise development programs that are compatible.

L'inCOMPATIBILITÉ CULTURELLE COMPLIQUÉ LE DÉVELOPPEMENT ÉCONOMIQUE:

Cette dissertation suggère que l'assistance donnée aux régions sousdéveloppées n'a souvent pas été suffisante à créer des activités économiques pleinement rectives. L'auteur se sert d' observations faites en plusieurs pays et utilise d'autres analyses des facteurs du développement économique afin dc présenter l'hypothèse que ce sont des obstacles culturels dans la société recevante qui arrêtent ou empèchent l'impétus économique voulu.

II s'agit d'un problème d'incompatibilité culturelle, pense‐t‐il, qui sort des programmes d'assistance faites selon des techniques, bénéficients dans le milieu donateur, mais, inadéquats pour la culture recevante. La solution, il suggère, c'est de numéroter les caractéristiques des sociétés sousdéveloppées, et dessiner des programmes de développement qui soient compatibles avec l'ambiance actuelle.
The Role Of The Agricultural Economist In Foreign Agricultural Assignments1
Authors: Purnell G. R.
Published: November 2008

Rapid expansion of foreign agricultural aid to developing nations has emphasized the important role which agricultural economists can play in this complex field. individually, or as a member of a team, the Agricultural Economist can contribute by applying sound economic principles to policy and project evaluation within the socio‐economic and political setting found in the recipient nation. Experience gained in foreign advisory work can also be usefully applied to the career positions occupied in Canada. Therefore, Agricultural Economists are urged to actively participate in Canadian technical aid to developing nations.

LE RÔLE DE L'ÉCONOMISTE AGRICOLE EN FUNCTION À L'ÉTRANGER

L'extension rapide qu'a prise l'aide agricole aux pays en voie de développement met en relief le rôle que peuvent jouer les économistes agricoles en ce domaine complexe. Seul ou en équipe, l'économiste agricole peut contribuer par l'application des sages principes de l'économie, à l'analyse des politiques et des plans, à la lumière du milieu socio‐économique et politique du pays récipiendaire. L'expérience acquise comme conseiller aux affaires extérieures peut toujours venir à point même aux carrières intérieures, c'est pourquoi les économistes agricoles sont instamment priés de participer au programme d'assistance technique du Canada aux nations en voie de développement.
ECONOMICS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL FOR LIVESTOCK
Authors: Osburn D.D. , Hahn LeRoy
Published: November 2008

Probability techniques, when combined with climatological records and known responses of domestic animals to environment permit prediction of production losses during periods of adverse environment. These predictions plus the additional costs and returns associated with an environmental control system provide the necessary information to determine its profitability. The “present value” method is utilized to determine the profitability of a summer environmental control system, using production responses of dairy cows and climatological records for Columbia, Missouri, as a specific example.

LE COÛT ET LES AVANTAGES D'UN CONTRÔLE DES CONDITIONS DE MILIEU POUR LE BÉTAIL:
Les rapports climatologiques combinés avec les reactions connues des animaux de ferme à une certain milieu permettront la prédiction des pertes dans la production, sous des conditions de milieu variées. Ces prédictions en plus des renseignements sur le coût d'un contrôle des conditions de milieu fourniront l'information nécessaire afin de déterminer l'efficacité d'une telle méthode. Cette dissertation évalue l'efficacité d'une méthode de ce genre duranl l'été, en employant comme exemple le rendement dans la production des vaches laitières et les rapports climatologiques dans la région de Columbia, Missouri.
Intracity Retail Food Price Behavior And The Impact Of Price Enquiries*
Authors: Hawkins M. H. , Warrack A. A. , Pattison W. S.
Published: November 2008

Pricing strategies of retail food organizations have perennially intrigued agricultural economists. in the pricing tactics of large integrated retail food chains considered in this paper there are implications for all segments of the economy. Despite the relative difficulty of obtaining data and objective measurements regarding pricing performance, the results of this study outline the need for action by policy‐makers to remove an undesirable fact of competitive behaviour. Moreover, the results of the study further document the problems of using concentration indices to describe competitive behavior. A need for a realistic re‐evaluation of current market performance guidelines and retailer food‐pricing tactics is indicated.

LE COMPORTEMENT DANS LES PRIX D'ALIMENTATION DE DÉTAIL ET L'IMPACT DANS LA DEMandE DES PRIX

La stratégie des prix sur les marchés d'alimentation de détail a toujours intéressé les économistes agricoles. Dans les tactiques employées par les grands magasins à chaîne, mentionné dans cet article, il y a des implications pour tous les secteurs de l'économie. Malgré les difficultés à obtenir les données, et les mesures objectives relativement à la performance des prix, les résultats de cette étude soulignent un besoin urgent de la part des organismes, d'enlever tout fait indésirable dans le comportement et la concurrence, De plus, les résultats de cette étude documentent les problèmes qui existent en employant les indices pour décrire ce comportement. Un besoin pour une réévaluation de la performance dans le courant du marché et les tactiques employées par les grands magasins à chaîne paraîent être nécessaire.
CANADA'S FUTURE ROLE IN THE WORLD WHEAT MARKET*
Authors: Huff H. Bruce.
Published: November 2008

Many indicators point to increasing surpluses in the world wheat market. This study presents evidence of this trend by examining the present and projected 1975 levels of import demand and export supply for wheat in the major wheat importing and exporting countries. Domestic policies which directly or indirectly affect the level of wheat trade are also taken into account.

The implications for Canada resulting from these developments are indicated in terms of its anticipated level of exports, required wheat acreage adjustments and indirect effects to other sectors of the Canadian economy.

LA PARTICIPATION DU CANADA SUR LE MARCHÉ INTERNATIONAL DU BLÉ ‐ Plusieurs changements indiquent une augmentation dans le surplus de blé sur le marché international. Cette étude présente une indication de cette tendance en examinant le nrveau actuel et celui de 1975 de la demande d'importation et l'offre d'exportations dans les principaux pays qui importent et exponent le blé. La politique intérieure qui touche directement ou indirectement le commerce du blé est aussi considérée.

L'implication du Canada est exprimée en fonction du niveau d'exportation anticipé, un ajustement dans la superfine et l'influence apportée aux autres secteurs de l'économie canadienne.
MULTICOLLINEARITY AND CONSUMER DEMAND ELASTICITIES*
Authors: Sastry M.V. Rama.
Published: November 2008

Multicollinearity is a common problem in the estimation of consumer demand models and the elasticities. While straight forward application of classical least squares often yields models with good predictive power, this apparently occurs for reasons other than the accuracy of the estimates of the parameters. The implications of multicollinearty in two‐stage and three‐stage least squares are discussed, with examples from Brookings Quarterly Agricultural Submodel of the United States. A comparison is made of alternative estimators of the parameters of consumer demand functions. The article points to difficulties raised by using a priori coefficients for one variable (eg. income elasticity) as a means of developing an accurate estimate of another coefficient (eg. price elasticity), and indicates evidence of multicollinearity depressing estimated consumer price elasticities.

LA COLLINEARITE ET DES ELASTICITES DE LA DEMANDS DE CONSUMMATION ‐ La collinéarité est un problème common de l'estimation des modèles de demande en consummation et des élasticités. Quoique l'application directe de la méthode classique de “moindre carré”, permet souvent d‘êlaborer des modèles ayant beaucoup de prediction, ceci semble‐t‐il être en function de d'autres facteurs que de l'exactitude des évaluations des paramètres. Les effets de la cottinéarité dans les estimations moindre carré de deux et trois étapes sont évahtés avec des exemples tires du “Brookings Quarterly Agricultural Submodel” des Etats‐Unis. Différentes méthodes d'estimation de la fonction de la demande en consummation sont comparées. L'article fait état des difficultés que soulève l'emploi de coefficient a priori pour une variable (ex. l’êlasticité du revenue) comme moyen de développer un estimé précis d'un autre coefficient (ex. l‘élasticité de prix), et apporte de l'evidence sur l'effet attendant de la collinéarité sur les estimés d’élasticité de prix.
REGIONAL LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION AND FEED FREIGHT ASSISTANCE*
Authors: Wilson A.G. , Wood A.W.
Published: November 2008

This paper reports on a livestock feed‐grain study, in which linear programming is used to develop the optimum pattern of livestock production in Canada. A model is developed, based on data for 1962–63, and related to the subsidization of transportation costs of feed‐grains from the Prairie Provinces to British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes. The article indicates that savings in the total cost of livestock production would result from removal of the feed‐freight subsidy, although substantially greater savings could occur through reorganizing the regional production patterns for Canadian livestock.

LA PRODUCTION RÉGION ALE DU BÉTAIL ET L'AIDE AU TRANSPORT DES ALIMENTS DU BÉTAIL ‐ Cet article expose une etude faite sur le grain de provendes où un programme linéaire est employé afin de développer le meilleur modèle de production du bétail au Canada. Un modèle est développé en se basant sur les données de 1962–63, et en se rapportant à la subvention du coût de transport du grain de les provinces des Prairies à la Colombie Britannique, l'Ontario, le Québec et les Maritimes. En supprimant cette subvention, l'étude indique que des économies résulteraient dans le coût total de la production du bétail. Néanmoins une plus grande économie surviendrait avec la reorganisation de la production régionale du bétail canadien.
MEASURING THE EFFECT OF WEATHER ON CROP PRODUCTIO*
Authors: Buller Orlan. , Lin Wuu‐Long.
Published: November 2008

Farm income is greatly affected by the impact of weather on crop production. Relating crop production to weather requires an index that is relatively specific to a local area. A single index is preferable in economic analysis to avoid including many weather variables that may be highly intercorrelated and to preserve degrees of freedom for testing the models chosen. The unique feature of the reported index is the use of readily available data and the direct estimation of the effect of weather on yield per acre. The resulting weather index was found to be reasonably accurate, and thus suitable for use in studies concerned with such diverse topics as the benefits of environmental control and the stability of farm income.

WE ANALYSE DBS CONDITIONS CLIMATIQUES SUR LE RENDEMENT DES CULTURES. — Le revenu agricole est grandement affectée par les conditions climatiques sur le rendement des récoltes. Le rapport entre les deux demande un indice qui relate particulièrement à une région précise. Un seul indice est preferable dans l'analyse économique afin d'éviter d'y inclure trop de variables qui pourraient être et de préserver un dégré de liberté dans l'application des modèles choisis. L'unique caractéristique de cet indice est l'emploie des données disponibles et une évaluation juste des conditions climatiques sur le rendement à l'acre des cultures. Les résultats sur l'indice des conditions climatiques semblent être très efficace, ainsi convenable à l'usage des études concernant les avantages d'un contrôle de milieu et de la stabilité du revenue agricole.
FARM INCOME POLICY IN ONTARIO: REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
Authors: White W. James.
Published: November 2008

This paper discusses and evaluates “The Challenge of Abundance” [l]. The recommendations of the Ontario Farm Income Committee are reviewed, the assumptions implicit in the recommendations are presented and the shortcomings of the Report discussed. The author, while finding a number of sound recommendations, ques the extreme emphasis on government intervention and control; the lack of research documentation; the failure to adequately comprehend the dependence of Ontario farmers on inputs from and sales to the rest of Canada and foreign countries; and the absence of a program to assist the majority of farmers who would no longer be allowed to produce food.

LE REVENU AGRICOLE EN ONTARIO: REVISION ET CRITIQUE — Cet article discute et évalue “The Challenge of Abundance” [l]. Les recommandations de la commission ontarienne sur le revenu agricole sont examinées, les assumptions dans les recommandations sont présentées, et les imperfections du rapport sont discutées, Tout en constatant plusieurs recommandations sérieuses, l'auteur interroge l'appuie intense donné à l'intervention et l'autorité govememental; le manque de documentation; l'incompréhension vis à vis la dépendance du fermier ontarien dans la vente au reste du Canada et à l‘étranger; et l'absence d'un programme qui assisterait la majorité des fermiers qui ne sont plus permis de produire les aliments.
Impact of Rising Energy Costs on Traditional and Energy Intensive Crop Production: the Case of Nicaragua
Authors: Warnken Philip F.
Published: November 2008

Fossil‐based agricultural input price increases have shifted the competitive advantage from energy intensive agriculture to traditional agriculture in Nicaragua. A decline in output prices would make energy intensive agriculture uneconomical and reduce aggregate output of four major food crops, posing serious policy dilemmas for national development.

L'Agriculture Nicaraguaise a subi une augmentation du prix des facteurs de production issus d‘énergie fossile, conduisant à un déclin de la compétitivité du secteur agricole “moderne” au profit du secteur traditionnel. Une diminution du prix des produits agricoles réduirait la rentalilité de I'agriculture “moderne” et entraînerait une chute de la production nationale des quatre principales récoltes, posant de sérieux dilemmes politiques pour le développement économique du pays.
EXPERIENCES WITH FARMER ORIENTED LINEAR PROGRAMMING FOR CROP PLANNING
Authors: McCarl Bruce A. , Candler Wilfred V. , Doster D. Howard , Robbins Paul R.
Published: November 2008

This paper presents a linear programming model for farm planning known as the “Purdue Top Farmer Cropping Model ‘B’.” This model is designed for direct use with farmers and has been used by more than 5,000 individuals. The paper describes the features of this model and discusses the rationale for these features. In this process details on application, evolution and impact of the model are given. The success of the model is due to its design and the interplay between research and extension personnel in the model design.

Un modèle de programmation linéaire, connu sous le nom de “Purdue Top Farmer Cropping Model ‘B’,” et destiné à la planification de la production des exploitations agricoles, est presenté dans ce rapport. Le modèle, déjà employé par plus de 5000 individus, est construit de manière à être directement utilisable par les exploitants agricoles. Le rapport décrit et expose la raison d'être des caractéristiques du modèle. Des détails sur les applications, l'évolution et l'impact de ce dernier sont fournis. La collaboration entre Je personel de recherche et d'extension dans le dessin du modèle en explique le succès.
TAX POLICIES TO INCREASE FARM PRICES AND INCOME: A QUANTITATIVE SIMULATION
Authors: Heady Earl O. , Baum Kenneth H. , Reynolds Thomas M.
Published: November 2008

In previous periods when agricultural production was large relative to demand in North America, supply control through limitations in production and markets has been used. Large cropfalls and mammoth international purchases by the USSR during the early 1970s depleted North American grain stocks and caused major supply control programs to vanish. With more favorable worldwide weather, however, grain production and carryover have increased to levels where farmers may demand supply and market controls to improve prices and income. In contrast to conventional models, we make a quantitative analysis for the United States to three tax policies which might be used to restrain production and improve prices and farm income. All tax alternatives do so if the taxes collected by the government are returned to farmers. The tax alternatives examined include a tax on inputs, a gross sales tax, and a tax‐in‐kind similar to a share rent. The tax policies are applied through an econometric simulation model. Certain limitations of the tax policies are explained.

Aux époques antérieures, lorsque la production agricole était grande compareée à la demande dans l'Amérique du Nord, on a contrôlé les stocks de réserve par moyen de limitations de production et de vente. Les récoltes inférieures et les énormes achats par l'URSS pendant la premiére partie des années 70 ont diminué les réserves des céréales de l'Amérique du Nord, ce qui a rendu superflus les programmes majeurs de contrôle. Toutefois, un climat global favorable a augmenté la production et l'accumulation jusqu'au point oú les agriculteurs peuvent considérer nécessaires des contrôles sur la production et la vente afin d'améliorer les prix et leurs revenus. Faisant contraste avec les modéles conventionnels, nous présentons une analyse quantitative pour les Etats‐Unis de trois systémes d'impôts qui pourraient etre appliqués pour diminuer la production et pour améliorer les prix et les revenus agricoles. Tous les trois systémes sont effectifs à ce but, pourvu que les impôts perçus par le gouvernement soient rendus aux producteurs. Les alternatifs examinés comprennent un impôt sur les frais de production, un impôt en gros sur les ventes et un systéme d'impôts payables par une quantité des céréales produites, semblable au métayage. Les systémes sont appliqués par moyen d'un modéle de simulation économétrique. Certaines limitations des systémes sont presentées.